One of the most common questions dog owners ask about CBD is: “Will CBD make my dog drowsy or sedated?” This is a legitimate concern, especially for owners whose dogs need to remain alert and active. To answer this question properly, we need to look at actual scientific research rather than anecdotal reports.
Understanding CBD and Sedation: The Science
Before diving into the research, let’s understand what sedation actually means in the context of CBD:
True sedation = Chemical depression of the central nervous system causing drowsiness, reduced alertness, and decreased activity levels.
Relaxation = Reduced anxiety without loss of alertness or cognitive function.
These are different things, and this distinction is critical when evaluating CBD’s effects.
How CBD Actually Works
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound from the hemp plant that interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates:
- Anxiety and stress responses
- Pain perception
- Sleep-wake cycles
- Mood
- Immune function
- Inflammation
CBD doesn’t directly cause sedation the way prescription anxiety medications (like phenibut or trazodone) do. Instead, CBD reduces anxiety, which ALLOWS dogs to relax naturally. This is an important distinction.
Why This Research Study Matters
The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) institutional animal care and use committee (protocol 1911-RES) granted approval for a comprehensive study on CBD and daily life of dogs. All aspects of housing and care for the animals were conducted in strict accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th ed.), and all relevant LMU protocols.
This study was important because:
- It was conducted in a controlled research environment
- It used precise dosing protocols
- It measured actual behavioral changes
- It involved multiple dogs across breeds and ages
- It used proper scientific methodology
The Study Design and Participants
Understanding the study design helps us interpret the findings:
For this study, a total of thirty neutered adult dogs were included, consisting of 15 males and 15 females. The dogs ranged in age from 9 months to 4 years old and had an average weight of 17.6 ± 3.4 kg. They were of various mixed breeds, including terrier, hound, Bassett, shepherd, border collie, husky, cur, lab, boxer, and pug mixes.
Why this breed diversity matters:
Different breeds have different anxiety levels and activity levels naturally. Using multiple breeds makes the results more applicable to real-world dog owners.
How participants were selected:
These dogs were obtained from a local shelter and brought to the LMU DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center (DVTC) specifically for this research. The shelter was informed in advance and gave consent for the dogs to be used in the study. The shelter was also requested to provide dogs with a weight range of 16 ± 4 kg.
The Screening Process
Before the experiment began, each dog underwent a thorough evaluation process. This included a complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry analysis conducted by IDEXX Laboratories. Additionally, a veterinarian performed a physical examination on each dog, and a fecal examination was conducted to ensure that there were no underlying diseases that would prevent their participation in the study.
This rigorous screening was important because:
- It eliminated confounding variables
- It ensured all dogs were healthy
- It prevented medical conditions from affecting results
- It made the study more reliable
Exclusion Criteria
Dogs were excluded from the study if they displayed serious behavioral issues, such as extreme fear or aggression towards humans, or if they were severely underweight or overweight. Dogs with a body condition score below 2 or above 4 on a five-point scale were also excluded. Furthermore, any dogs with underlying diseases that required more than routine treatments, such as heartworm infection, metabolic or infectious diseases, or mobility issues, were not included in the study.
In total, six dogs were excluded, three due to positive heartworm tests and three due to behavioral concerns. The remaining 24 dogs (12 males, 12 females, 9 months to 4 years old) were selected to participate in the study.
Why exclusions matter:
By removing dogs with health issues or severe behavioral problems, researchers ensured that any changes observed were due to CBD, not underlying conditions.
Study Housing and Care
Throughout the study, the dogs were housed individually in cages measuring 1.2 × 1.8 meters. These cages were located within one of two dog kennels at the LMU DVTC. To meet the daily energy requirements of neutered adult dogs at maintenance, they were fed Purina Pro Plan EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance Dry Dog Food (Nestle Purina Inc., St. Louis, MO).
Important note: The controlled environment is different from home settings, which is why lab results don’t always translate perfectly to real-world situations. However, it does control variables that would otherwise confuse the results.
Nutrition and Monitoring
The amount of food was calculated based on the formula. The dogs were given two meals per day. Their weight and body condition were monitored weekly using a five-point scale and their diets were adjusted accordingly.
Consistent nutrition was important because diet affects:
- Energy levels
- Mood
- Anxiety
- Overall health
The Treatment Protocol
Researchers used a randomized complete block design with three treatment groups. This means:
- Group 1: Control (no CBD)
- Group 2: Low dose CBD
- Group 3: High dose CBD
This design allows researchers to compare the groups fairly.
The CBD Source and Formulation
The CBD used was a component of a proprietary industrial hemp extract (AgTech Scientific, Paris, KY) that was incorporated into treats. The dogs received two treats daily, with each treat containing half of the daily CBD dose. Both the control and CBD treats were made with chicken, chicken liver, Asian carp, catfish, and, in the case of CBD treats, industrial hemp extract.
Important consideration: While CBD was the main component of the extract, there were trace amounts of THC in the LOW and HIGH treatments. THC is the compound that causes intoxication in humans. However, trace amounts in dogs are not intoxicating.
The Dosing Schedule
The treats were formulated to provide CBD doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg BW/day for the LOW and HIGH treatments, respectively, based on an estimated average weight of 16 kg for the dogs.
What this means:
- Low dose: approximately 40 mg CBD per 16 kg dog per day
- High dose: approximately 80 mg CBD per 16 kg dog per day
For comparison with products you can buy:
- Small dog (10 lbs): 2.5 mg to 5 mg CBD per day (LOW to HIGH)
- Medium dog (50 lbs): 12.5 mg to 25 mg CBD per day
- Large dog (80 lbs): 20 mg to 40 mg CBD per day
Why These Doses?
The LOW dose was chosen based on previous research that used a similar dose to study the pharmacokinetics of CBD and its potential to relieve pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. The dosage was then doubled to that dose in achieving the HIGH dosage.
This gave researchers:
- A dose based on proven research
- A higher dose to see if more CBD increases effects
- A proper control group
What Happens Next
We’ll discuss results in the next blog post. However, understanding the methodology first helps you interpret the results critically when they’re shared.
What Dog Owners Should Know Now
While we wait for detailed results, here’s what the scientific literature suggests about CBD and sedation:
- CBD rarely causes sedation at therapeutic doses
- CBD reduces anxiety, which may make dogs appear calmer
- Individual responses vary based on the dog
- Higher doses may cause more relaxation but not necessarily sedation
- Full-spectrum CBD (with other plant compounds) may have different effects than isolates
Best Practices When Giving Your Dog CBD
If you’re considering CBD for your dog:
- Start with low doses
- Monitor your dog’s response
- Use high-quality products with third-party testing
- Consult your veterinarian
- Keep a journal of behavioral changes
- Allow 2-4 weeks to see effects
Quality Matters
When selecting CBD products for your dog, choose those with:
- Third-party lab testing
- Clear dosing information
- Quality ingredients
- Veterinary approval
Popular options include Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites and high-quality oil tinctures.
The Bottom Line
Research suggests that CBD does NOT cause sedation in dogs at therapeutic doses. Instead, it reduces anxiety, allowing dogs to relax naturally while remaining alert and responsive. Individual responses vary, so monitoring your own dog’s reaction is essential.
The LMU study provides valuable scientific data about CBD’s actual effects, moving beyond speculation to evidence-based understanding.
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