When dogs become anxious or exhibit destructive behaviors upon being left alone, they may be experiencing separation anxiety — a common condition that affects many pets. While there are several ways to manage this condition, many pet owners are turning to CBD calming products for dogs as a natural option. Understanding the potential effectiveness of CBD for separation anxiety requires examining the available research and evidence.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes overly stressed or distressed after being separated from their owner or someone they’re deeply bonded with. This condition extends beyond mild distress behaviors to encompass significant emotional responses that can substantially impact a dog’s behavior and overall well-being.

Why Dogs Are More Prone to Separation Anxiety Than Other Pets

Dogs are social animals and they naturally form close bonds with humans. According to the article “Intergenerational Transmission of Human Parenting Styles to Human–Dog Relationships”, distinct human–dog interactions and a dog’s attachment style are associated with different dog-directed parenting styles. So when their caregiver disappears (even temporarily), it can trigger strong emotional reactions.

Common Separation Anxiety Triggers in Dogs

A case-control study called “Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs” (200 subjects with separation anxiety and 200 controls) identified several overlapping causes:

• Pathologic overattachment to the owner
• Negative early experiences (e.g., early separation from the mother)
• Traumatic experience while alone
• Change in family circumstances
• Genetic predisposition

Signs Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety manifests differently across individual dogs, with varying symptoms and severity levels. According to Dr. Barbara L. Sherman in her column “Separation Anxiety in Dogs”, you should watch for these symptoms:

• Excessive barking, howling, or whining when left alone
• Destructive behaviors (chewing furniture, scratching doors)
• Accidents in the house, even if they’re house-trained
• Urination/defecation in the house
• Hypersalivation
• Pacing, panting, or drooling
• Excessive licking of paws or legs
• Vocalization

How to Sooth an Anxious Dog Without Medication

A study called “Alleviation of separation distress in 3 breeds of young dogs” examined 12 stimulus conditions to reduce separation distress using food, toys, and human or canine contact. Based on those findings, here are some practical tips:

Situation	Recommended Actions
🏡  While at Home	Provide regular exercise and play. Avoid reinforcing clingy behavior. Praise calm, independent behavior. Practice “place training” and departure cue desensitization. For aggressive behaviors, apply sit-stay training near departure points.
🎒 When Preparing to Depart	Set up the environment (radio, lights) 30 minutes before leaving. Avoid interaction 30 minutes prior. Leave your dog in a warm, safe space. Provide enrichment items (e.g., toys). Keep departures calm and brief.
🚪 On Return	Don’t punish your dog for anything that happened while you were gone. Stay calm and low-key. Ignore your dog until calm, then greet gently.

If medication has been suggested, note that “ A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel”, a study conducted by  Waltham Petcare Science Institute, reports Clomipramine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is known to reduce destructive behavior, but it can also cause side effects like vomiting or sedation.

Similarly, fluoxetine administration may also cause lethargy, inappetence, seizures and depression in some dogs.

This makes natural remedies for dog anxiety, such as CBD, an appealing complementary option.

How CBD May Help Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Dogs possess an endocannabinoid system similar to humans, which plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses, mood stability, and inflammatory processes. CBD compounds interact with this system’s receptors, potentially supporting the body’s natural ability to maintain emotional balance. As noted in a research article called “Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety?”, this interaction could reduce stress behaviors in dogs.

What the Science Says

In the study above, ten healthy dogs were separated from their caregivers after receiving either 2.0 mg/kg/day of CBD for two weeks or a placebo:

• All dogs vocalized more when alone.
• Dogs receiving CBD vocalized significantly less than those on placebo, suggesting a potential calming effect.

That outcome lines up with other observations that CBD can ease stress in the moment and promote calmer daily routines over time.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Anxiety?

The study “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel” shows that:

• Short-term oral doses up to 20 mg/kg daily, and even single doses of 62 mg/kg are well-tolerated in healthy dogs.
• A six-month study using 4 mg/kg/day found no significant adverse effects.

Dogs receiving CBD were described as:

• Less stressed
• Less sad
• Less tense
• More comfortable during separation events

How to Use CBD Oil for Dogs with Anxiety

Choose the Right Product

• Use CBD products made specifically for pets
• Look for brands with third-party lab results (Certificates of Analysis or CoAs)
• Pick broad- or full-spectrum formulas with <0.3 % THC so your dog gets trace cannabinoids without a psychoactive ‘high.’
• Verify the oil comes from organic, U.S.-grown hemp and carries a pet-friendly flavor (salmon or chicken) your dog will actually take.

Find the Best CBD Dosage for Your Pet

We suggest six drops for every ten pounds your pet weighs. Here’s a complete guide to CBD dosage for dogs and below you can see our recommended CBD dosages.

While research on CBD for pets shows promise, we recommend following these important guidelines:

• Start low and adjust as needed.
• Give the oil 30–60 minutes before a stressful event so it has time to circulate.
• Always check with your vet if your dog is on other medications.
• Follow the brand’s instructions.

Next Steps

Help Your Dog Feel Calmer Today

Explore our Organic CBD Oil for Pets, which is third-party tested and supports your dog’s emotional balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best CBD Dosage for Pets?

A common starting range is 1–2 mg of CBD per 10 lb of body weight. Consider these examples, and talk with your veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your dog takes other medications.

Dog’s Weight	Starting Daily CBD Amount
10 lb	1–2 mg
20 lb	2–4 mg
30 lb	3–6 mg
40 lb	4–8 mg
50 lb	5–10 mg

Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Anxiety?

Available research suggests CBD is generally well tolerated in healthy dogs, including single oral doses up to 62 mg/kg. The most common side effects reported are mild (such as sleepiness or digestive upset). Check with your veterinarian to confirm CBD is appropriate for your dog’s health needs and current medications.

How Long Does CBD Take to Calm a Dog with Separation Anxiety?

Most dogs feel calmer within 30–60 minutes of a dose. With daily use, some dogs show steadier results as CBD builds up over 3–7 days.

How Often Can I Give My Dog CBD for Separation Anxiety?

Many pet owners give CBD once or twice daily, depending on their dog’s needs and the product’s directions. If you’re adjusting the amount, give it about a week before you evaluate the results.

Will CBD Make My Dog High?

No—Vitality CBD pet oils are THC-free, so they won’t cause a marijuana-like “high.”

References

Masataka N. Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? Heliyon. 2024 Feb;10(3):e25851. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25851. PMID: 38356586; PMCID: PMC10865324.

Hunt Alysia B. G., Flint Hannah E., Logan Darren W., King Tammie. A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Volume 10 – 2023. Volume 10 – 2023. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604

Kuo, C. H., & Kessler, S. (2024). Intergenerational Transmission of Human Parenting Styles to Human–Dog Relationships. Animals, 14(7), 1038. doi: 10.3390/ani14071038

Pettijohn TF, Wong TW, Ebert PD, Scott JP. Alleviation of separation distress in 3 breeds of young dogs. Dev Psychobiol. 1977 Jul;10(4):373-81. doi: 10.1002/dev.420100413. PMID: 873068.