If you work in a veterinary practice or in the pet industry or in a business that supplies goods or services to the industry and you have something to say - why not become a 'Guest Blogger'?
For more information click here to read our: Guidelines for Guest Bloggers
Shifts in routine, increased noise, overstimulation, travel and temporary separation all place pressure on a pet’s emotional and physiological stability.
While behavioural management remains the foundation of care, many clinics are now considering CBD as part of a broader, holistic support approach during this high-stress period.
Disruptions to predictability play a major role in elevating stress. December brings irregular schedules, gatherings, visitors and household noise all of which can unsettle pets who rely heavily on routine for emotional regulation. Even confident dogs and cats may become more reactive when their environment suddenly becomes busier or less predictable.
Noise is one of the most significant triggers. Fireworks, parties and new voices can activate the sympathetic nervous system and lead to shaking, panting, pacing, vocalising and withdrawal. Clinics consistently report an increase in acute noise-phobia cases around Christmas and New Year.
Travel and boarding are also common stressors at this time of year. Being placed in an unfamiliar environment or separated from their primary people can contribute to restlessness, gastrointestinal changes, hypervigilance or clinginess upon return.
Many pet owners are exploring natural adjunctive tools like CBD to help pets cope with situational anxiety. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a regulatory network involved in mood, stress response and homeostasis. Through its indirect influence on ECS receptors, CBD may help support a more balanced response to environmental stressors.
Growing research suggests CBD may help reduce anxious behaviours by influencing serotonin signalling, particularly through interaction with 5-HT1A pathways. This serotonergic activity is widely discussed in the anxiety literature, and is believed to contribute to improved stress resilience and emotional regulation.
Emerging evidence also indicates CBD may support calm during situational stress, including predictable triggers such as fireworks, car travel and transitions into unfamiliar environments. While studies remain early, behavioural observations across veterinary practice and initial canine trials point to a reduction in stress-related behaviours such as pacing, restlessness, increased heart rate and hypervigilance.
Many veterinarians incorporate CBD into a holistic behavioural support plan -one that includes environmental adjustments, safe spaces, routine structuring, pheromone support and targeted behavioural strategies. In this context, CBD is used as an adjunct rather than a standalone intervention.
Most behavioural applications fall within a 1 – 2 mg/kg dosing range, with gradual titration based on size and sensitivity. In many cases, CBD’s effects begin within 30 – 60 minutes, making it suitable for pre-emptive support when stressors are predictable – such as fireworks, travel days or large gatherings. For more generalised anxiety, consistent daily use may support more stable outcomes.
The festive season brings a unique set of challenges for pets, from disrupted routines to intense noise exposure. While behavioural modification and environmental management remain central, emerging research suggests CBD may help regulate the stress response through ECS modulation and serotonergic activity.
Early studies and growing clinical use indicate potential benefits for easing situational anxiety and improving a pet’s ability to remain calm during predictable high-stress events.
As the evidence base expands, CBD is becoming a meaningful adjunctive option for vets seeking to support patient wellbeing during one of the most challenging times of the year.
CBD Vets Australia provides access to CBD oil for animals through a simple online prescription process, along with evidence-informed u⁷education via the Vet Portal.
CBD Vets Australia also supports veterinarians with ongoing education, prescription support, and updates on emerging research – making it easier to confidently integrate cannabinoid therapy into your practice, while prioritising animal safety and regulatory responsibility.
To learn more, visit CBD Vets Australia or contact our team at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
Connect with Dr Chris:
X18 Agency is the #1 Google Review engine for veterinary clinics worldwide. We help local businesses build trust, grow faster, and dominate their market - one 5-star review at a time. 1. We are absolute experts at... We are the absolute experts at turning your silent...
