CBD and Stress in Dogs: What a New Study Reveals

Any dog owner who’s dealt with a shaking pup on New Year’s Eve or a howling chorus during a workday knows this truth: stress is real - and common - in dogs. It’s not just an occasional whimper or restless night. For some dogs, stress is a constant, especially in environments like animal shelters, where noise, unfamiliar people, and isolation are sadly part of daily life.

This has led more people to explore natural calming support options - including cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. But with so many products and claims on the market, it can be hard to separate marketing from meaningful science.

That’s why a newly published veterinary study caught our attention. It took a closer look at the effects of CBD for dogs with anxiety and stress - not just through observations, but through biological markers like cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and immune system indicators. Explore what the researchers found, and what it might mean for your dog.

A Closer Look at the Study

In this Thai–German collaboration, scientists worked with twelve adult shelter dogs, each living in a facility known for loud environments and irregular routines - ideal conditions, sadly, for chronic stress.

Over a period of two weeks, the dogs were divided into three groups:

• One group received a daily placebo (with no CBD).

• One group received CBD oil at a dose of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight.

• One group received a gel-based CBD formulation at a dose of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Each dose was given once daily, mixed into food to ensure full ingestion.

Each dog was then exposed to a short daily stressor: temporary isolation in a kennel away from the other animals. While this might seem mild, for dogs accustomed to constant activity and companionship, even short periods of isolation can trigger acute stress responses.

To monitor how each dog reacted, the team took blood samples before and after the stress period to measure cortisol levels and immune markers. The results were nothing short of revealing.

CBD and Cortisol in Pets

Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” It helps the body respond to challenges, but when elevated over time, it can also take a toll on health - suppressing the immune system, disrupting sleep, and contributing to behavioural issues in otherwise healthy dogs.

In this study, the dogs given CBD, whether in oil or gel form, showed significantly lower post-stress cortisol levels compared to the placebo group. This effect was especially noticeable by the second week of supplementation, suggesting that, just like in humans, regular CBD use may support a calmer stress response over time.

While the precise biological mechanism isn’t fully understood, scientists believe that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system - a complex network of receptors involved in regulating mood, pain, immune function, and yes, stress. By helping to “rebalance” this system, the use of CBD could influence how the body perceives and processes stressful experiences.

It’s worth noting that CBD didn’t completely suppress cortisol, and that’s a good thing! Cortisol has a vital role in helping the body respond to challenges. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely, but rather to help the body regulate it in a more balanced, calm, and less overwhelming way.

A Reassuring Safety Profile for CBD Oil for Dogs

One of the most important findings from the study was what didn’t happen.

Throughout the two weeks, researchers closely monitored a range of health indicators, including liver enzymes, immune cell levels, and blood counts. These are essential markers for spotting inflammation, toxicity, or organ stress - things that can sometimes accompany new supplements.

The verdict? CBD appeared safe and well tolerated. None of the dogs showed any harmful changes in bloodwork, and no adverse behaviours or signs of discomfort were noted by the veterinary team. Even in this relatively vulnerable population - shelter dogs who were already slightly underweight and stressed - using CBD did not lead to complications.

That’s an encouraging signal, particularly for dog owners worried about giving supplements to older pets or animals with less-than-perfect health.

Immune Clues: Subtle Signals from the Body

Interestingly, the study also noted subtle differences in the dogs’ immune responses. Dogs in the CBD groups had slightly higher levels of certain immune cells (particularly lymphocytes) compared to those on placebo. While these changes weren’t dramatic, they hint at a potential link between stress support and immune balance.

Stress and the immune system are closely intertwined. Chronic stress can weaken immune defences, leaving pets more prone to illness or inflammation. By helping to regulate the body’s stress response, CBD may indirectly support immune health too - though more research is needed to understand exactly how.

This is especially relevant in environments like kennels or shelters, where dogs are often exposed to new pathogens and limited rest.

Easier Administration of CBD Products May Boost Results

While both the oil and gel formulations showed positive effects, the gel-based format led to slightly more consistent results, particularly in cortisol reduction. This wasn’t necessarily because the gel was “stronger” (the same doses were applied in oil and gel), but rather due to how it was absorbed and administered.

The gel format may improve bioavailability - that is how much of the active compound actually reaches the bloodstream - and sticks better when mixed with food. For pet parents who can't drop an oil directly into their dog's mouth, that can mean less waste, fewer dosing errors, and better overall results.

Of course, every dog is different, and what matters most is finding a format your dog will accept willingly and consistently.

What This Means for Dogs Living with Stress and Anxiety

Whether it’s a shelter pup or a beloved family pet, stress can impact dogs in more ways than we realise. It’s not always visible as shaking or barking. Chronic stress can quietly affect digestion, sleep, immune function, and even how well a dog responds to training or bonding.

This study offers compelling early evidence that CBD may support dogs in managing stress more calmly - not through sedation, but through more balanced physiological responses.

And perhaps most importantly, it did so safely, even in dogs with existing health challenges.

It’s not a cure-all, and it’s certainly not a replacement for enrichment, routine, and positive reinforcement. But for dogs who struggle with everyday triggers like car rides, separation anxiety and loud noises,CBD might offer gentle support for better resilience.

Dog CBD: A Promising Start, with More to Learn

Like many areas of CBD research, the science around dogs and stress is still evolving. This was a small study, and more work is needed to understand long-term effects, ideal dosing, and whether certain types of stress (like noise phobia versus general anxiety) respond better than others.

But the message is clear: CBD may offer real promise as a natural, well-tolerated option for dogs dealing with stress. Especially when used thoughtfully, under guidance from your vet, and as part of a holistic approach to your pet’s wellbeing.

If you’re considering CBD for your dog, look for high-quality products that are third-party tested, clearly dosed, and made specifically for pets. And always consult with a vet first - especially if your dog is on medication or has a chronic condition.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Puttharaksa W, Charoensook R, Tungtrakanpoung R, Hoidokhom N, Rungchang S, Brenig B, Numthuam S. A Preliminary Evaluation of the Comparative Efficacy of Gel-Based and Oil-Based CBD on Hematologic and Biochemical Responses in Dogs. Vet Sci. 2025 Apr 7;12(4):342.