Scientists say dogs can be given CBD to make them less aggressive

By Stephen Beech

Cannabis could be fed to dogs to make them less aggressive, say scientists.

A study showed that pet pooches that received CBD supplements over an extended period of time showed "below-average" levels of aggression.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants that doesn't cause a "high".

It has a variety of uses, including as an anti-seizure medication and in other products, including oils and cosmetics.

In humans, CBD is thought to have therapeutic effects for some conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, or inflammation.

Now, dogs may be reaping some of the benefits, too, according to a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Data from more than 47,000 dog owners shows that those pets that receive CBD supplements are typically older or have health issues.

With continued use, they also showed below-average levels of aggression

Researchers in the US used data from the Dog Aging Project to characterize demographics, health, and the behavior of dogs that used CBD or hemp supplements in the largest study of its kind.

Study senior author Dr. Maxwell Leung, of 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, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, added: “This long-term behavioral change highlights the potential of CBD as a therapy for canine behavioral issues.”

The study's owners reported how often they gave their dogs CBD or hemp supplements.

Frequent use meant a daily supplement; infrequent use meant a supplement given less often than once a day. If dogs had never been given CBD supplements, owners could report no use.

The study showed that 7.3% of the companion dogs in the US have been given CBD and hemp products.

Dr Leung said 2,759 of those dogs (5.8%) were frequently given supplements.

The dogs were on average three years older than those that didn’t receive them.

Some health conditions were especially associated with CBD use.

The highest prevalence was found among dogs with dementia (18.2%), followed by dogs with osteoarthritis joint problems (12.5%), and those with cancer (10%).

Dogs receiving the supplement were also more likely to live in states where medical cannabis is legalised for humans.

The researchers say that could indicate the influence of the bond between humans and their pets on owners’ decision-making about CBD use.

Male dogs were more likely to be given CBD supplements, a 9% increase compared to female dogs.

The researchers also found that CBD use resulted in behavioral change.

After prolonged use, dogs that received supplements were reported to have below-average aggression levels, compared to dogs with no CBD use.

For other behaviors, including agitation or anxiety, no similar effect was observed.

Dr. Albright said: “Most canine aggression is related to underlying stress or anxiety – a fight or flight response that kicks in.

"It is unclear why only aggression but not other types of anxious or agitated behaviors seemed to be improved with CBD treatment."

The team did not look into the mechanism of behavioral changes, and said further studies are needed to confirm the calming effects of CBD products.

Dr Albright said: “At this point, we do not have a complete picture about the behavioral treatment plan."

The researchers said that for owners who might consider giving their dogs CBD supplements, choosing a reputable brand is critical.

They said dog owners should also be mindful of the dosage as CBD products can have adverse effects, including gastrointestinal issues and diarrhoea.

The team said the study serves as a "starting point" to better understand how CBD products can help alleviate behavioral and health issues that affect aging populations, companion animals and humans alike.

Dr. Leung added: “There are many similarities in how CBD can benefit dogs and humans medically.”