Trazodone vs. CBD for Dogs: Which Calms Better
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Time to read 6 min
When it comes to calming an anxious dog, two widely discussed options are trazodone and CBD oil. Trazodone is a prescription medication that provides fast relief during stressful events like vet visits or fireworks (Clinician’s Brief). CBD, in contrast, is a natural supplement that builds effectiveness over time, making it ideal for daily anxiety support (Frontiers in Veterinary Science – Safety Study).
Using chemical treatments may be the quick and easy solution with the wide range of available products in the market today: chemical-based flea spray bottles, topical spot-ons, flea collars, and oral flea medications. These may be acceptable and effective flea remedies for some, but they often come with harsh ingredients that irritate dog skin, harm the environment, and pose deadly risks if unknowingly ingested.
Many pet parents turn to safer home remedies for fleas on dogs that get the job done and protect their dog’s health and well-being.
Table of Content
Quick Comparison: Trazodone vs. CBD for Dogs Understanding Anxiety in Dogs What Is Trazodone? What Is CBD for Dogs? PawOrigins Insights Comparing Effectiveness: Trazodone vs. CBD Choosing the Right Option Veterinary Guidance Is Key Conclusion FAQs Is trazodone or CBD better for dogs with anxiety? What is the strongest calming medicine for dogs? What’s a good alternative to trazodone? Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Quick Comparison: Trazodone vs. CBD for Dogs
Factor |
Trazodone |
CBD Oil |
Type |
Prescription drug |
Natural hemp supplement |
Onset of Effects |
1–2 hours after dosing (BetterVet) |
Gradual, builds over days/weeks |
Best For |
Situational anxiety (vet visits, fireworks, travel) |
Ongoing mild-to-moderate anxiety, daily stress support |
Duration |
Several hours (short-term relief) |
Long-term balance with consistent use |
Side Effects |
Drowsiness, upset stomach, low energy |
Drowsiness, dry mouth, mild digestive upset |
Vet Involvement |
Required (prescription only) |
Recommended but not required |
Overall Use Case |
Quick, targeted relief |
Gentle, long-term support |
Understanding Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety can show up in dogs through pacing, panting, trembling, excessive barking, hiding, or destructive chewing. Subtler signs include tucked tails, wide eyes, or clinginess—sometimes escalating to self-soothing behaviors like paw chewing.
Common triggers include:
Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)
Separation anxiety
Vet visits, travel, or new environments
History of trauma or poor socialization
Recognizing the root cause is key to choosing the right calming strategy—be it medication, supplements (like CBD), training, or a holistic approach.
What Is Trazodone?
Trazodone functions as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) in veterinary medicine (Ask A Vet). It boosts serotonin levels in the brain, helping regulate mood and reduce stress.
Ideal situations for trazodone use:
Vet or grooming visits
Thunderstorms/fireworks
Travel or unfamiliar places
Possible side effects:
Mild drowsiness
Upset stomach
Occasional agitation or appetite changes
Always use under veterinary supervision, especially to ensure it doesn't conflict with existing medications.
What Is CBD for Dogs?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive hemp compound that interacts with a dog’s endocannabinoid system—a receptor network that helps modulate stress, mood, and sleep.
How CBD aids anxiety relief:
Supports serotonin regulation
May reduce cortisol (stress hormone)
Promotes a calmer demeanor over time
Controlled research indicates CBD can help reduce cortisol and stress responses, such as during travel or separation (Journal of Animal Science).
PawOrigins Insights
Learn more about CBD for Dog Anxiety, including dosing recommendations and signs your pet might benefit.
Explore Managing Dog Anxiety: Why It Happens and How CBD Can Help to understand triggers and holistic strategies.
- See Natural Treatments for Dog Anxiety Symptoms for additional calming approaches that can complement CBD.
Comparing Effectiveness: Trazodone vs. CBD
What Science Reveals
- Trazodone: Established efficacy for situational anxiety relief within ~1–2 hours in dogs (Clinician’s Brief).
- CBD: A growing body of research—including WALTHAM studies—shows promising results for reducing stress and supporting daily calmness.
Real-World Use
- Trazodone offers near-immediate calming without heavy sedation—especially during high-stress events.
- CBD provides gradual emotional stability with regular use, especially when paired with training and environmental support.
Choosing the Right Option
Use trazodone for discrete, high-stress situations under vet supervision.
TRAZODONE CAN BE USED DAILY ALSOUse CBD for consistent anxiety management and daily support, especially in mild-to-moderate cases.
Combining both may be clinically recommended—CBD for daily support and trazodone as a situational aid—under veterinary guidance to avoid interactions.
Veterinary Guidance Is Key
Always consult your vet before using trazodone or CBD. They’ll consider your dog’s medical history, current medications, and anxiety patterns to determine the safest and most effective dosage and combination.
Conclusion
Trazodone excels at delivering fast relief during high-stress moments such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or vet visits. CBD, meanwhile, offers steady, effective support when used consistently as part of an integrated anxiety-management plan.
So, which is better? The answer depends on your dog’s needs: trazodone is the stronger choice for immediate, situational anxiety, while CBD is better suited for long-term emotional balance and overall wellness. With your veterinarian’s guidance and reputable, high-quality products like PawOrigins® Happy-Furever™ Full-Spectrum CBD Oil,you can choose the option—or combination—that helps your dog thrive emotionally: calm, confident, and content. You can help your dog thrive emotionally—calm, confident, and content.
FAQs
Is trazodone or CBD better for dogs with anxiety?
Trazodone acts quickly; CBD builds calm over time—choose based on whether the anxiety is situational or ongoing.
What is the strongest calming medicine for dogs?
Dawn soap baths and diatomaceous earth, work immediately by killing fleas on contact, while others may take a few more consistent applications before you see results. While the solutions may kill adult fleas, it can be a little trickier to get rid of flea larvae and eggs.
What’s a good alternative to trazodone?
Options include CBD oil, L-theanine, pheromone diffusers, or vet-prescribed gabapentin.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
Products Featured In This Blog
Related Readings
How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.