A study from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the United Kingdom found that a combination of cannabidiol (CBD), L-tryptophan, and α-casozepine produced a mild stress-reducing effect in dogs during car travel.
Researchers conducted a blinded crossover trial with 54 healthy adult dogs, testing four treatments: a placebo, 2 mg/kg body weight CBD, 4 mg/kg CBD, and 2 mg/kg CBD combined with L-tryptophan and α-casozepine. Each dog received every treatment two hours before being subjected to a 10-minute car ride designed to induce stress.
All CBD treatments significantly increased plasma CBD levels compared to placebo, with the 4 mg/kg dose producing the highest concentrations. However, only the 2 mg/kg CBD combined with the blend resulted in a statistically significant reduction in cortisol levels after the stress test. No other treatment produced significant changes in physiological or behavioral stress indicators, although the blend group showed trends toward less lip licking and reduced activity, both potential signs of lower stress or motion sickness.
CBD absorption varied widely among individual dogs, with some showing little to no detectable levels after dosing. Breed differences were also noted, with Norfolk Terriers generally absorbing less CBD than Labrador Retrievers. Researchers suggested that differences in absorption, individual stress responses, and the treat-based delivery method may have influenced the lack of broader significant results.
The findings mark the first evidence that a single dose of L-tryptophan and α-casozepine, when combined with CBD, can reduce acute stress in dogs. The team recommends further research into factors affecting CBD absorption in dogs, as well as potential synergistic effects between CBD and other active ingredients for managing stress and anxiety in pets.
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