Managing Stress in Dogs with CBD: How to Help Your Dog Live a Calmer and Happier Life
Author: Lucie Garabasova
Do you recognize your dog in these situations?
😰 He trembles during a storm and hides under the bed
🎆 He panics during firecrackers and tries to run away
🚗 He hates car rides - drools, whines, vomits
👋 He suffers from separation anxiety - destroys things when you're away
🏥 He gets stressed at the vet - can't even get examined
🔊 He reacts to every sound - barks, is constantly on guard
🏠 He can't handle change - moving, a new family member, vacation
If so, you're not alone. Up to 70% of dogs suffer from some form of stress or anxiety. And your heart aches for them.
What is fear in dogs?
Fear is the body's natural reaction to danger - the brain sends a signal "attention, threat!" and the body prepares to flee or defend itself.
What happens in a dog's body when it is afraid?
- Stress hormones are released - adrenaline, cortisol
- Breathing speeds up and the heart rate increases
- Muscles tense up - readiness to flee
- The brain turns off logical thinking - the dog just reacts instinctively
At that moment the dog doesn't think, it just reacts - it shakes, runs away, barks or hides.
When this happens repeatedly, the body no longer rests. The dog remains in constant tension: It is irritable, sleeps worse, has digestive problems, immunity weakens = Its quality of life deteriorates.
And that's where CBD comes in...
CBD (cannabidiol) helps dogs manage stress naturally - not by "calming" them down, but by restoring balance to their bodies.
❓ Do you have questions about stress in dogs and CBD?
Our experts will be happy to advise you.
Contact an ExpertIn the dog's body (just like in humans), the endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions, which helps maintain internal balance - homeostasis.
This system affects:
- the nervous system,
- the immune system,
- emotions and mood,
- sleep,
- the perception of pain and stress.
CBD does not attach directly to the ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2), but affects their activity indirectly - for example:
- it slows down the breakdown of natural endocannabinoids (e.g. anandamide),
- thereby increasing their natural effect,
- and helps the dog's body better cope with stressful stimuli.
Thanks to this, CBD has a calming and stabilizing effect on dogs - it helps reduce tension, promotes calm behavior, better sleep and emotional balance, without making the animal numb or sleepy.
Where in the dog's body are cannabinoid receptors?
Cannabinoid receptors are scattered throughout the dog's body - that's why CBD can have a comprehensive effect:
🧠 Brain - calming, reducing anxiety
❤️ Heart - regulating heart rate during stress
🫁 Lungs - calmer breathing
💪 Muscles - relieving tension
🦴 Joints - anti-inflammatory effects
🛡️ Immune system - supporting immunity
What does CBD specifically do during stress?
- Increases the level of anandamide - the "happiness molecule", which has a calming effect
- Activates serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) - a feeling of calm and security
- Reduces the production of cortisol - the stress hormone
- Does not intoxicate - unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects
Result: The dog calms down more easily in challenging situations without losing attention or energy.
When to use CBD?
💚 Preventively (long-term)
For whom:
- Dogs who are naturally anxious or hypersensitive
- For separation anxiety, frequent barking, restlessness
- For adapting to changes (moving, new family member, vacation)
- Before stressful periods – New Year's Eve, storm season, shows
How:
Daily dose of CBD oil – 4-6 weeks for visible results
⚡ Acutely (one-time)
When:
- Before a storm or fireworks
- Before a visit to the vet or a car trip
- Before a competition/show – the dog needs to stay focused
- In a sudden stressful situation (new dogs, noise, crowds of people)
How:
30-60 minutes before a stressful situation – a higher single dose
How to dose CBD for dogs for stress?
|
Dog weight |
2% CBD oil for dogs | 5% CBD oil for dogs | 10% CBD oil for dogs | CBD dog treats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 kg | 2–3 drops (2x daily) | 1 drop (2x daily) | 1 drop (2x daily) | 1 treat (2x daily) | |
| 5 – 10 kg | 4–5 drops (2x daily) | 2 drops (2x daily) | 1–2 drops (2x daily) | 1–2 treats (2x daily) | |
| 10 – 20 kg | 8–10 drops (2x daily) | 4–5 drops (2x daily) | 2–3 drops (2x daily) | 2 treats (2x daily) | |
| 20 – 30 kg | 12–15 drops (2x daily) | 6–8 drops (2x daily) | 3–4 drops (2x daily) | 2–3 treats (2x daily) | |
| over 30 kg | 15–20 drops (2x daily) | 8–10 drops (2x daily) | 4–5 drops (2x daily) | 3 treats (2x daily) |
When will the effect be noticeable?
Acute use: 30-60 minutes after administration
Long-term use: After 5-10 days of regular use
What does the science say? Study on CBD and stress in dogs
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science (2024) followed a group of dogs that suffered from long-term stress while driving in a car – they trembled, drooled, whined or vomited. After six months of using CBD, levels of the stress hormone cortisol were significantly reduced, the dogs were calmer, less nervous and their cooperation with the owner improved overall.
(Source: Nature Scientific Reports, 2024)
How has CBD helped other owners?
Real reviews from our customers
Sára Holešová
"We started giving it to our black Schnauzer crossbreed because he is a bit autistic, he solves everything outside and only throwing a tennis ball calms him down. Overall, he has settled in well, is more balanced outside and understands what I say better. We gave him the drops even during the summer, when he was scratching incomprehensibly, the doctor didn't know what else it could be (allergy ruled out, bacteria ruled out, the injection didn't help...) and he stopped scratching. He is my great teacher and life partner and I am grateful and proud that I can watch how he calmed down with these CBD drops for dogs - today he is 7 years old, 31 kg."
Nervous Dachshund
"These drops are great helpers for a nervous dog. We have an older Dachshund who was nervous, barked all the time and once in a while he would go after someone, he calmed down when using the drops and hasn't gone after anyone yet."
Vomiting in the car
"I started giving the drops to my dog because of vomiting in the car and general restlessness, we've been using them for a while and I have to admit that he's improved tremendously, he's calmer and the car doesn't cause him any problems anymore :)"
Older dog - less pain, more energy
"Thank you, the dog is calmer. I bought it once, then the drops ran out and after about 3 days Malej started to freak out, so I bought it again, he's better. He doesn't want to be brushed, my beloved monster. He doesn't want to tell me anything, but I feel like he's more lively, so the pain has probably subsided. He has more strength in his legs, so he's more 'annoying', FOR WHICH I'M GRATEFUL! (what would you want from a dog when he's 13 years old and sick...)".
How to combine CBD with training?
CBD is not a miracle cure – it is an aid that makes training easier.
Proven combination:
- Start with CBD (4-6 weeks to see the effect)
- Train in parallel – fear desensitization, positive reinforcement
- CBD will help the dog to be calmer during training
- Gradually reduce the dose of CBD as the dog improves
Tip: Consult a canine specialist or behaviorist.
Webinar recording:
Watch the full webinar recording on CBD for dogs and stress:
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👩⚕️ Who led the webinar and wrote this article?Lucie Garabášová "I meet owners who feel helpless when they see their dog suffering from fear. CBD is not a panacea, but it is a natural tool that can fundamentally improve the quality of life - yours and your dog's." |
