How CBD Use Is Linked to Changes in Canine Aggression
Summarize
U.S. scientists analyzed data from the Dog Aging Project, a canine health study. The purpose was to investigate the reasons some owners decided to give their dogs CBD or hemp supplements and the effects the dogs experienced. The project findings are published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. To the investigators’ surprise, CBD administered over the years to more aggressive dogs reduced aggressive behaviors.
Dog owners provide long-term information about their pets, covering diet, health, routines, and more. The researchers had access to data collected on 47,355 dogs from 2019 to 2023. This wealth of information included how frequently the dogs were given CBD or hemp supplements. Frequent dosing indicated a daily dose was administered.
The analysis found that 7.3% of U.S. pet owners had given their dogs CBD and hemp supplements. Of those dogs, 2,759 (5.8%) received a daily dose. The dogs given a daily CBD or hemp dose were, on average, three years older than those who did not consume the products.
Dogs receiving the supplements were more likely to reside in states that have legalized medical cannabis for humans. While physical activity levels did not differ between pets receiving CBD and those not, dog owners observed behavioral changes. After the dogs used CBD for an extended period, their owners reported lower aggression levels than those of dogs not using CBD.
Some of the dog owners had started their dogs on CBD because their pets had become more aggressive as they aged. Senior project author Dr. Maxwell Leung at the Cannabis Analytics, Safety and Health Initiative at Arizona State University said,
“Behaviorally, dogs given CBD products for multiple years are initially more aggressive compared to dogs not receiving those products, but their aggression becomes less intense over time.”
Co-author Dr. Julia Albright at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine points to the study results as demonstrating the potential of CBD as a therapy for dogs with behavioral issues. She also said,
“Most canine aggression is related to underlying emotional tension or a heightened fight-or-flight response. It is unclear why only aggression, but not other types of anxious or agitated behaviors, seemed to be improved with CBD treatment.”
More studies are needed to identify how and why CBD improves canine aggression.
The researchers also remind pet owners to buy products from reputable brands and to be careful with dosage amounts, as there may be potential side effects. Like the results of CBD studies involving humans, there is building evidence that CBD has definitive, positive, and varied effects for people and pets.
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