CBD/cannabidiol

annabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, is theorized to alleviate canine stress and anxiety by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). All mammals possess an ECS, which appears to maintain homeostasis across various physiological functions, including mood and stress responses. Unlike THC, CBD interacts indirectly with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the central nervous system and are thought to act as a "dimmer switch" for neurotransmitters to regulate fear and emotional responses. CB2 receptors are primarily found within the immune system and peripheral tissues, where they are posited to modulate inflammatory signaling and systemic immune homeostasis.

It is also hypothesized that CBD may inhibit the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide (the "bliss molecule"). By potentially slowing this degradation, CBD may increase anandamide levels in the brain, promoting a sustained sense of “calm.” In the canine brain, the ECS acts as a retrograde signaling system; when a neuron is overstimulated by stress or fear, endocannabinoids are released to signal the sending neuron to slow down. By potentially enhancing this feedback loop, CBD may dampen the neural hyperactivity associated with anxiety(Hunt et al., 2023).

Clinical research regarding CBD's anxiolytic effects in dogs has yielded promising but variable results. Recent blinded studies have shown that both single and daily doses of CBD can significantly reduce stress-related measures—such as serum cortisol, whining, and lip licking—during car travel and separation(Flint et al., 2024). Furthermore, CBD has been shown to reduce vocalizations in dogs left alone compared to placebos(Masataka, 2024). However, other trials have found no significant effect on noise-induced fear (such as fireworks) or daily activity levels at specific dosages(Morris et al., 2020);(Morris et al., 2021). While there is "cautious optimism" for its use as an adjunct therapy, experts emphasize that evidence is still limited compared to its validated use for osteoarthritic pain(Di Salvo et al., 2023);(Corsato Alvarenga et al., 2023).

Despite its therapeutic potential, the clinical use of CBD faces challenges regarding long-term safety and product consistency. Chronic administration, particularly at higher dosages (e.g., 10 mg/kg), frequently results in elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, necessitating regular monitoring of liver function(Corsato Alvarenga et al., 2024). Furthermore, CBD can interfere with the cytochrome P450 system, potentially altering the metabolism of other medications. These metabolic complexities, combined with reports of highly variable individual responses and cortisol fluctuations, underscore the need for precise veterinary oversight and individualized treatment plans(Marliani et al., 2024).