December is already settling in comfortably, bringing with it the cold and that special pre-holiday mood. I imagine we're all nestled in our warm homes, a cup of tea in hand, with our furry friends by our sides, cuddling and bringing us joy. But what if this idyllic picture is disrupted by anxiety or aggression from the dog? Is there a solution that doesn't involve medications with unpleasant side effects? We seek an answer to this question in a new study that has recently come to light.
CBD: Sounds like something from the future, but it's actually quite down-to-earth
I think we've all heard of CBD (cannabidiol) by now. It's a substance extracted from hemp that doesn't cause intoxication but has the potential to help with various conditions. And it is increasingly being discussed in connection with our pets. The study, published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science, provides interesting results. Researchers from several universities in the US analyzed data from almost 50,000 dog owners, collected between 2019 and 2023. And they found something curious.
Less aggression, calmer dogs
The results show that dogs given CBD supplements for a longer period of time exhibited less aggressive behavior compared to those that did not receive CBD. Interesting, isn't it? Imagine – a dog that used to bark and growl at everything around, now calmer, more patient. Sounds like a dream for many owners!
"This may indicate a direct effect," the researchers themselves note. However, they specify that the calming effect of CBD does not affect other anxiety conditions in the same way, such as excitement. It is unclear why this is the case. Dr. Julie Albright, one of the authors of the study, shares that most cases of canine aggression are related to underlying stress or anxiety, the "fight or flight" response. Therefore, it is a mystery why only aggression, and not other forms of anxious behavior, seems to have improved with CBD treatment.
CBD and our way of life
The study also notes that dogs living in areas where the use of medical cannabis for humans is legal are more likely to receive CBD. This suggests that owners who themselves use CBD are transferring these values and care to their pets. It is believed that CBD can also help with other health problems, such as osteoarthritis and epilepsy in dogs. Our dogs are part of the family and we love them, so we want to give them the best!
It is important to be careful
This is where we need to be careful. The study itself does not provide specific information about what exactly CBD products were used and what the dosage was. In addition, Dr. Joseph Wakshlag from Cornell University emphasizes that the results should be taken with reservations, as there is no direct comparison of different treatment methods. It is important to consult your veterinarian before giving anything to your dog.
But the news is not entirely negative. The study may be the first step towards discovering the beneficial properties of CBD for our pets. There is also a positive side – many pet owners share their experiences and swear by CBD's supposed ability to relieve arthritic pain, fight cancer, and treat seizures in dogs. But remember that every dog is individual, and what works for one may not work for another.
For the future
Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council, believes that CBD may be useful for cognitive problems and calming purposes. Sales of CBD products are growing, indicating that they are working for pet owners. He believes that if the products did not produce results, people would not buy them. Dr. Albright adds that further studies are needed to understand all the benefits of CBD.
So, what to do? Continue to watch with interest what is happening in the scientific world. Maybe one day we will have even more opportunities to help our dogs be happy and healthy! And while we wait, we can enjoy every moment spent with our faithful friends.
Can you imagine the calm dog snuggled up next to you while the snow falls gently outside?