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  • 1.  Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 05-01-2025 09:07 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Hello, We are considering using CBD in our shelter to help animals acclimate to their temporary home and for anxiety. Have any of you used CBD and if so, how did you select a brand and dosage? I come from Oregon, and recommended it often as a behaviorist there, but have moved to Indiana where there is more skepticism over its use. Myself and our vet tech are in favor and have both used it quite often at other locations, but we need some solid anecdotes and/or evidence to get some buy in from other staff and board members. 

    We already use Gabapentin and Trazadone for our severely anxious dogs, but it's not effective for a some of our pets. I also personally feel that pets who aren't quite at the level of needing Gaba or Traz, but demonstrate significant symptoms of stress would also benefit. Thoughts?

    Thanks in advance! 


    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization


  • 2.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 05-02-2025 07:13 AM

    To add to your holistic arsenal, might I suggest using essential oils too (do plenty of research on what is ok to use on animals!  but Lavender for relaxation easily comes to mind)? 

    For both CBD and essential oils, my method of determining brand is in personal use.  I've tried nearly all the brands that I have come across, but only a few actually work for me and my family.  Do not be fooled by "all natural" or "pure" labels.  Certain types of extraction leave chemical residue behind that certain sensitive people/pets will react to.  Research the company and see what their values and methods are.  On dosage.. always start with one drop and dilute it with a drop of vegetable oil.   Or, add a few drops to the laundry or in water to spritz as an air freshener.   You can always increase, but you can not remove.  Remember, animals are very sensitive, so start with a very small introduction once a week.  I've had great success with these types of products, but I have learned it is worth taking things slow. 



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    Diana Kelley
    Executive Director
    Healing Horse Touch Company
    https://HealingHorseTouch.com
    KennethMNUnited States
    Discover Healing, Connection, and Renewal through Horses.
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  • 3.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 05-02-2025 11:43 PM

    Hi fellow animal caregiver, 

    I will share some insight into the use of CBD in stressed Canines, or animals in pain. 
    Through my experience "8 years in the field"  I've seen and heard of the use. 
    From dogs and cats anxious to get vet exams to levels of aggression in fear based behavior in shelter settings being reduced by the use . 
    Dosage calculating varies due to so many mg options in the market I find it best to just pick one brand and stick to it . 
    Here's one that a few Drs I know use . 
    link bellow 

    https://drfossums.com/petimonials/



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    David Diaz
    Animal Welfare Specialist
    SBCAS
    Santa Barbara CA
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  • 4.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 05-02-2025 11:49 PM

    Here is another link  

    https://maxandneocbd.com/pages/cbd-oil-dosage-chart-for-dogs-and-cats



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    David Diaz
    Animal Welfare Specialist
    SBCAS
    Santa Barbara CA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 06-19-2025 06:32 AM

    That dosage chart is really helpful; we've been unsure where to start. I also found this site with CBD oil for pets: https://www.stirlingcbdoil.com/product-category/cbd-for-pets/ could be worth looking into as we explore options that promote calm and help pets adjust more comfortably in the shelter environment.



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    laura bairdd
    Office Clerck
    American Red Cross
    SC
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 06-19-2025 01:55 PM

    We've been using CBD products in our cat shelter for years and found them to be effective for anxiety for some cats. NatureCan makes a CBD product especially for cats that is far more tolerated in food than other products we've tried. We start off with a drop or two and increase up to tolerance. We'd never start dosing at the high amount the above link suggests, especially for cats, but maybe it's different for dogs. We've also used Mary's Nutritionals transdermal gel with decent success. We also use the AnimalEO line, especially their Calm-a-mile blend, Zylkene and Jackson Galaxy solutions. As with any nutraceutical, the response can vary cat to cat, so it's a matter of trying it out. 



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    Sara Ferguson
    Director
    Happy Cats Haven
    Manitou Springs CO
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  • 7.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 02-24-2026 11:03 AM

    Hi! I've used CBD with several anxious dogs, and I've found it works really well as a gentle supplement, especially for pets who aren't quite at the level needing prescription meds. I use CBD oil (I got it from Innovetpet) and start with very low doses, then gradually adjust while monitoring behavior.

    For selecting a brand, I look for companies that provide third-party lab results and are transparent about potency and contaminants, this helps get buy-in from staff or board members. It's also helpful to combine it with a calm environment, cozy bedding, or a safe space for the pets.

    I'd say having solid anecdotal notes on each dog's response over a week or two can also help demonstrate its effectiveness to others.



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    mary mrazo
    self employe
    Mary
    DE
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  • 8.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 02-25-2026 01:26 PM

    Thanks for sharing your experience-starting with low-dose CBD, choosing transparent brands with third-party testing, and pairing it with a calm environment sounds like a thoughtful approach to supporting anxious dogs.



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    Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale
    389 W F St, Oakdale, CA, United States, California
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Does anyone here use CBD in their shelter and how did you select the brand

    Posted 03-13-2026 01:28 PM

    My old rescue took in a high volume of medically and behaviorally challenging animals. We partnered with Joy Organics, for high quality CBD, and had generally good/notable results - obviously all pups are individuals. I've also used Charlotte's Web CBD for my personal dog. I know they began by making human-grade CBD oil, to help a little girl (Charlotte) manage a seizure disorder, then expanded from there. 



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    Melody Perry
    Shelter Programming Coordinator
    Dogs Playing for Life
    NM
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