Anxiety in dogs is more common than many people think. Whether it's fear of loud noises, separation anxiety, or stress in social situations, anxiety is a form of tension in which the dog's nervous system is constantly "on." There is no longer true relaxation, but a constant state of alertness. In this blog post, we'll explore the types of anxiety in dogs , their causes and signs , and examine the holistic and naturopathic approach to anxiety, including the supportive effects of nutrition and Full Spectrum CBDa oil .

Types of anxiety in dogs

Anxiety can manifest differently in each dog. Some common manifestations include:

• Noise phobia: fear of fireworks, thunderstorms or loud noises.

• Separation anxiety: panic or anxiety when the owner leaves.

• Social anxiety: tension when in contact with other dogs or people.

• Environmental anxiety: fear of new situations, places or objects.

These fears trigger stress responses in the body. The dog is unable to relax and remains in a state of alert—a survival mechanism intended for the short term, but which can become chronically stressful if it persists for too long.

Causes of anxiety

Anxiety can have many causes:

• Hereditary predisposition (e.g. sensitive or nervous lines)

• Traumas or negative experiences

• Lack of socialization in the early stages

• Pain or physical discomfort

• Nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalance

• Disruption in the gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role here: the intestines constantly communicate with the brain through nerve pathways and signaling molecules. A disrupted gut flora can lead to increased sensitivity to stress or anxious behavior.

How do you recognize fear in your dog?

Behavior indicating anxiety or stress:

• Shaking, panting, or drooling without exertion

• Ears flat, tail low or between the legs

• Avoidance behavior or excessive barking

• Pacing restlessly back and forth

• Excessive licking or scratching

• Decreased appetite or diarrhea

Some dogs freeze when they're afraid, while others flee or even lash out in panic. It's important to realize that this isn't "disobedience," but a physical stress response .

Holistic approach: body and mind

A dog is a whole – body, mind and energy are connected.
In Chinese medicine (TCM), fear is linked to disturbances in specific organs:

• Kidneys → fear and uncertainty

• Liver → anger, irritability or sudden aggressive behavior

• Intestines → worrying, stress, hypersensitivity

• Heart → emotional turmoil

When one of these systems is out of balance, it can lead to behavioral changes. From a holistic perspective, it's therefore important to not only look at behavior but also restore physical balance through nutrition, herbs, or natural support.

Nutrition and behavior

Good nutrition forms the foundation for emotional stability. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can exacerbate anxiety and stress:

• Vitamin B complex → essential for nerve function and stress regulation

• Omega-3 fatty acids → support brain function and reduce inflammation

• Vitamin E → protects nerve cells against oxidative stress

• Magnesium → relaxes muscles and nervous system

A natural, high-quality diet contributes to healthy intestinal flora – and thus to better emotional balance via the gut-brain axis.

Scientific view: the endocannabinoid system

Every mammal, including dogs, has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) . This internal regulatory system consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2) distributed throughout the body—in the brain, nervous system, immune system, and organs.

The ECS helps to balance processes such as mood, appetite, pain perception, sleep and stress recovery .
The body produces its own endocannabinoids – substances that resemble the active ingredients of the cannabis plant. When there's an imbalance or prolonged stress, the ECS can become unbalanced.

This is where Full Spectrum CBDa oil comes in.

CBDa oil: natural support without the burden

CBDa (the acidic, raw form of CBD) supports the endocannabinoid system in a gentle, non-invasive way. Unlike CBD, which is obtained through heating, CBDa oil contains the original plant compounds in their natural, plant-identical form.
This makes the oil more biologically absorbable and more effective at lower (micro) doses.

CBD Spain's Full Spectrum CBDa oil contains not only CBDa but also other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work synergistically —just as nature intended. This synergy enhances the relaxing and restorative effects without numbing or burdening the body.

Dogs often respond even better to cannabinoids than humans, because certain areas of their brains are more sensitive to these substances. This often makes the oil work faster and more subtly.

From relaxation to recovery

When anxious dogs are given CBDa oil, they often experience greater inner peace and relaxation . This creates space for learning new behaviors: the animal can learn that situations are not threatening.

CBDa oil breaks the vicious cycle of tension , without side effects or anesthesia.
Combined with loving guidance and training, the dog learns to feel safe again — a valuable tool for owners and therapists who work with dogs with anxiety problems.

Do you want to know which oil is best suited to your dog?

Every dog ​​is unique. The right support depends on their personality, anxiety level, and physical condition.
The CBD Spain oils that we use specifically for relaxation and reducing stress are the CBDa oil Pets 2% and the CBDa oil Mixta 10% .
The hemp extract of both oils is identical – the difference is in the percentage of extract.

👉 As a guideline you can use:

• CBDa Pets 2% for smaller dogs (weight < 10 kg)

• CBDa Mixta 10% for larger dogs (weight > 10 kg)

Do you want to know which oil best suits your dog's needs?
Please feel free to contact us – we are happy to discuss your needs and provide you with tailored advice.

Peace, balance, and trust begin with understanding—and the right natural support helps your dog regain its strength. 🌿🐕