Skip to content
Back to Blog
Pet Owners Turn to CBD Supplements to Ease Dog & Cat Anxiety
Events calendar    Jul 29, 2024

Pet Owners Turn to CBD Supplements to Ease Dog & Cat Anxiety

Samantha Hudak
Samantha Hudak

Animals can experience anxiety just like humans. Anxiety in animals can be specific to certain situations, such as visiting the vet or being left alone for extended periods of time, or it can be generalized and occur in various situations or in response to multiple triggers.1 There were few treatments for our furry friends for many years, and pet parents had difficulty finding solutions that worked. Over the years, CBD has gained more attention for its potential health benefits, not only for humans but for pets as well. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp plants, and scientists have found many health benefits, especially in those with anxiety. This post shares insights from the new APPA 2024 Dog & Cat Report. You can access the report below. Note that all 2024 APPA members get access to the report at NO cost.

VIEW THE REPORT HERE➡

CBD for Cats & Dogs

With anxiety on the rise for both cats and dogs, CBD products are growing in the pet industry market. While there are still prescription medications that are used for pet anxiety, people have opted for more natural solutions over the years. The use of vitamins, supplements, calming products, holistic remedies, flavored oral medications, and pill treats has grown in the past few years. In 2018, 4% of dog owners had tried CBD products and in 2024 that number has gone up to 12%. While in 2018, 3% of cat owners had tried CBD products and that number went up to 7% in 2024.2  With pet owners searching for natural remedies, CBD supplements have become the perfect option for cats and dogs that present with anxiety. 
 
While anxiety is the main ailment treated with CBD, it can also help with pain and arthritis. For dogs, pet owners reported using CBD for the following conditions:
  • 28% use it for anxiety and stress
  • 17% use it for pain
  • 16% use it for arthritis/joint pain
Conditions treated with CBD - Dog
For cats, pet owners report treating the following conditions with CBD:
  • 29% use it for anxiety and stress
  • 18% use it for pain
  • 13% use it for arthritis/joint pain

Conditions treated with CBD - Cat

 

Calming Products for Cats & Dogs 

CBD is not the only option for your dog or cat if they suffer from stress or anxiety. There are other options for you to try including diffusers, collars, herbal treats/chews,  anxiety wraps, toys, beds, and more! The use of calming products in dogs continues to trend up over the years. In 2018, 7% of dog owners used calming toys and that number has went up to 26% in 2024.3 Purchases of calming products for cats also increased during the pandemic and have become the new norm. In 2018, 8% of cat owners used calming toys and now in 2024 the number is up to 24%. While the array of calming products available can be overwhelming, understanding pets' individual needs and preferences will guide pet owners in making the right choice. 

CBD & Calming Products

Check out some CBD and calming products pet owners can try below from APPA members:

DOG

HONEST PAWS - Mobility CBD Oil Tincture

Mobility Enhancing CBD Oil for Dogs, includes turmeric - 125mg

NaturVet – Hemp Quiet Moments Calming Aid 

Veterinarian formulated for use in dogs over the age of 12 weeks. Our Calming Aid has Chamomile, Thiamine, L‑Tryptophan, Melatonin, and Hemp Seed.

Suzie’s CBD Treats – 4 mg CBD Dog Treat Hearts

Suzie’s CBD Hearts are a fun and easy way to give your dog CBD. Each heart is made with USDA organic ingredients and infused with 4 mg of our locally-grown, USDA Certified Organic, full-spectrum CBD.

bSerene - Pheromone Calming Collar for Dogs 

bSerene Calming Collar uses clinically proven pheromones to help reduce unwanted behavior and provide reassurance and comfort for your dog during stressful situations.

CAT

HONEST PAWS - CBD Oil for Cats (Well) 

CBD Oil for Cats that Supports Wellness - (1fl oz./30mL) | Promotes Relaxation & Combats Stress

NaturVet - Hemp Quiet Moments Calming Drops Calming Aid

Pet Calming Drops with Hemp. Veterinarian formulated for use in dogs and cats over the age of 12 weeks.

Suzie’s CBD Treats - CBD Bites for Cats

Suzie’s CBD Cat Bites are packed with only the highest-quality ingredients for your furry friend. Made with chicken and tuna, these treats contain 1/2 mg of CBD per bite and come with 100 per jar.

bSerene - Advanced Cat Calming Diffuser Kit

Boost your cat’s mood and help reduce stress-induced behaviors through our 2-in-1 pheromone technology.

 
  1. Fears, Phobias, and Anxiety in Cats and Dogs. VCA. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fears-phobias-and-anxiety
  2. APPA's Dog & Cat 2024 Report. Pages 73 & 171.
  3. APPA's Dog & Cat 2024 Report. Page 73.
  4. APPA's Dog & Cat 2024 Report. Page 171.
Samantha Hudak

Audience Engagement Manager at APPA

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get recent blog articles, information about APPA research publications, regulatory updates, and upcoming event details.

chirp