Natural Anxiety Relief for Dogs: How CBD, Lavender and Adaptogens Help Dogs with Anxiety

As a cannabis and mushroom clinician dedicated to holistic veterinary care, I’ve spent years helping pet parents support their dogs’ mental and emotional health using powerful whole-plant remedies. When a dog is experiencing chronic stress, separation anxiety, reactivity, or trauma from past experiences, many pet parents look for natural anxiety relief for dogs that addresses the root cause—without harsh sedatives or side effects. 

Dogs respond beautifully to carefully selected herbs, fungi, and adaptogens—especially when used in full-spectrum, whole-extract form. One of the most effective natural combinations I’ve used in clinical practice includes Full Spectrum Hemp Extract with Lavender Essential Oil, suspended in Hemp Seed Oil and Organic MCT Oil. Together, these botanicals support the nervous system, reduce reactivity, and encourage a calm emotional state—without sedation or synthetic chemicals.

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for Dogs: Supporting the Endocannabinoid System

A full spectrum hemp extract for dogs contains not just CBD, but a wide range of naturally occurring cannabinoids (like CBD, CBG, CBC), along with flavonoids and terpenes. These compounds work together synergistically—an interaction known as the entourage effect—to amplify the plant’s therapeutic benefits, especially for stress and emotional regulation.

• Beta-caryophyllene: Found in hemp, lavender, and other calming plants, this terpene directly binds to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, modulating inflammation and emotional response.
• Linalool: Another terpene found in hemp and lavender, shown in research to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. It supports relaxation without sedation, making it ideal for pets who need help coping with noise, travel, or routine changes.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in maintaining emotional balance, regulating stress hormones like cortisol, and modulating the fear response. When functioning properly, the ECS helps animals adapt to stress, stay calm in the face of new stimuli, and return to equilibrium after disruptions.

A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that full spectrum hemp extract significantly reduced stress-related behaviors in dogs, including vocalization, pacing, and destructive behavior. This effect is attributed to the synergistic action of cannabinoids and terpenes working to enhance ECS function—offering a powerful foundation for natural anxiety relief in dogs.

Lavender for Dogs: Calming and Grounding

Numerous studies support lavender’s effectiveness in calming both humans and animals. A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs exposed to lavender aromatherapy during travel experienced significantly reduced signs of restlessness and vocalization. Other research shows that linalool, one of lavender’s primary compounds, works on the nervous system to promote calm and relaxation without sedation.

Lavender is widely respected in herbal and clinical aromatherapy for its ability to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Its primary active constituents, linalool and linalyl acetate, are proven to reduce stress in animal studies and human trials. Used in measured, food-grade amounts, lavender can be a powerful tool for natural anxiety relief for dogs, helping them cope with triggers like loud noises, vet visits, or routine changes.

Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Ashwagandha for Deeper Balance

In addition to hemp and lavender, many of the dogs I support also benefit from the inclusion of calming adaptogens like:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Known as one of the most effective herbs for managing stress, Ashwagandha supports adrenal balance and helps regulate cortisol levels—the hormone associated with the stress response. In both human and animal studies, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors and improve resilience to environmental stressors. Its adaptogenic properties make it particularly helpful for dogs who are highly reactive or have difficulty coping with change or separation.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – A calming mushroom that promotes immune and emotional balance. Rich in compounds like triterpenes and polysaccharides, Reishi may help regulate cortisol levels and support the body’s stress response, especially during periods of prolonged anxiety or environmental change. Its calming, grounding effect makes it a valuable ally for dogs dealing with noise sensitivity, routine disruptions, or separation stress.
• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – In preclinical models, Lion’s Mane has been shown to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a compound crucial to brain health, mood regulation, and neurological repair. Research published in Biomedical Research (2010) demonstrated that Lion’s Mane significantly reduced anxiety in mice subjected to stress. The emerging evidence supports its role in enhancing resilience to stress through its effects on neurogenesis and the gut-brain axis.

Formulators often include these adaptogens in synergistic mushroom or hemp blends to support dogs with chronic anxiety, PTSD, cognitive decline, or those transitioning off pharmaceutical sedatives.

Calming Supplements for Dogs: What to Look For

Not all calming supplements for dogs are created equal. To ensure you’re choosing a safe, effective, and truly holistic product, here’s what to look for in a natural calming supplement for dogs:

• Full Spectrum Hemp Extract: Ensure it includes naturally occurring CBD, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids. Avoid isolates or broad-spectrum formulas that remove key compounds like THC.
• Clearly Labeled Ingredients: Look for recognizable whole-plant ingredients like lavender essential oil, adaptogenic herbs, and mushrooms. Avoid synthetic additives, flavorings, or preservatives.
• Organic Carrier Oils: Hemp seed oil and organic MCT oil (from coconut) enhance absorption and deliver additional nutritional benefits.
• Alcohol-Free Formulas: Especially for daily use, the product should be preserved naturally—without alcohol or harsh solvents.
• Sourcing Transparency: Ingredients should be organic, sustainably grown, and harvested at peak potency. Clean extraction methods like CO₂ preserve beneficial compounds without chemical residues.
• Third-Party Certificate of Analysis (COA): Always check for a recent COA that confirms:
  • The levels of CBD and THC
  • The presence of key terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and linalool
  • Absence of contaminants such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, and residual solvents

Choosing a natural calming supplement for dogs with these standards ensures that what you’re giving your dog is not only effective, but safe. Look for tinctures that combine full spectrum hemp extract with calming botanicals like lavender or adaptogens like Reishi, Ashwagandha, or Lion’s Mane—this is the foundation of the calming formulas I use and trust most in practice.

With the right ingredients and clean formulation, your dog can find relief from fear, anxiety, and restlessness—naturally and without compromise.

How to Search for Natural Calming Supplements for Dogs

If you’re ready to explore natural anxiety relief for dogs, some search terms you may find helpful are: 

“CBD with lavender for dogs” or.“full spectrum hemp extract with lavender for dogs” or “calming mushrooms and adaptogens for dogs”

Look for formulations that follow the guidance outlined above—full-spectrum extracts, organic carrier oils, third-party COAs, and the inclusion of real plant and fungi medicine. When done right, these tinctures can be transformational for pets struggling with chronic stress, fear, and emotional imbalance.

 

 

 

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.