Summary: A large multi-year analysis of tens of thousands of companion dogs shows that cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp supplements are increasingly used for aging pets. While dogs started on CBD had higher reported aggression initially, long-term use was associated with a measurable decline in aggressive behavior. The clearest associations with CBD use were dementia, joint disease, and cancer. Researchers emphasize that promising observational findings must be followed by controlled trials, standardized dosing, and attention to product quality.
This investigation used data from the Dog Aging Project to describe which dogs receive CBD, why owners choose these products, and whether long-term use relates to behavior changes. The results were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Key Facts
- Widespread use: The analysis included 47,355 dogs; 7.3% were reported to have received CBD or hemp supplements.
- Behavioral shift: Dogs with consistent, long-term CBD use showed a reduction in aggressive behavior over time compared with dogs that did not receive CBD.
- Health-driven use: Dogs most likely to be given CBD had dementia, osteoarthritis, or cancer.
Background
CBD has been investigated in humans for conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, and inflammation. Pet owners have increasingly turned to CBD and hemp products for similar concerns in dogs. To better understand patterns of use and potential behavioral outcomes, researchers analyzed owner-reported data collected annually from 2019 to 2023 through the Dog Aging Project, a large community science effort tracking dogs’ diets, health, and environments over time.
Who receives CBD?
Of the dogs in the dataset, 7.3% were reported to have received CBD or hemp supplements; 5.8% received these products frequently (daily). Dogs receiving CBD were, on average, about three years older than dogs that did not receive CBD. Use was more common among male dogs and in states where medical cannabis is legal for humans, suggesting owner attitudes and local regulations influence decisions to give pets CBD.
Certain medical conditions strongly correlated with CBD use. Prevalence of CBD use was highest among dogs with cognitive decline (dementia) at 18.2%, followed by osteoarthritis at 12.5%, and cancer at 10.0%. Other conditions associated with greater CBD use included epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and chronic gastrointestinal problems.
Behavioral findings
In longitudinal analyses of dogs with at least two years of consistent CBD use, owners reported a decline in the intensity of aggressive behaviors over time, to levels below those of dogs that never received CBD. The researchers did not find a comparable reduction in measures of anxiety or agitation. The team notes that most canine aggression is linked to stress responses, and it remains unclear why aggression specifically—but not other anxiety-related behaviors—showed improvement.
The study did not assess how CBD might produce behavioral changes; no data were collected on product formulations, dosages, routes of administration, or the specific brands used. Owner-reported data may be influenced by bias, and the observational design cannot establish causation. The authors highlight the urgent need for controlled clinical trials and standardized product testing to determine safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing for dogs.
Practical considerations for owners
For owners considering CBD for their dog, the researchers advise selecting reputable products and consulting a veterinarian. CBD can cause adverse effects—most commonly gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea—and dosing guidelines for dogs remain uncertain. Product quality varies widely across the market, so source verification, third-party testing, and clear labeling are important.
The study provides a foundation for future research on CBD use in aging dogs and highlights parallels between potential medical benefits for companion animals and humans. Researchers call for mechanistic studies, randomized controlled trials, and population-level research to translate observational findings into reliable treatment recommendations.
Key Questions Answered:
A: About 7% of companion dogs in this U.S. sample were reported to have received CBD or hemp supplements, with nearly 6% receiving them daily.
A: In this observational study, long-term CBD use was linked to reduced aggression over time; effects on anxiety and agitation were not clearly observed.
A: Older dogs, males, and dogs with conditions such as cognitive decline, osteoarthritis, or cancer were more likely to be given CBD.
Editorial Notes:
- This article was edited by a Neuroscience News editor.
- The journal paper was reviewed in full by staff.
- Additional context added by the editorial team.
About this research on aggression and CBD in dogs
Author: Deborah Pirchner
Source: Frontiers
Contact: Deborah Pirchner – Frontiers
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access. “Demographic Features, Health Status, and Behavioral Changes Associated with Cannabidiol Use in the Dog Aging Project” by Maxwell Leung et al., Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Abstract
Demographic Features, Health Status, and Behavioral Changes Associated with Cannabidiol Use in the Dog Aging Project
Introduction: Interest in cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp-derived products has increased, including use in supplements for companion dogs.
Methods: Using owner survey data from the Dog Aging Project, researchers examined how owner and dog demographics, state medical cannabis laws, and dogs’ health status relate to CBD use. In a longitudinal subset, they assessed whether frequent long-term CBD use correlated with behavioral changes.
Results: CBD use was more common in states with legalized medical cannabis and among dogs with conditions such as dementia, osteoarthritis, cancer, epilepsy, and chronic gastrointestinal illness. Dogs with consistent CBD use for at least two years showed a decline in reported aggression intensity over time, compared with a steadier trend among dogs not receiving CBD.
Discussion: Owner perceptions of CBD’s benefits appear to guide its use for specific health issues. The observed decline in aggression suggests potential therapeutic value, but randomized trials and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm causality, establish dosing, and ensure safety for both dogs and their owners.