CBD vs. Trazodone for Dogs: Which Is Better for Anxiety and Stress? 🌿💊

With so many treatments available to help dogs manage anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues, pet owners often wonder which option is best: CBD or trazodone? While both have calming effects, they work differently in your dog’s body and are used for different reasons.

Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About CBD vs. Trazodone for Dogs

• How do they work? Trazodone is a prescription medication that alters serotonin levels, while CBD is a natural supplement that interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce anxiety.
• Which one is safer? CBD tends to have fewer side effects than trazodone but may not be as strong for severe anxiety.
• Can I use both together? Yes, but always consult your vet before combining treatments.
• Which works faster? Trazodone typically works within 30-90 minutes, while CBD can take longer to take effect depending on the form and dosage.
• What’s better for long-term use? CBD may be better for ongoing, mild anxiety, while trazodone is typically used for more severe or situational anxiety.

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💡 How Do CBD and Trazodone Work Differently for Dogs?

The main difference between CBD and trazodone is how they interact with your dog’s body to achieve calming effects. Each one has a distinct method of action:

Medication	How It Works	💡 Primary Use
CBD	Interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote calmness and reduce stress.	Ideal for mild to moderate anxiety, and general wellness.
Trazodone	A serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that helps balance serotonin levels in the brain to calm your dog.	Best for severe anxiety, phobias, and post-surgery calming.

CBD is a natural supplement derived from the hemp plant and works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, anxiety, and stress responses. It is generally used for mild to moderate anxiety and wellness. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for dogs with joint pain or arthritis.

Trazodone, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that alters the levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood and anxiety. It’s commonly prescribed for dogs with severe anxiety, separation anxiety, or phobias, such as those related to loud noises (e.g., thunderstorms, fireworks). It’s also used post-surgery to keep dogs calm during recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: CBD is a good starting point for dogs with mild anxiety, while trazodone is more appropriate for dogs with severe anxiety or when calming is required in urgent situations, like surgery or travel.

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🕒 Which Works Faster: CBD or Trazodone?

When considering which treatment works faster, trazodone tends to have a more immediate effect, while CBD can take longer to show results. Here’s how they compare:

1. Trazodone: Typically starts working within 30 to 90 minutes after being given orally. It’s ideal for situational anxiety, such as travel, vet visits, or thunderstorms. Trazodone’s effects last for several hours, making it useful for short-term relief.
2. CBD: The onset time for CBD can vary depending on the form (e.g., oils, treats, capsules) and the dog’s metabolism. CBD oils usually take effect within 30 to 60 minutes, while treats or capsules may take up to 90 minutes. For more pronounced results, it may take a few days or even a couple of weeks of consistent use.

Treatment	Time to Take Effect	💡 Best Used For
Trazodone	30-90 minutes	Urgent calming during high-stress events.
CBD	30 minutes to 1 hour	Daily anxiety management and long-term stress relief.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need something for immediate calming, trazodone is likely your best option. If you’re looking for a more natural solution for long-term anxiety, CBD may be better suited.

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🛡 Which Has Fewer Side Effects: CBD or Trazodone?

In terms of side effects, CBD is generally considered to have fewer and milder side effects compared to trazodone. However, each dog may react differently to these treatments.

Side Effects of Trazodone	Side Effects of CBD
Sedation or lethargy	Mild drowsiness
Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)	Changes in appetite
Rapid heart rate (in rare cases)	Mild gastrointestinal upset
Increased anxiety (in rare cases)	Dry mouth

Trazodone can cause more noticeable sedation, especially in the early days of use. Some dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or even an increased heart rate in rare cases. It’s particularly important to watch for any signs of agitation or paradoxical reactions, where trazodone increases anxiety rather than decreases it.

CBD, being a natural supplement, has a much gentler side effect profile. Mild drowsiness is the most common side effect, and some dogs might experience slight gastrointestinal upset or changes in appetite. CBD does not typically cause the same level of sedation as trazodone and is better tolerated for long-term use.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re concerned about medication side effects, start with CBD, especially for milder cases of anxiety. For more severe conditions, consult your vet to find the best trazodone dosage to minimize side effects.

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🌿 Which Is Better for Long-Term Use: CBD or Trazodone?

When considering long-term use, CBD tends to be the safer option for ongoing management, especially for dogs with mild to moderate anxiety. Trazodone is typically used for more severe or acute cases and may require careful monitoring when used over an extended period.

1. CBD: Since CBD is a natural supplement, it is often preferred for long-term daily use. It’s safe for most dogs to take on a regular basis, and many pet owners find that it helps with overall wellness, including joint health, inflammation, and even seizure management. There’s little concern about dogs developing a tolerance to CBD, and it can be combined with other treatments if needed.
2. Trazodone: While trazodone can also be used long-term, especially for dogs with chronic anxiety disorders, it requires regular monitoring to avoid side effects such as tolerance, where the medication becomes less effective over time. Long-term trazodone use can sometimes result in sedation or gastrointestinal issues, so vets may recommend periodic blood work to monitor your dog’s health.

Treatment	Long-Term Use	💡 Considerations
CBD	Safe for daily use	Good for mild to moderate anxiety and general wellness.
Trazodone	Possible, but needs monitoring	Best for severe anxiety; periodic vet check-ups required.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog needs long-term anxiety management, CBD is generally the safer option. For dogs with severe behavioral issues, trazodone may be necessary but should be regularly reassessed by your vet.

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🧩 Can CBD and Trazodone Be Used Together for Dogs?

Yes, in many cases, CBD and trazodone can be used together for dogs, especially when managing severe anxiety or complicated behavioral issues. Combining the two treatments allows you to use lower doses of trazodone while benefiting from the natural calming effects of CBD.

1. Complementary Effects: CBD’s natural calming properties can help take the edge off anxiety, while trazodone provides a more immediate and stronger calming effect during high-stress situations. By using both, you may be able to reduce the trazodone dose to avoid strong sedation or side effects.
2. Vet Supervision: It’s important to discuss this combination with your vet before starting both treatments. Although CBD is a natural supplement, it can interact with other medications, including trazodone. Your vet will guide you on the correct dosing and timing to ensure the treatments work harmoniously.

💡 Pro Tip: Start by introducing CBD at a low dose if your dog is already on trazodone. Monitor your dog’s behavior and side effects carefully, and check in with your vet for adjustments if necessary.

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💼 Final Recap: CBD vs. Trazodone for Dogs

• CBD: Ideal for long-term mild to moderate anxiety, with fewer side effects and natural benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.
• Trazodone: Best for severe or situational anxiety, with fast-acting relief but requires more careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
• Combination Use: CBD and trazodone can be used together, especially under veterinary supervision, to manage severe anxiety while minimizing side effects.

By understanding how each option works, their side effects, and how they can be combined, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right anxiety treatment for your dog. 🐾✨

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Q: How do I choose between CBD and trazodone for my dog’s anxiety?

Choosing between CBD and trazodone for your dog depends on several factors, including the severity of your dog’s anxiety, their overall health, and the type of relief you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:

1. Severity of Anxiety: If your dog experiences mild to moderate anxiety, such as discomfort in new environments, slight separation anxiety, or occasional nervousness during car rides, CBD is likely a good starting point. It’s a natural supplement that promotes calmness without strong sedation, making it ideal for daily use or as-needed during mildly stressful situations.However, if your dog suffers from severe anxiety—such as intense fear during thunderstorms, separation anxiety that leads to destructive behavior, or aggression triggered by specific phobias—trazodone may be the better option. It’s a more powerful medication and provides faster, more reliable relief in high-stress moments.
2. Side Effects and Safety: CBD is known for having minimal side effects, making it a popular choice for pet owners who prefer a more natural treatment. Its most common side effects include mild drowsiness or changes in appetite, and it’s generally well-tolerated for long-term use.Trazodone, being a prescription medication, can have more significant side effects, such as sedation, gastrointestinal upset, or, in rare cases, increased anxiety. While trazodone is highly effective for severe cases, it requires veterinary monitoring over the long term.
3. Timing and Immediate Needs: Consider how quickly you need the treatment to take effect. Trazodone works within 30 to 90 minutes, making it a better choice for urgent situations where your dog needs immediate calming (like vet visits, fireworks, or thunderstorms). CBD can take up to an hour or more to work, and its effects tend to build up over time with consistent use, which makes it more suitable for ongoing anxiety management.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, consider beginning with CBD for mild cases, and keep trazodone on hand for situations where immediate or stronger anxiety relief is necessary. Always consult your vet before combining or switching treatments.

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Q: Can I give my dog both CBD and trazodone on the same day?

Yes, it’s generally safe to give your dog both CBD and trazodone on the same day, but it should always be done under veterinary supervision. While both treatments can help manage anxiety, using them together can enhance the calming effects, potentially allowing for a lower dose of trazodone. However, there are important factors to consider:

1. Combining Effects: CBD and trazodone work in different ways—CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, while trazodone influences serotonin levels. When used together, CBD may help smooth out any residual anxiety while reducing the need for a higher trazodone dose, which can help avoid potential side effects like heavy sedation.
2. Monitor for Sedation: When combining CBD and trazodone, be especially mindful of sedation levels. Both treatments can cause drowsiness, so when used together, your dog may become more sedated than usual. It’s important to start with a low dose of CBD if your dog is already on trazodone, and watch for signs of excessive lethargy or difficulty staying awake.
3. Adjusting Dosage: If you notice your dog is overly sedated or seems too lethargic, consult your vet about adjusting the dosage of one or both treatments. You may find that a smaller dose of trazodone is needed when CBD is also being administered, which can minimize the risk of side effects.

💡 Pro Tip: Start by giving CBD in the morning and trazodone later in the day if needed for specific events (like a vet visit or fireworks). This can help gauge how your dog responds to each treatment separately before combining them more frequently.

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Q: Does CBD work as well as trazodone for dogs with separation anxiety?

When it comes to separation anxiety, CBD can be an effective option for mild to moderate cases, but it may not be as strong as trazodone for dogs with severe separation anxiety. Here’s a closer look at how each treatment stacks up:

1. CBD for Separation Anxiety: CBD is a great option for managing milder forms of separation anxiety, where the dog experiences nervousness or mild stress when left alone. Many pet owners report that CBD helps their dogs feel calmer and more relaxed during the day, making it easier to leave them at home for short periods without worrying about anxious behaviors like whining, pacing, or minor destructive behavior.
2. Trazodone for Severe Cases: If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe—characterized by destructive behavior, excessive barking, attempts to escape, or aggressive tendencies—then trazodone is likely a better option. Trazodone can provide stronger, more immediate calming effects, reducing the risk of panic or destructive behaviors during your absence.
3. Combination Approach: In some cases, using CBD daily as a base treatment for long-term anxiety management, and adding trazodone on days when your dog will be left alone for longer periods, can be the best approach. This combination can help maintain a consistent level of calm throughout the day without over-sedating your dog.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog’s separation anxiety is particularly severe, consider working with a veterinary behaviorist to develop a comprehensive plan that includes medication, behavioral therapy, and training techniques for long-term improvement.

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Q: How do I decide if CBD or trazodone is better for my senior dog?

For senior dogs, choosing between CBD and trazodone requires careful consideration of their age-related health conditions, potential medication interactions, and their overall comfort and well-being. Here’s how to approach the decision:

1. Health Considerations: CBD is often a great choice for senior dogs because it not only helps with anxiety, but also has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with joint pain, arthritis, and general discomfort associated with aging. For older dogs who may already be on multiple medications, CBD is typically well-tolerated and has fewer interactions compared to trazodone. It’s a gentle, long-term option for improving their quality of life.Trazodone, on the other hand, can be more appropriate if your senior dog has severe anxiety or needs sedation after surgery. However, since trazodone is metabolized by the liver and kidneys, it’s important to monitor your dog’s organ function, especially in senior pets who may have age-related liver or kidney issues.
2. Side Effects in Seniors: Senior dogs are often more sensitive to the sedative effects of trazodone, which could lead to excessive lethargy or mobility issues if the dose is too high. CBD’s side effects, such as mild drowsiness, are generally less intense, making it a safer option for daily use in older dogs.
3. Combination for Comfort: For senior dogs with both pain and anxiety, a combination of CBD and trazodone may provide the best balance. CBD can address joint inflammation and pain relief, while trazodone can offer more targeted relief for situational anxiety when needed.

💡 Pro Tip: If your senior dog is experiencing multiple health issues, it’s best to consult your vet about incorporating CBD into their daily routine while reserving trazodone for specific anxiety triggers or stressful events. This approach can minimize side effects while keeping your senior dog comfortable and calm.

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Q: Will CBD or trazodone help my dog with aggression issues?

Both CBD and trazodone can help manage aggression in dogs, but they work best when combined with behavioral modification techniques. The choice depends on the root cause of the aggression and the severity of the behavior.

1. CBD for Mild Aggression: CBD is effective for dogs with mild aggression stemming from fear or anxiety. It can help take the edge off by promoting relaxation and reducing the anxiety that may trigger aggressive responses in situations like meeting new people, encountering other animals, or navigating unfamiliar environments. However, CBD alone may not be strong enough for dogs with intense aggressive behaviors.
2. Trazodone for Severe Aggression: For dogs with severe aggression, particularly those prone to aggressive outbursts in stressful situations, trazodone is often more effective due to its stronger sedative and calming effects. Trazodone can help calm your dog enough to be more receptive to behavioral training and desensitization exercises, helping to reduce aggressive behaviors over time.
3. Training Is Essential: Neither CBD nor trazodone should be viewed as a standalone solution for aggression. Aggressive behavior usually stems from underlying issues that need to be addressed with behavioral therapy, socialization, and training techniques. Medications like CBD and trazodone can support this process by keeping your dog calm during training, but they won’t “cure” aggression on their own.

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a certified dog behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist to address your dog’s aggression in tandem with CBD or trazodone. This holistic approach ensures that your dog receives both calming support and the training they need to overcome aggressive tendencies.

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Q: Are there any risks in combining CBD and trazodone for long-term use?

While CBD and trazodone can be safely used together for short-term anxiety relief, long-term combination therapy should be approached carefully and always under veterinary guidance. Here’s what you need to know about potential risks:

1. Potential for Over-Sedation: One of the main concerns with long-term use of both CBD and trazodone is over-sedation. Since both have calming effects, using them together for an extended period may result in your dog being too lethargic or inactive, which could interfere with their ability to engage in regular exercise and daily activities. To prevent this, your vet may recommend adjusting the dosage or staggering when you administer each treatment.
2. Monitoring Organ Health: While CBD is generally safe for long-term use, trazodone requires more careful monitoring, especially in senior dogs or those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. Prolonged use of trazodone can place stress on these organs, so periodic bloodwork is essential to ensure your dog’s health is not being compromised.
3. Tolerance Development: Dogs can sometimes develop a tolerance to trazodone over time, meaning that the same dose may become less effective at controlling anxiety. Combining CBD with trazodone might reduce the need for higher trazodone doses, but it’s important to regularly assess whether your dog’s anxiety is being well-managed or if adjustments are needed.

💡 Pro Tip: For long-term combination therapy, schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor your dog’s response to both CBD and trazodone. This ensures that your dog is receiving the right balance of treatments without compromising their health or quality of life.

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Q: Can CBD replace trazodone for my dog’s anxiety, or do they work best together?

Whether CBD can fully replace trazodone for your dog’s anxiety depends on the severity of their anxiety and how well they respond to natural treatments. Here’s an in-depth look at both options:

1. CBD as a Replacement: For mild to moderate anxiety, CBD can often replace trazodone successfully. Dogs with mild separation anxiety, general nervousness, or environmental stressors (such as new places, meeting new people, or car rides) may benefit from CBD’s calming effects without the need for a prescription drug. CBD is also a great option for long-term use because it has fewer side effects and doesn’t typically cause the drowsiness or lethargy that trazodone can. For some dogs, CBD alone may be sufficient, and owners prefer it for its natural properties.
2. When Trazodone Is Necessary: Severe anxiety, including cases of panic attacks, aggression, or extreme phobias (like thunderstorm anxiety), may require trazodone’s stronger calming effects. In these situations, CBD alone may not provide enough relief. Trazodone works by adjusting serotonin levels in the brain, offering a more potent response to acute anxiety episodes or high-stress situations.
3. Combination Approach: Many pet owners find that using CBD alongside trazodone offers the best of both worlds—CBD can help manage your dog’s baseline anxiety daily, while trazodone can be reserved for more intense situations where stronger sedation is needed. By using both treatments, you may be able to lower your dog’s trazodone dose, reducing the risk of side effects like heavy sedation, while maintaining a calm and balanced state for your dog.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about transitioning from trazodone to CBD, do so gradually. Start introducing CBD at a low dose while reducing trazodone under your vet’s guidance. Monitor your dog’s response to see if CBD alone is sufficient or if a combination works best.

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Q: What dosage of CBD should I give my dog if they’re already on trazodone?

Determining the right CBD dosage for your dog while they’re already on trazodone requires careful consideration and veterinary input. Here’s how to navigate this process:

1. Start Low, Go Slow: Even if your dog is on trazodone, it’s important to start CBD at a low dose and gradually increase it. A typical starting dose for dogs is 0.25 mg of CBD per pound of body weight, given once or twice daily. For example, if your dog weighs 40 lbs, start with 10 mg of CBD. You can slowly increase the dose if needed, but always monitor your dog for signs of sedation or lethargy.
2. Monitor for Over-Sedation: Since both CBD and trazodone have calming effects, combining them may increase the risk of over-sedation. Be vigilant for signs that your dog is too sleepy, lethargic, or less responsive than usual. If this happens, reduce the CBD dosage and consult your vet.
3. Consistency Is Key: CBD’s effects tend to build up over time, so you may not see immediate results on the first day. It’s important to give CBD consistently for several days or weeks to evaluate its full impact. Once your dog is stable on a specific dose, you can discuss with your vet whether to lower the trazodone dose, especially if CBD is helping to maintain a calmer state.
4. Forms of CBD: You can choose between CBD oils, capsules, or treats, depending on your dog’s preference. Oils are usually the most flexible because you can easily adjust the dosage drop by drop.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a journal to track how your dog responds to CBD while on trazodone. Record any changes in behavior, energy levels, or side effects. This will help your vet adjust the dosages of both CBD and trazodone to find the right balance.

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Q: Are there any long-term risks of giving my dog both CBD and trazodone?

When used together, CBD and trazodone are generally safe for dogs, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind for long-term use:

1. Risk of Over-Sedation: The most common concern with long-term combination use of CBD and trazodone is over-sedation. Both substances can cause drowsiness and lethargy, especially when used together for an extended period. If your dog becomes excessively sleepy or struggles to stay active, it may indicate that the dose of one or both treatments needs to be adjusted.
2. Monitoring Liver and Kidney Function: Long-term trazodone use may require monitoring of liver and kidney function, especially in senior dogs. While CBD is less likely to cause organ strain, it’s still important to inform your vet if your dog is using both treatments. Regular bloodwork can ensure your dog’s organs are functioning properly, particularly if they’ve been on trazodone for a long time.
3. Tolerance Development: With long-term use, dogs can sometimes develop a tolerance to trazodone, meaning it becomes less effective over time. Adding CBD may help reduce this risk by providing a natural supplement that can maintain baseline calmness, allowing for lower doses of trazodone when needed.
4. Behavioral Considerations: Long-term use of CBD and trazodone together should be part of a holistic approach to managing anxiety, including behavioral modification and training. Relying solely on medication without addressing the underlying causes of anxiety can limit progress, especially over time.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog is on both CBD and trazodone for long-term use, schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure that the combination is still effective and safe. Your vet may recommend periodic adjustments to keep your dog’s anxiety in check without compromising their overall health.

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Q: Can I use CBD instead of trazodone for my dog’s surgery recovery?

Trazodone is often prescribed for post-surgery recovery because of its strong sedative effects, which help keep dogs calm and prevent excessive movement during healing. CBD, while useful for calming anxiety, may not be as effective as trazodone in preventing post-surgery agitation or restlessness. Here’s how they compare for surgery recovery:

1. Trazodone for Surgery Recovery: Trazodone is commonly prescribed for dogs after surgery to ensure they remain calm and sedated enough to avoid overactivity, which could disrupt the healing process. It provides strong, short-term sedation, which is crucial when your dog needs to rest and avoid putting stress on incisions or stitches.
2. CBD for Post-Surgery Calm: CBD can be used alongside trazodone during recovery to help with pain management and reduce inflammation, especially if your dog is prone to anxiety or discomfort after surgery. However, CBD alone may not provide enough sedation to keep your dog sufficiently calm, particularly during the first few critical days post-surgery.
3. Combination Approach: A combination of CBD and trazodone can be effective for post-surgery recovery, with CBD supporting pain relief and reducing inflammation, while trazodone offers stronger sedation to prevent overactivity. CBD can also help reduce the need for higher trazodone doses, minimizing the risk of sedation-related side effects like lethargy or gastrointestinal upset.

💡 Pro Tip: Use CBD to complement trazodone in the days following surgery, especially if your dog needs pain management or anti-inflammatory support. Always follow your vet’s guidelines for the appropriate dosing and timing of both treatments to ensure a smooth recovery.

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Q: Can CBD help with trazodone withdrawal if I want to taper my dog off trazodone?

Yes, CBD can help ease your dog’s anxiety and stress levels during trazodone withdrawal, making the tapering process smoother. Here’s how CBD can support your dog as you gradually reduce trazodone:

1. Transition Support: As you begin to taper trazodone, your dog may experience a resurgence of anxiety, restlessness, or behavioral changes. Introducing or increasing CBD during this transition can help maintain a baseline level of calmness, which can make the reduction of trazodone more manageable.
2. Gentler Withdrawal Process: CBD’s natural calming effects can reduce the potential for withdrawal symptoms like increased anxiety or agitation. It works by supporting the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate stress responses, making it an ideal supplement during tapering.
3. Gradual Dose Adjustment: Your vet may recommend starting with a low dose of CBD and gradually increasing it as trazodone is reduced. This allows CBD to take over as the primary anxiety management tool, ensuring a smooth transition off trazodone without sudden spikes in stress or behavioral issues.
4. Long-Term Alternative: Once trazodone is fully tapered off, CBD can often be used as a long-term solution for managing anxiety. While it may not be as powerful as trazodone, many dogs thrive on daily CBD for mild to moderate anxiety relief, without the need for a prescription medication.

💡 Pro Tip: When tapering your dog off trazodone, always work closely with your vet. They will help you design a gradual reduction schedule and guide you in finding the right CBD dosage to ease the transition.