Dogs can go through stressful situations like being separated from their owners or traveling in cars. Pet owners try different methods to manage these issues, such as training or giving medications and supplements, but the results can be mixed. While cannabidiol (CBD) has been known to reduce stress and anxiety in humans, its effects on canine stress are not well-documented. A study aimed to understand how being alone or traveling in a car affects a dog’s stress levels and whether a single dose of THC-free CBD distillate can have a positive impact.
The study involved dogs being left alone in a familiar room or going on a short car journey. Various physiological and behavioral measures were taken before, during, and after the tests. The results showed significant changes in stress-related measures, with the car journey causing a stronger stress response. The CBD treatment had varying effects on different measures, with some showing a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group. However, more research is needed to fully understand how CBD affects a dog’s wellbeing.
The administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming increasingly popular, as pet owners perceive it as a natural treatment. CBD is a non-psychoactive phenolic cannabinoid derived from hemp processing. It has been shown to have positive effects on both human and non-human animal health through the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation. CBD has been found to reduce stress-related signals that can cause chronic inflammation and pain in humans. It may also be effective in treating anxiety.
The exact mechanisms by which CBD produces these effects are complex and not fully understood. It acts as an allosteric modulator of CB1 and CB2 receptors in pain neurons, as well as an agonist and antagonist of other receptors in the immune and central nervous systems. CBD is also increasingly used in veterinary medicine, with no significant adverse effects reported in healthy dogs at appropriate doses. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding its efficacy in dogs, particularly in alleviating stress or anxiety. Previous studies have not shown a positive effect, although there are many commercially available products claiming to support dog emotional health.