The change of seasons can be stressful for some dogs with some showing signs of anxiety or allergies, but CBD can help.
As seasons shift, many canine patients begin to show signs of stress, both emotional and physical. For some, it’s behavioural anxiety triggered by changes in routine, weather, and reduced daylight. For others, the new season means itchy skin, allergic flare-ups, and inflammation. Often, these conditions occur together and can exacerbate one another.
As veterinary professionals, addressing both the behavioural and dermatological effects of seasonal transitions is critical. One emerging adjunct in this space is cannabidiol (CBD), a plant-derived compound with promising applications in managing anxiety, inflammation, and skin hypersensitivities.
Why Dogs Struggle During Seasonal Changes
Dogs are sensitive to environmental changes that can disrupt their sense of safety and physical comfort. Common seasonal stressors include:
- Storm anxiety during wetter months
- Less physical stimulation due to shorter days or indoor confinement
- Increased exposure to allergens such as pollen, mould spores, or dust mites
- Changes in household schedules, such as daylight saving time or school holidays
These stressors may contribute to anxiety-driven behaviours like pacing, barking, destructive chewing, and excessive licking. Importantly, the licking and scratching may also relate to seasonal atopic flare-ups, which are commonly misattributed to behaviour alone.
The Skin-Anxiety Connection
Dogs experiencing skin irritation are often visibly uncomfortable. Chronic itch can lead to restlessness, irritability, and heightened anxiety. Conversely, anxiety can drive compulsive behaviours that worsen existing dermatological conditions, creating a cycle of distress.
As noted by CBD Vets Australia, many allergic or seasonal flare-ups result from an overactive immune response. These may present as:
- Excessive itching and redness
- Chewing or licking paws
- Hot spots or recurrent skin infections
- Ear irritation or infections
The underlying cause is often a disrupted skin barrier function, triggered by environmental allergens or seasonal humidity changes.
How CBD May Support Both Skin & Mood
Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system found in all mammals that helps maintain homeostasis. The ECS is involved in processes like mood regulation, inflammation control, immune response, and skin health.
1. Anxiety Reduction
CBD may support a calmer mood in dogs by modulating receptors involved in the stress response:
- A 2023 peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that a single oral dose of THC-free CBD (4 mg/kg) significantly reduced signs of stress and anxiety in dogs subjected to separation and travel stress.
- Another six-month observational study demonstrated sustained improvements in stress-related behaviours in dogs receiving daily CBD. 2. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Support
2. Inflammation Control
CBD has been shown to influence inflammatory mediators and may help rebalance immune response in allergic dogs:
- Cannabinoid receptors are present in the skin and sebaceous glands, playing a role in barrier function and immune modulation (Oláh et al., 2016).
- CBD may reduce cytokine activityand histamine response, making it a potential adjunct in dogs with seasonal dermatitis or environmental allergies.
3. Skin Health
Many pets prescribed CBD oil experience noticeable improvement in skin comfort – fewer flare-ups, less itching, and reduced inflammation. When used alongside traditional allergy control methods, CBD may help stabilise the immune system response through the changing seasons.
Clinical Guidance for Vets
When considering CBD for anxiety and skin health during seasonal transitions:
- Prescribe legally: In Australia, CBD is a Schedule 4 medicine and must be prescribed.
- Start low, go slow: Begin with a low dose and adjust based on clinical response.
- Use only veterinary-prescribed CBD: Avoid over-the-counter or online products due to inconsistent formulations and potential contaminants.
- Monitor skin and behaviour: Track both dermal symptoms and behavioural changes to assess full-spectrum benefits.
- Educate owners: Explain the importance of consistent dosing and reinforce the holistic nature of therapy, including diet, environmental control, and stress management.
INtegrating CBD into seasonal treatment plans
Seasonal transitions can be challenging for our canine patients, not only emotionally but physically. Anxiety and skin inflammation often coexist and compound one another.
As evidence grows, CBD appears to offer support across both fronts: reducing stress while helping to calm inflammatory skin responses.
By integrating CBD into seasonal treatment plans, vets have another tool to help dogs adjust more comfortably and maintain overall wellbeing throughout the year.
For case studies, product information, or to learn more about veterinary-prescribed CBD, visit CBD Vets Australia. To prescribe, register HERE.
