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CBD May Lower Aggression in Dogs

CBD May Lower Aggression in Dogs

New Study Finds Dogs Given CBD Show Lower Aggression

If you’ve ever wondered whether CBD could help your dog stay calmer or less reactive, new research is giving pet parents even more reason to pay attention. A recent study highlighted by Ganjapreneur found that dogs given CBD supplements showed below-average aggression compared to other dogs.

Happy dog relaxing on the couch after taking CBD pet treats from Coastal Hemp.
Many pet parents use CBD to help their dogs stay calm, comfortable, and relaxed.

While CBD for pets has been growing in popularity for years, this study adds meaningful support to what many dog owners – and some veterinarians – have already noticed firsthand. For pet parents ready to explore CBD, you can shop our CBD for pets collection for trusted, hemp-derived options crafted with quality in mind.

CBD Use Is More Common in States With Medical Cannabis

One of the most interesting insights from the study is how local laws impact pet wellness trends. The researchers found that CBD use in dogs is more common in states where medical cannabis has been legalized. Pet parents in these areas may feel more comfortable exploring hemp-derived CBD or having open conversations with their veterinarians.

As awareness grows – and stigma continues to fade – more dog owners across the country are considering hemp-derived CBD supplements as a natural way to support their dog’s mood, mobility, and overall comfort.

Which Dogs Are Most Likely to Use CBD?

According to the study, CBD use is especially common in dogs dealing with certain health challenges. Pet parents often turn to CBD as a complementary option for dogs experiencing:

  • Canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia) – to help ease restlessness, confusion, or irritability.
  • Osteoarthritis and joint pain – to support comfort, flexibility, and daily movement.
  • Cancer – for comfort, calm, and sometimes appetite support.
  • Epilepsy – as a potential add-on alongside traditional treatment.
  • Hip dysplasia – to help with chronic pain and inflammation.
  • GI disorders and chronic diarrhea – to support gut health and ease digestive discomfort.

While CBD is not a cure or a replacement for veterinary care, many pet parents use CBD as part of a broader wellness plan. If your dog struggles with discomfort or age-related changes, you might explore a CBD pet tincture or CBD dog treat as a gentle, plant-based option.

Senior dog outdoors enjoying easier movement with the help of CBD for joint support.
Older dogs with joint issues or age-related conditions are more likely to use CBD.

How CBD May Help Reduce Aggression in Dogs

Aggression in dogs can have many roots: anxiety, pain, confusion, territorial behavior, or chronic stress. The new research suggests that long-term CBD use may be associated with lower aggression levels in dogs compared to those who never receive CBD.

Scientists believe this may be related to how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate mood, stress response, and inflammation. While more research is needed to fully understand the “why,” many pet owners report that CBD helps their dogs:

  • Respond more calmly to stressful triggers.
  • Feel less irritable when managing pain or discomfort.
  • Relax more easily in busy or noisy environments.

When dogs feel better both physically and emotionally, they’re naturally less likely to react with fear-based or defensive aggression.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

When sourced responsibly and used correctly, CBD is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. However, quality absolutely matters. Here are a few best practices to follow:

  • Choose third-party lab-tested CBD products made specifically for pets.
  • Start with a low dose and increase slowly as needed.
  • Avoid THC-heavy products and artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
  • Talk with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or takes other medications.

At Coastal Hemp, we focus on clean, hemp-derived CBD products that are formulated with care. If you’re exploring CBD for your dog, browse our pet CBD collection and look for clear labeling, simple ingredients, and posted lab results.

Dog owner talking with a veterinarian about using CBD supplements for their dog.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD or any new supplement.

What This Study Means for Pet Parents

For anyone looking for more natural support options, this study is encouraging. While CBD isn’t a magic fix, the findings support what many dog owners have already seen:

  • Dogs given CBD long-term showed below-average aggression compared to other dogs.
  • CBD use is more common in dogs with dementia, osteoarthritis, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and GI issues.
  • CBD is widely used in states with legal medical cannabis, where owners may be more familiar with hemp-based wellness.

If your dog struggles with reactivity, discomfort, or age-related issues, CBD may be worth a conversation with your vet. From there, you can explore trusted products like our CBD pet tinctures and CBD dog treats to see what works best for your pup.

Read the Full Research Coverage

To dive deeper into the science and see how researchers evaluated CBD use in over 47,000 dogs, check out the full news brief here:

Study: Dogs Given CBD Have Below-Average Aggression – Ganjapreneur

As more research emerges, one thing is clear: our bond with our pets is powerful, and many pet parents are turning to hemp-derived CBD to help their dogs feel calmer, move easier, and enjoy a better quality of life.

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