Does your pet suffer from anxiety or stress? Hard facts and CBD in action – Part II: Natural Calm for Dogs and Cats

Anxiety is a common problem in domestic dogs – think of fear of being left alone (separation anxiety), fear of loud noises (storms, fireworks) or nervous behaviors in general – and can also affect cats (e.g., stress from changes in the home). Many owners have turned to CBD seeking a natural calming effect in their animals. What does science say about it?

Does your pet suffer from anxiety or stress? Hard facts and CBD in action – Part II: Natural Tranquility for Dogs and Cats

Stress in pets translates into elevated cortisol, tachycardia, and behaviors such as whining or compulsive licking. In a double-blind trial with 40 dogs, a single dose of 4 mg/kg of CBD reduced post-test cortisol (30 ng/mL vs 39 ng/mL with placebo; p = 0.028) and the frequency of whining during a car ride (Graph 2).

Graph 2 shown above: "Stress in dogs: cortisol after travel and separation"

A pioneering study conducted in 2023 by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute evaluated the effects of a single dose of CBD in dogs exposed to common stressful situations: a brief period of separation and a car ride. In this randomized controlled trial, a group of dogs was given an oral dose of ~4 mg/kg of CBD (THC-free) and their response was compared to dogs that received a placebo. The results showed significant reductions in various indicators of stress in the dogs that took CBD: they had lower blood cortisol levels, lower heart rate and ear temperature, and exhibited fewer behaviors associated with anxiety (such as whining and repetitive licking) during the tests. Additionally, according to behavioral assessments, these dogs were rated as "less tense or sad" compared to the placebo group. These data suggest an acute anxiolytic effect of CBD, helping to mitigate stress in specific situations such as traveling in a car or being left alone.

Another complementary investigation by the same institute (published in 2024) analyzed the daily administration of CBD for 6 months in dogs that repeatedly faced the stress of car travel. A similar trend was confirmed: daily CBD produced a decrease in stress markers such as cortisol and certain behaviors (e.g., reduced whining and nervous licking) compared to not receiving CBD. Not all parameters improved equally, but in general the CBD group showed to be calmer when faced with the recurring stressful stimulus.

It is worth noting that, beyond these controlled trials, owner perceptions are also positive. In surveys, approximately half of those who have given CBD to their pets report that it helped reduce their fears and anxiety. For example, one survey found that 65% of owners who used CBD in their pets noticed some improvement in their problems (such as less anxiety), while only 24% were unsure of the effect.

What causes these calming effects? At a physiological level, CBD is believed to modulate the stress response by acting on the neuroendocrine stress axis (HPA) and serotonin receptors. In the Waltham study, CBD-treated dogs had lower increases in cortisol, possibly because CBD, by inhibiting FAAH, increases anandamide and this helps to "turn off" the stress reaction in the brain. Likewise, the activation of 5-HT1A receptors by CBD is associated with known anxiolytic effects. In summary, initial science indicates that CBD can alleviate anxiety in dogs in certain situations, improving their well-being without the strong sedative effects of some traditional drugs. In cats, there are no published controlled studies focusing on anxiety, but since they share the endocannabinoid system, many experts think they could experience similar benefits – although the appropriate dosage and formulation might differ (see species differences below).

Practical points

• Combining CBD with desensitization programs accelerates learning.

• Effect begins 30–60 minutes in MCT oil; lasts 4–6 hours.

• Always dose in mg of CBD—not drops—and check batch certificate (<0.3% THC).

Bibliography – Part 2

1. Hunt A et al. Front Vet Sci. 2023

2. Waltham Petcare 6-month study, 2024

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[Reminder] The endocannabinoid system in dogs and cats

To understand how CBD helps pets, we must first learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which exists in all mammals, including dogs and cats. The ECS is a biological signaling network present in the body that helps maintain homeostasis (internal balance) by regulating processes such as mood, pain, appetite, and immune response. It is composed of cannabinoid receptors (mainly CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoid molecules produced by the body itself, and enzymes that synthesize and degrade these molecules.

• CB1 Receptors: These are found mainly in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and to a lesser extent in peripheral organs. In dogs, for example, there are abundant CB1 receptors in brain regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem. These receptors modulate the release of neurotransmitters, influencing functions such as pain perception and the stress response.

• CB2 Receptors: These are located primarily in immune system cells (spleen, tonsils, intestine, etc.). Their activation is related to the control of inflammation and immune response.

CBD does not bind directly to these receptors as THC does, but it interacts in a more indirect and modulating way with the ECS in several ways. Biochemical studies show that CBD is a non-competitive allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor and an inverse agonist of CB2, which in simple terms means that it can attenuate excessive activity of both receptors and help to "balance" the system. Additionally, CBD influences other relevant molecular components: for example, it inhibits the FAAH enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide, raising the levels of this molecule in the body. It has also been shown to activate other important non-cannabinoid receptors, such as serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (related to anxiety and mood) and TRPV1 receptors (involved in pain signaling and seizure control). It even acts on nuclear receptors like PPAR-gamma, linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thanks to this "multitarget action," CBD can influence various physiological systems at once, from the central nervous system to the immune and gastrointestinal systems.