Study Finds Long-Term CBD Supplement Use Linked to Reduced Aggression in Dogs

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A veterinary study published Friday reports that dogs receiving hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) supplements over several years exhibit lower levels of aggression, according to data collected from nearly 50,000 dog owners. The research, appearing in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science, was conducted by scientists from Arizona State University, the University of Tennessee, and the Dog Aging Project Consortium, a U.S.-based initiative focused on canine aging and health.

The study analyzed owner-reported data on CBD or hemp supplement use in 47,355 dogs between 2019 and 2023. Researchers found that dogs given CBD supplements long-term were reported to have below-average aggression compared to dogs not receiving CBD. However, the study did not find a similar correlation between CBD use and other behaviors such as anxiety or agitation.

Dr. Julie Albright, an associate professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee and co-author of the study, noted that the reason for this selective effect on aggression remains unclear. She suggested that CBD might influence neural pathways related to aggressive responses differently than those involved in anxiety or agitation. The study’s survey design limited detailed information on the specific CBD products used, dosages, or concurrent behavioral treatments.

The researchers also observed that dogs receiving CBD supplements were more commonly found in states with legalized medical cannabis, indicating that owners’ attitudes toward cannabis for themselves may influence their decisions to administer CBD to their pets. Maxwell C. K. Leung, an assistant professor at Arizona State University and co-author, commented that this trend reflects the humanization of pets and parallels in treating similar health conditions in both humans and dogs.

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp, has gained popularity among pet owners for various claimed benefits, including pain relief and seizure management, despite lacking specific FDA approval for canine use. Market research projects the pet CBD market could reach $1.7 billion by 2030.

Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council, said the study’s findings align with other research indicating that hemp-derived cannabinoids are well-tolerated in dogs and may help with behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression. He noted that the continued growth in CBD supplement sales for pets suggests owners perceive benefits.

However, some experts urge caution in interpreting the results. Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, a professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, described the findings as interesting but emphasized the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials to definitively establish CBD’s effects on dog behavior. He acknowledged that evidence is accumulating on CBD’s potential behavioral and stress-relieving properties, marking it as a promising area for further research.

The study highlights the need for additional prospective clinical studies to better understand CBD’s impact on canine behavior and to clarify optimal dosing and treatment protocols.