Cannabis-derived wellness products have become mainstream for humans in recent years—and now, new research suggests our pets might be benefiting too. A large U.S. study drawing on years of owner-reported data has found that dogs receiving cannabidiol (CBD) supplements gradually show less aggressive behavior.
The analysis also revealed clear demographic trends: CBD-treated dogs tend to be older, more often male, and more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as dementia, arthritis or cancer.
Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting CBD may have therapeutic potential for dogs—mirroring some of the effects reported in humans using CBD for pain, inflammation or nausea.
Who Uses CBD? Older, Ailing and Mostly Male Dogs
The data comes from the Dog Aging Project, a long-term community science program where owners submit yearly updates about their pets’ lifestyle, environment and health.
In total, data from 47,355 dogs collected between 2019 and 2023 was examined.
Key findings:
- 7.3% of U.S. companion dogs in the sample had been given CBD or hemp supplements.
- 2,759 dogs (5.8%) received CBD daily.
- These frequent-use dogs were on average three years older than non-users.
- CBD use was most common among dogs with:
- Dementia (18.2%)
- Osteoarthritis (12.5%)
- Cancer (10%)
Male dogs were 9% more likely to receive CBD than females.
Interestingly, CBD use was more common in states where medical cannabis is legal for humans, hinting that owners’ own attitudes toward cannabis influence their decisions for their pets.
Activity levels, however, did not differ between CBD and non-CBD dogs.
Aggression Drops With Long-Term CBD Use
One of the study’s standout observations was behavioral change.
“Dogs given CBD products for multiple years are initially more aggressive… but their aggression becomes less intense over time,”
said senior author Dr Maxwell Leung of Arizona State University.
The team found no similar improvement for anxiety or agitation.
This raises new questions about how CBD interacts with canine stress responses—a gap researchers say future controlled trials must address.
Because the study relied on owner reports, the authors caution that bias, inconsistent dosage, and unknown product quality are important limitations.
CBD Is Not Risk-Free: Side Effects and Vet Advice
While CBD is widely available for pets, veterinarians stress the importance of responsible use.
The most common mild and temporary side effects include:
- Drowsiness, especially at higher doses
- Diarrhea or digestive discomfort
- Drug interactions, particularly with anti-inflammatories, sedatives or anticonvulsants
- Changes in blood levels of medications such as phenobarbital (used for canine epilepsy)
Veterinary guidelines recommend:
- Start with ~1 mg CBD per kg of body weight per day
- Increase slowly depending on the dog’s response
- Perform regular liver function tests, especially in long-term users
- Use pet-specific CBD products, THC-free and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) ensuring purity
A First Step Toward Understanding CBD’s Benefits for Aging Pets
The researchers say their work offers an important foundation for studying how CBD might ease age-related health and behavior issues in dogs—and perhaps inform therapies for humans as well.
“There are many similarities in how CBD can benefit dogs and humans medically,”
Leung noted.
“This study helps us understand those parallels more clearly.”
Where to Buy CBD Oil for Pets
(Ensure you select reputable, COA-verified brands.)
- https://www.gorillagrillz.com/en/cbd-oil-for-pets/
- https://swissfx.es/products/aceite-de-cbd-perro-10-carne
Related Reading
For readers interested in how cannabinoids influence both animals and humans, TheCannex offers several in-depth reports. Explore how high-stress training techniques shape cannabis yield and plant architecture in our guide to mainlining (https://thecannex.com/cannabis-mainlining-high-stress-training-yield-architecture/). Learn about the potential synergy between hemp extracts and natural propolis for soothing sore throats (https://thecannex.com/hemppropolis-combination-sore-throat-study/). Our coverage of THC’s role in modulating the brain’s pain-filtering pathways, especially in people with fibromyalgia, provides a broader medical context for cannabinoid research (https://thecannex.com/thc-brain-pain-filter-fibromyalgia-study/). And for a deeper look at long-term health implications, see our analysis of genetic links between cannabis use, mental health, and chronic disease(https://thecannex.com/genetic-links-cannabis-use-mental-health-chronic-disease/).
FAQ: Key Terms Explained
1. Cannabidiol (CBD)
A non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is widely studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and calming properties, without producing the “high” associated with THC.
2. Hemp Supplements
Products derived from industrial hemp plants that typically contain CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. These supplements for pets must legally contain negligible or zero THC and are often used to support mobility, stress reduction, or overall wellness.
3. Dog Aging Project
A large-scale, community-driven research program in the United States that collects long-term data on dogs’ health, lifestyle, environment and behavior to better understand aging in companion animals.
4. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A laboratory-issued document confirming a product’s cannabinoid content, purity, and safety. For pet CBD products, a COA ensures that the supplement contains the advertised ingredients and is free of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides or excessive THC.
