Separation anxiety isn’t just hard on your dog. It’s hard on you, because you’ll know that every time you leave, you’re leaving your pup in a state of despair.
Hemp-derived CBD may offer a potential solution. In February 2023, CBD was studied for the first time by scientists as a therapeutic option for separation anxiety in dogs.
While this research helps illuminate the benefits of CBD for separation anxiety, pet owners have been using CBD for years to help their dogs stay calm while they’re gone.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about CBD for dog separation anxiety: whether it works, how it works, how to use it with your dog correctly, whether it interacts with their medications, and so on.
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What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety where dogs exhibit behavioral problems and negative emotions in response to being apart from you.
While many dogs fare well without their owners (at least for some time), it makes sense why others don’t, or don’t under certain circumstances.
Dogs do have some sense of time, but there is little evidence that they can think about the future; when you leave them, they might think you’re never coming back.
That’s why many dogs are so excited when they greet their humans as they walk in the door – they might not have known they’d ever see you again.
Causes and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Although separation anxiety can occur merely as a result of you being away from your dog, it is often triggered by certain changes.
According to the ASPCA, common triggers of separation anxiety in dogs are:
- Change in Schedule — If your dog is used to being left alone for certain durations or at certain times of day, and then this schedule is suddenly disrupted, they may develop separation anxiety.
- Change of Guardian or Family — If your dog was abandoned, surrendered to a shelter, or had to switch families, they may develop separation anxiety.
- Change in Residence — If your dog moves to a new home, they may develop separation anxiety.
- Change in Household Membership — If a resident family member is suddenly absent (e.g. if they move somewhere else), your dog may develop separation anxiety.
Symptoms of canine separation anxiety may include the following:
- Urinating and defecating
- Barking and howling
- Chewing on things, digging, or other destructive behavior
- Escaping or attempting to escape
- Pacing about
- Coprophagia (consuming waste)
Depending on the dog, some of these behaviors may already be commonplace.
What’s most important is to look out for new behaviors that your dog didn’t have before – this will tell you whether they have separation anxiety or whether they’re merely behaving badly.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. Hemp is a type of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. It’s a legal definition; in practice, it’s the same plant with the same benefits, minus those of THC and THC derivatives.
CBD is not the same as hemp seed oil. Hemp Seed oil, per its name, comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from the trichomes (small outgrowths) on hemp plants. Hemp Seed oil has many of its own benefits for pets, but they are unique from those of CBD.
Research suggests CBD has a variety of benefits in humans; it’s been studied for use with stress, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, sleep, epilepsy, addiction, and more.
CBD has many of the same benefits in dogs. Science suggests it may help with anxiety, aggressive behavior, inflammation, epilepsy, and with allergies.
Can CBD Help With Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Research and anecdotal evidence seem to suggest that CBD may help dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. By promoting calm, relaxing feelings, CBD may help your dog not to worry as much while you’re gone.
Up until recently, we relied completely on anecdotal evidence – first hand stories from pet parents – to evaluate how effective CBD was for separation anxiety in dogs.
But in February 2023, researchers published a study in which they tested the effects of CBD on dogs who underwent two tests: being left alone in a familiar room, or going on a short car journey. They gave some of the dogs CBD, while they gave others a placebo.
Dogs who received a 4 mg/kg dose of CBD stressed less than those who didn’t, with the study noting that in some tests, the dogs who were given CBD experienced “a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group.”
This seems to suggest CBD has beneficial calming effects for dogs with separation anxiety.
In the world of firsthand experience, many pet parents find that CBD helps their dog stay calm when they’re away. CBD has a relaxing effect on dogs. It won’t get them high, but it can help take the edge off of negative emotions.
Many pet parents also note that giving their dog CBD reduces bad behaviors when they’re gone – CBD’s relaxing effects may bring about a reduction in anxious behaviors, in addition to helping your day stay mentally calm.
How CBD Works in Dogs
CBD works in dogs (as in humans) via their endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every dog has an ECS, the purpose of which is to keep their body in a state of balance. The ECS has a hand in regulating all vital functions, including emotions and mood.
CBD doesn’t bind strongly to either the CB1 or CB2 receptors, which are the two most abundant types of receptor in the ECS.
Instead, it works by supporting your dog’s basic ECS function. Research on humans suggests CBD may render benefits by preventing endocannabinoid breakdown, however, it’s largely unknown how CBD works in the human ECS – let alone the canine ECS.
But by supporting the system in your dog’s body that regulates their vitals, CBD may help to restore balance to your dog’s emotions and mood during times of stress.
It is important to keep in mind that every dog’s ECS functions a little bit differently, so CBD may work better for some than others.
How To Give Your Dog CBD for Dog Separation Anxiety
If you’ve decided that CBD is right for your pooch, here’s how to give it to them.
How Much?
Learn More: CBD Dosage Calculator, Chart, and Guide for Dogs
We recommend dosing CBD based on your dog’s weight, rather than starting with a given amount.
For separation anxiety, you can use this formula to calculate your dog’s CBD dose:
(0.3) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = their daily dose of CBD in mg.
The number this formula will give you is what you’d get if you gave your dog 3mg of CBD for every 10 pounds that they weigh.
Whether you give your pup this dose all at once or just a few times is up to you. Splitting it into two doses (one before you leave, one right when you’re leaving) may ensure they’re calm before you leave, but that they stay calm for a while after you’ve left.
After you’ve used a specific dose with your dog a few times, adjust it based on how your dog is reacting to it. More energetic dogs may need more CBD, whereas more chill dogs may only require a few milligrams per dose.
When?
CBD generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. Unlike in humans, this time doesn’t vary much in dogs based on the type of product, because sublingual (under-the-tongue) absorption doesn’t really work with dogs.
Based on this, we recommend giving your dog CBD roughly 1 hour before you’re going to leave. This will ensure it kicks in right as you’re leaving.
The effects of CBD last 4-8 hours, so in many instances, it will work for the duration of the time you’re gone. If you’ll be gone for longer and the CBD wears off, at the very least, your lack of presence won’t be as distressing.
How?
There are three main types of CBD products for dogs. Here’s a bit about each:
- CBD oil – Typically consists of hemp extract, carrier oil, and sometimes added terpenes. We add flavoring — chicken, salmon, peanut butter, or bacon — to our oils so they’re more appealing to dogs. The upside of CBD oil is that it can be dosed very precisely via the metered dropper that comes with most products. The downside of oil is that it either has to be given in food, or put directly in your dog’s mouth. If your dog has already eaten for the day (or doesn’t need their food yet), this can present a bit of a challenge if your dog isn’t the kind of dog that easily accepts things from droppers.
- CBD treats – Since your dog is most likely already used to treats, they won’t think anything is amiss when you hand them a CBD-infused pet treat. Little do they know, you’re helping them relax with all-natural hemp! The main upside of treats is that most dogs will love them, so administering CBD this way is easy. Also, each treat will contain the same amount of CBD, so dosing is predictable. The downside is that it’s harder to give your dog very exacting doses with treats.
- CBD bones – If your dog loves bones, a CBD-infused bone is a great way for them to get in some chew time while also soaking up the benefits of CBD. However, they aren’t as reliable for separation anxiety, as it’s hard to measure how much CBD your dog is getting from chewing a bone for a certain time (and most dogs chew bones on their own schedule!).
Can CBD be given to dogs with medication?
We do not recommend giving your dog CBD along with their medications. While it pairs safely with some meds, CBD is contraindicated with others.
CBD affects enzymes in your dog’s liver, which may mess with how they metabolize certain medications. This can lead to a harmful buildup of medication in your dog’s liver.
If your dog is taking medications, be sure to speak to your veterinarian before giving them CBD to ensure it’s safe.
If it isn’t, you might have to give them CBD only on the days when they’re not also getting medication, assuming the meds aren’t prescribed daily.
What side effects does CBD cause in dogs?
CBD is generally considered well-tolerated in dogs, however, it may cause the following side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Lowered blood pressure
- Drowsiness
The best way to avoid these side effects with your dog is to start them with a smaller dose (see the “how much?” section above), and then very gradually work your way upward.
Testimonial: How CBD Helps Marjorie’s Dogs With Separation Anxiety
Although there is a bit of research on CBD for dog separation anxiety, we wanted to share a story from one of our employees who uses CBD with the dogs she fosters.
This will give you an idea of how well CBD can work, and when and how to use it.
How CBD works for Marjorie’s dogs
Marjorie Nichols is an employee of ours who, in addition to having 6 dogs (all of them chihuahuas), has fostered dogs on and off for the last 10 years.
Long before we ever existed, and she ever joined our staff, she’s used CBD to help her dogs.
Marjorie explains, “CBD works in dogs much the same way it works in people. In people, CBD can help with relaxation, [and] it can address anxiety or feelings of fear. It can take the edge off those feelings, those emotions.”
How CBD helps foster dogs with separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a particularly big issue in foster dogs, many of whom were abandoned or turned into shelters and then are quickly put into foster homes, only to get on a plane weeks later to reach their permanent home.
Marjorie explains that “The most important thing [CBD] does is help a dog in a strange home relax despite that unfamiliar environment. It makes it easier to work with them; when a dog is open, they’re more relaxed and receptive to learning a routine, learning some basic commands, and learning to socialize in the company of other dogs.”
CBD has helped the dogs Marjorie has fostered adapt to new situations and make changes – changes that would often otherwise result in separation anxiety. CBD helps her dogs more easily get into new routines, especially those related to living in community with humans.
How CBD can help dogs be themselves
Most important, Marjorie says that CBD can help anxious dogs show their true personality:
“When we use CBD to help that foster dog open up and relax, and show us their true personality, we get information to pass along to the rescue to let them know, ‘this dog is great with other dogs,’ or ‘this dog would do best as the only dog in the family.’ Because what we don’t want is for an adoption placement to be a poor fit.”
CBD helps dogs in anxious situations be themselves. In the world of adoption, this means that dogs who might otherwise be labeled as disruptive or antisocial can find homes. Because they are not these things – they were just reacting to their surroundings.
CBD may not be right for every dog, but for many, it can make a world of difference during uncertain situations – such as when their favorite human is gone, even if only for a short time.
Other Ways to Help Your Dog With Separation Anxiety
While many pet parents have found CBD immensely beneficial for separation anxiety, it’s far from the only option.
Here are some other ways to help your dog:
Make departure less distressing
The key to reducing separation anxiety is to make your departure less distressing for your dog. Your dog needs to learn that alone time can be beneficial, just as the time they spend with you is.
One approach is to leave your dog for a short period of time, and then when you get back, give them a treat or play with them. Gradually leave for longer periods of time until they’re comfortable being alone for a few hours.
Over time, this will desensitize them to you leaving – they won’t be as worried, because they learn that time alone isn’t as scary as they initially thought.
Make departure positive
Conditioning your pet to feel positive emotions when you’re leaving is also important. When you’re displaying signs that you’re about to leave (remember, your dog knows your routines), give them a treat.
You can also work to dis-associate “leaving signs” from actually leaving by giving a sign, and then doing something else instead of leaving. For instance, you could grab your keys off the kitchen counter, and then proceed to sit on the couch and watch TV for an hour.
Give them some exercise
Separation anxiety is particularly severe if your dog already has pent-up energy before you leave. By giving your dog some exercise and interaction before leaving, they’ll find it easier to calm down and relax while you’re gone.
Change how you interact with your dog while home
One general way to reduce separation anxiety is to not always be near your dog when you’re home. You want companionship with your pooch, but you don’t want them to be clingy or always dependent on your presence for happiness.
To help them cultivate independence, try leading them into a room and telling them to stay there while you go to another room. Do this for longer and longer periods until your dog is comfortable hanging out without you. This way, your dog won’t be as emotionally distressed while you’re gone.
Conclusion: Is CBD Helpful for Dog Separation Anxiety?
Research and anecdotal evidence demonstrates that CBD is a promising therapeutic supplement for dogs with separation anxiety. It may very well help your dog – and that will help you to feel better about leaving them alone, too.
Just remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. We believe that CBD can work for most dogs; it’s just a matter of getting the dose right and using other techniques along with it.
CBD for Dog Separation Anxiety: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about using CBD for dog separation anxiety.
How quickly does CBD work for dog anxiety?
Most CBD products for dogs will begin to work within 1 hour of being taken. If your dog is anxious, they will begin to calm down around that 1 hour mark.
What is the best treatment for separation anxiety in dogs?
There are a variety of ways you can help your dog with separation anxiety: you can give them hemp-derived CBD, you can exercise them before you leave, and you can use training to desensitize them to you leaving. Ultimately, there is no “best” solution – each dog is unique, so the approach has to be, too.
Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?
Many veterinarians recommend CBD for dogs for specific uses, but others don’t, citing the lack of scientific evidence that it works (and if it does, the lack of guidance around how much to give them, when, how, etc.). In some states, veterinarians are not permitted to discuss CBD as a potential treatment for ailments in dogs.
