As the popularity of CBD (cannabidiol) continues to surge among humans for managing pain, anxiety, and inflammation, pet owners are increasingly turning to hemp-derived supplements for their furry companions. Now, a massive new study analyzing data from nearly 50,000 dog owners has shed light on the real-world effects of CBD on dogs, revealing a particularly intriguing finding: long-term use may significantly reduce aggression.
The research, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, represents the most extensive evaluation of CBD use in U.S. companion animals to date. Scientists from Arizona State University and the University of Tennessee analyzed data from the Dog Aging Project, a nationwide community science initiative where owners provide detailed, long-term information about their pets' lives.
From Aggression to Calm: A Behavioral Shift
One of the most compelling discoveries was the link between CBD usage and behavioral changes. Senior author Dr. Maxwell Leung, director of the Cannabis Analytics, Safety and Health Initiative at Arizona State University, noted a distinct pattern. "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," Leung explained.
This suggests that while owners might initially turn to CBD to help manage a dog with behavioral issues, the supplement appears to have a tangible, calming effect over the long haul. Co-author Dr. Julia Albright, from the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the significance of this finding: "This long-term behavioral change highlights the potential of CBD as a therapy for canine behavioral issues."
Interestingly, this reduction was specific to aggression. The study did not observe similar significant improvements in other behaviors like agitation or anxiety, which puzzled researchers given that aggression is often rooted in underlying stress. "It is unclear why only aggression but not other types of anxious or agitated behaviors seemed to be improved with CBD treatment," Albright noted.
Who is Using CBD? The Demographics of Doggy Dosing
The study also provided a detailed snapshot of which dogs are receiving these supplements. Out of the 47,355 dogs included in the analysis, 7.3% had been given CBD or hemp products. Frequent use (daily) was reported for 5.8% of the dogs.
The profile of a typical "CBD dog" emerged clearly from the data:
- Older Age: Dogs receiving CBD were, on average, three years older than those who didn't.
- Health Conditions: Usage was highest among dogs suffering from specific ailments. 18.2% of dogs with dementia were given CBD, followed by 12.5% of those with osteoarthritis joint problems, and 10% of those with cancer. This aligns with human use of CBD for pain and cognitive support.
- Gender: Male dogs were slightly more likely (a 9% increase) to be given CBD than females.
- Location: Dogs living in states where medical cannabis is legal for humans were more likely to receive CBD supplements, suggesting a correlation between owner acceptance of cannabis culture and their pet care choices.
Caution and Future Research
While the findings are promising, the researchers urge caution. The study relied on owner-reported data, which can be subject to bias, and did not track specific dosages, formulations, or product sources. "At this point, we do not have a complete picture about the behavioral treatment plan," Albright pointed out.
For owners considering CBD for their pets, the team advises choosing reputable brands and being mindful of dosage to avoid adverse effects like gastrointestinal issues. Ultimately, this study serves as a crucial starting point for understanding how CBD can benefit aging populations—both canine and human.
