CBD Oil for Dogs: A Chill Pill in Liquid Form?

Most of us can’t wait for the absolute joy of New Year’s Eve. The champagne. The glitter. The fireworks! But it can be a terrifying evening for many pups.

By: Chef Justine

Date: December 16, 2024

 Whether it’s loud noises, car rides, strangers in your home, or separation anxiety, if your dog suffers from stress or anxiety, you’ve probably scoured the internet for solutions—and maybe stumbled across the buzz around CBD oil. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is derived from hemp and increasingly celebrated for its potential to calm canine nerves. But what does science say?

Let’s dive into the latest veterinary research on this trending supplement.

The Science of CBD and Stress Relief

1. Lower Stress Hormones:

 A study from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that a single dose of CBD (4 mg per kg of body weight) significantly reduced cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in dogs subjected to anxiety-inducing scenarios like car rides. The effects lasted for months with daily dosing, showing consistent benefits over time​.

2. Behavioral Improvements:

 CBD-treated dogs displayed fewer anxiety-driven behaviors such as whining and lip-licking, and they appeared calmer and more exploratory in stressful situations. This aligns with findings from Cornell University, which emphasized CBD’s potential for improving dogs’ overall emotional well-being​.

3. Relaxation Without Intoxication:

Because hemp-derived CBD contains minimal THC (less than 0.3%), it doesn’t produce a “high,” but instead works on the endocannabinoid system to regulate stress responses. This makes it a safe option for addressing canine anxiety​.
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How Does CBD Work for Anxiety?

CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain balance in the body. By influencing serotonin signaling and cortisol production, it may alleviate anxiety symptoms. Additionally, CBD appears to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key player in stress regulation​.
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What Does the Research Say?

Fireworks Anxiety:

Dogs’ acute hearing makes fireworks particularly distressing, causing behaviors like trembling, pacing, or excessive barking. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood and stress responses. This interaction can help calm the nerves of dogs during stressful events like fireworks​. One study noted that while CBD might not always offer immediate relief for acute stress, consistent administration can balance ECS function over time, potentially reducing anxiety in high-stress situations​ like these.

Anxiety Around Strangers:

One study showed that shelter dogs administered CBD showed reduced aggressive or fearful behaviors toward humans, and regular use appears to help lower stress markers, making dogs feel more at ease in the presence of unfamiliar people​. Some studies suggest improved mood and reduced anxiety-related behaviors in dogs given CBD, particularly when it is introduced systematically rather than on a one-time basis​.

Car Travel Anxiety:

The Waltham study mentioned earlier tested dogs during car journeys, a common stressor. CBD-administered pups not only had reduced cortisol levels but also exhibited less tense body language and fewer anxious behaviors like pacing​.

Separation Anxiety: 

A separate trial found that CBD significantly reduced stress behaviors in dogs left alone, making them less likely to whine or appear sad. This suggests potential as a treatment for pets with separation anxiety​.

Long-Term Use:

These benefits weren’t limited to single doses. Over six months, daily CBD supplementation continued to help dogs manage stress, proving its utility for long-term wellness​.
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Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

The answer is mostly yes—when used responsibly. However, like any supplement, there are a few caveats:

Choose Quality Products:

Not all CBD oils are created equal. A Cornell study found heavy metal contamination and inconsistent cannabinoid levels in several pet CBD products. Always look for third-party testing to ensure purity​.

Side Effects: 

Some dogs may experience mild sedation or increased appetite. It’s also important to consult a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your dog is on other medications​.
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Practical Tips for Using CBD

Start Low and Slow: 

Begin with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase until you see an effect.

Timing Matters:

Administer CBD about two hours before a known stressor, like a car ride or fireworks display​

Monitor Results:

Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and overall well-being, and adjust the dosage as needed.

Pre-Dosed Products: 

Our best advice is to keep it simple with pre-dosed products like our anti-anxiety puppops, Chill Pill. We’ve done the hard work for you by working with vet nutritionists to properly dose the CBD oil for dogs of all sizes, and we’ve taken it one step further by including other powerful functional ingredients known to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
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Final Thoughts

CBD oil is emerging as a promising tool for helping dogs manage stress and anxiety, backed by a growing body of scientific evidence. While it’s not a magic fix, it can be a game-changer for pups struggling with anxiety-inducing situations. As always, please consult your vet to tailor a stress-relief plan that fits your furry bff’s needs.

For more details, check out the studies from Waltham Petcare Science Institute and Cornell University on the efficacy and safety of CBD for dogs​.

Sources:
Frontiers
Cornell Vet College
​Waltham
Lazarus Naturals
​Innovet Pet
buddyrest.com

shop chill pill
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about the author

chef justine kelly

Completely dog obsessed, Chef Justine Kelly, brings over 25 years of experience in the culinary world to every wellness recipe at Puppops, Inc., so your fur babies can eat like family (because they are.) Her career includes co-founding renowned meal kit company, Sunbasket, and as the Executive Chef at San Francisco's James Beard Award-winning restaurant, The Slanted Door. Her pup, River, is her second favorite daughter.