©Scott Sheaffer, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, USA Dog Behavior, LLC

Sales of CBD oil products for pets are up 400% in the last couple of years and continue to grow. Many dog owners are using these products in an attempt to address behavior issues in their dogs. But, is CBD oil an effective way to treat behavior issues in dogs? Let’s explore this question further.

Currently there are no FDA approved CBD drugs for treating moderate to severe anxiety or aggression disorders in dogs, even with a prescription from a veterinarian. But how about CBD oil that is commonly available over-the-counter without a prescription? The short version of that answer is that the jury is still out on the effectiveness of using CBD oil products that are sold over-the-counter for mild anxiety and aggression in dogs.

“I’ve observed that many dog owners feel peer pressure from fellow dog owners to try CBD oil…”

The FDA has guidelines for monitoring the efficacy of human supplements that are sold over-the-counter. However, when it comes to dogs, this oversight is much more casual, including their oversight of CBD oil for use in pets. As of the writing of this article, there are no significant scientifically sound and valid studies that show CBD oil effectively treats fear, anxiety or phobias in dogs.

The manufacturers of CBD oil also claim that it treats a whole host of physical ailments in addition to behavioral issues in dogs. Two studies were done recently, Gamble et al (2018) and McGrath et al (2019), to test whether CBD could reduce epileptic seizures and reduce pain in dogs. Both studies showed problematic, and dangerous, changes in liver function. McGrath’s study showed no difference from placebo control groups, i.e., it didn’t work.

Is CBD oil a miracle drug that addresses behavior issues and physical issues all in one treatment? I’m afraid it’s time to tap the brakes a little here.

Dog owners are not hearing the results of a 2018 study by Brutlag and Hommerdang that showed CBD oil increased anxiety and aggression in dogs. I could never comfortably recommend CBD containing products until we have more complete information on how they affect dogs physically and from a behavior perspective.

My current position on CBD products is that they most likely don’t impede the progress of a behavior treatment plan. But they probably don’t help either. From a physical perspective, I am unable to say if they are safe or not. We simply don’t have any real solid studies to stand on.

There are some (but not many) over-the-counter calming supplements that have been proven to work in dogs with mild anxiety and aggression issues. Check with a certified dog behavior consultant or knowledgeable veterinarian for recommendations. In addition to over-the-counter supplements, there are many prescription drugs that are proven and safe for treating behavior issues in most dogs - and in most cases, they are less expensive than over-the-counter supplements. Work with your certified dog behavior consultant and veterinarian to see if any of these are right for your dog.

I’ve observed that many dog owners feel peer pressure from fellow dog owners to try CBD oil in an effort to address any and all behavioral and physical issues their dog is having. For now, it is probably a more reasonable course to use established over-the-counter supplements and prescription medications until we know more.