As discussed, CBD, a component of Cannabis sativa L., has been recognized for its therapeutic effect on chronic pain. However, its use in veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs, remains largely unknown. Even less is known about the impact of CBD on dog behavior, especially in shelter environments. A study aimed to explore whether CBD affects stress-related behavior in shelter dogs. The sample consisted of 24 dogs, divided into two groups. The dogs were assigned alternately, with 12 dogs in the treatment group and 12 in the control group. The treatment group received extra virgin olive oil with 5% CBD, while the control group received olive oil without CBD. The oils were administered daily for 45 days.
Behavioral data was collected using various methods over the course of the study. The results showed that the treated dogs exhibited reduced aggressive behavior towards humans after the treatment. However, the difference in the decrease of aggressive behavior between the two groups was not statistically significant. Other stress-related behaviors, such as displacing activities and stereotypes, did not show a significant decrease. Despite these non-significant results, the findings suggest that further research should be conducted to explore the effects of CBD on dog behavior. This research would be invaluable in improving the welfare of dogs in shelters.
Despite the hesitancy among many veterinarians to recommend cannabis-derived remedies to pet owners, CBD is steadily gaining recognition as a valuable tool. While the use of cannabinoid products for addressing behavioral issues in dogs has been on the rise, there is limited literature available on clinical trials to assess its effectiveness. However, Deiana et al. conducted a study in which they tested various compounds of Cannabis sativa and found that CBD effectively reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior in rats and mice. Additionally, another study conducted in the same year demonstrated that administering CBD reduced marble-burying behavior in mice.
What does this mean for aggresive dogs?
Stress is a state of mind, body, or emotions that occurs when something disrupts the balance of a living organism. In mammals, the response to stress, whether it’s physical or emotional, triggers a reaction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to an increase in glucocorticoids that can result in stress-related disorders.
For dogs, being placed in a kennel is a stressful experience due to various factors such as being in a new environment and having limited social and physical freedom. In countries like Italy, where sheltered dogs cannot be euthanized unless for health reasons or proven dangerousness, it is our responsibility to ensure their well-being. While there is still ongoing debate about the behavioral indicators of dogs’ welfare in kennels, engaging in displacement activities and displaying stereotyped behaviors are clear signs of anxiety and discomfort. Additionally, persistent aggressive behavior that is out of context can be considered pathological.
Displacement activities are behaviors that seem irrelevant to the situation they occur in and often happen in times of psychological and social stress. Aggressive behavior is a natural part of all species’ behavior and has evolved to help individuals compete for resources necessary for survival. For purposes of this study, the CBD treatment group exhibited a notable reduction in aggressive behavior towards humans over time. Nevertheless, more needs to be understood before making stark conclusions.