June 30, 2022 10 min read

Overview-This article aims to understand how CBD works to reduce aggression in dogs.

CBD-based products are easy to consume for dogs and have a calming effect on them. 

Content Description- CBD has a soothing impact on aggressive dogs. Furthermore, cannabidiol is excellent in reducing the discomfort experienced by the animal, which is a common cause of dog aggression. In this article, we will discuss dog aggression in detail; its causes, what CBD is, how it works to combat aggression in dogs, CBD safety, its proper dosage, and the future of CBS-based pet treatment. 

CBD for Dogs Aggression: How It Works.

Introduction 

Is your dog aggressive in situations involving other dogs, people, or specific triggers like food, toys, and locations? Canine aggression is widespread, and it is a troubling issue. It can range from minor to severe and has a variety of reasons. All dog breeds are prone to aggressive behavior, whether it occurred throughout puppyhood or was a one-time occurrence.

Dog in Bath

There are numerous reasons for having a pet in your life. They give companionship, exchange experiences, heal, amuse, and improve our lives, so choosing to spend your life with an aggressive dog is a serious decision. 

For dog owners, dog aggression is a serious issue. It's stressful to be continually concerned that your dog might attack someone, whether another pet or a stranger. Despite the fact that it is unquestionably a big issue, aggression in dogs can be corrected.

Some studies have suggested CBD oil as a treatment for agitated, barking, or biting dogs, but the real remedy is to identify the cause of canine aggression. 

This blog delves into the details of dog aggression and its causes, how well CBD oil works for treating dog aggression, CBD and Prozac, CBD dosage, and the future of CBD-based treatment for dogs. However, in order to fully understand the significance of CBD oil, one must first comprehend dog aggression. 

So let's get started.

What is Dog Aggression?

 Black Lab


Dogs, like people, have feelings and are affected by them. As a result, dogs may act aggressively at times.

The first thing that comes to our mind when someone says their dog is aggressive is that they have a dog that might bite them. However, aggression can refer to a variety of behaviors. Some dogs keep their hostility in check and never do anything more than growl once in a while, while others attack other dogs or even humans.

Some of it is inherited, while others stem from regional practices. It could also be the result of a painful ailment. Therefore, it's worth seeing your veterinarian to make sure the hostility isn't due to a medical issue. Whatever symptoms of aggression your dog exhibits, the most important thing is to figure out what triggers it.

Causes of Aggression in Dogs

Little Dogs

 

It's extremely uncommon for a dog to become aggressive out of nowhere. There are a variety of reasons why a dog may become aggressive, and determining the root cause will make treatment simple and effective. There are also many different types of aggression that could be present in a dog, such as territorial aggression or fear aggression.

The most typical reasons for dog hostility are as follows:

It's very uncommon for a dog to become aggressive out of nowhere. There are several reasons why a dog may become aggressive, and determining the root cause will make treatment simple and effective. The most typical reasons for dog hostility are as follows:

Protective Nature.

When dogs get hyper-vigilant about their perceived area, they engage in extremely aggressive behaviors. It is known as "protective aggression."

Illnesses.

Dogs might become violent as a result of certain illnesses. It can be termed pain elicited aggression. If your pet dog, who enjoys riding around with other friends, has recently become irritable and aggressive, it could be dealing with a medical condition.

Fear.

Fear is major reason dog owners have to deal with dog aggression. Fear-based behavior is frequently caused by a lack of sufficient socialization, previous negative encounters with other dogs, or previous owner abuse. Fear can also result in defensive aggression.

Frustration.

It is referred to as "redirected aggression," and it arises from a dog's irritation at being unable to get to something. Dog’s aggression and anxiety increase when they feel frustrated.

Anxiety

The latest changes in a dog's surroundings may be causing them to get worried, resulting in aggressive behavior. Anxiety can be triggered by the birth of a new family member or the relocation to a new residence. There can also be a case of separation anxiety that occurs when dogs are separated from their owners or other furry friends.

Resource Protectio

Resource guarding dogs are extremely territorial of their most prized possessions, such as their favorite toy, food, or even a human. Resource aggressive dogs may lunge and snap at other dogs if they approach too close to their favorite thing. It is also known as territorial aggression or possessive aggression.

Leash.

When you put your dog's leash on, does he or she start howling, lunging, snapping, or barking at anything in sight? If this is the case, the dog is becoming aggressive towards the leash. Leash aggression is directed mainly at other dogs and is thought to be the result of the dog feeling overly constrained by its leash. It can also result in social aggression. 

What is CBD?

CBD oil may provide relief from the causes of hostility in aggressive dogs. It can reduce aggressive behavior in dogs when prescribed in appropriate doses.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It can be found in a wide range of items, including foods, balms, tinctures, and oils.

Since the CBD in these items is predominantly sourced from hemp (rather than marijuana), it will have little to no THC and, thus, has no intoxicating effects. Your dog will not get high from CBD.

In a study conducted in Italy, some dogs were given CBD oil while others were given sunflower oil. After a few days, all dogs were evaluated on the basis of their aggression toward humans. The aggressive behavior toward humans in dogs given CBD oil reduced significantly over time. The canines who were given sunflower oil did not exhibit any signs of reduced aggression.

CBD is available in a variety of CBD treats, including edibles, juices, tinctures, and oils. But, the best CBD oil is the only type that is good for dogs.

The following conditions may benefit from hemp CBD:

  • Appetite loss
  • Anxiety
  • Extreme barking in dogs
  • Aggressive activities
  • Depression in dogs
  • Inflammation
  • Seizures
  • Allergies

CBD can be given as a dog treat on a regular basis or as a boost for special events like New Year's Eve fireworks, having a new addition to the family, or going to the vet. This will help you to keep your dog’s behavior under control for the occasion. 

Can a dog get high from CBD?

CBD for Pets

It's important to remember that cannabidiol is a substance found in cannabis. But, CBD, unlike THC, is not a psychoactive drug for users. Numerous scientific studies have revealed that this chemical has genuine health benefits.

While CBD is derived from hemp, it is not synonymous with drug usage. In terms of dog aggression, it contributes to the reduction of the animal's nervousness. In most situations, CBD also lessens the amount of stress that the dog experiences.

As a result, it's not surprising that CBD has a soothing impact on aggressive dogs. Furthermore, cannabidiol is excellent in reducing the discomfort experienced by the animal, which is a common cause of dog aggression.

It's important to remember that CBD's activity will be helpful even if the animal's hostility is triggered by another health issue. CBD is a great way to help your pet behave more calmly, regardless of the cause of its hostility.

Safety & CBD Product Selection.

CBD oil has been proven to be safe for all animals to consume. However, the product you choose should be carefully scrutinized. For example, you shouldn't buy CBD oil from the neighborhood convenience store. You should also avoid purchasing a CBD product that is intended primarily for human consumption. 

The CBD created for humans generally incorporates some form of sweetener (to sweeten the tincture), such as Xylitol (also present in peanut butter). This CBD made for human use shouldn't be used for dogs as it may irritate them and is unlikely to deliver the desired results.

To make sure the oil performs the way it's supposed to, look for a full-spectrum CBD range.

How Does CBD Work?

While each anti-inflammatory ingredient in hemp has a somewhat distinct effect on dogs' bodies, they all have a comparable interaction with their biological system.

The ECS is a native endocannabinoid system found in all mammals. This is a system that controls a variety of bodily activities, including sleep, inflammation, pain, cognition, and mood. CBD acts by activating the ECS receptors, which has an impact on all of the system's processes.


CBD and other active ingredients trigger receptors in dogs' immune systems when they take CBD oil (ideally as a regular dose over many weeks). These receptors are in charge of controlling the release of hormones and enzymes that affect inflammation, anxiety, pain, sleep, and other immunological activities in the central nervous system.

In addition, CBD has been found to aid in the immune system rebalancing, reduce inflammation and swelling, and promote regular sleep and digestion in humans, dogs, and mice.

An anxious dog has a tendency to have erratic moods, which can be exacerbated by physical pain, illness, or if they were poorly treated shelter dogs in the past. CBD oil may relieve many of these symptoms at once, producing a more stable system and a calmer dog since it targets specific receptors that govern moods and pain.

Additional ways in which CBD helps reduce aggressive dogs.

As per an article posted in Neuropharmacology, researchers discovered that "in addition to modifying basal anxiousness in dogs, recent research suggests a significant role for the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) as well as glucocorticoid processes in the manipulation of feelings and emotions and the eradication of aversive experiences in animals." 

This suggests that CBD can aid dogs with PTSD and anxiety-related diseases (such as fear-based aggression) by facilitating the erasure of bad memories. It is especially significant in dogs that have been through trauma, such as those who have been abused or who have worked in the military or police. Healthy dogs need to forget the trauma they have gone through.

CBD Oil vs. Prozac

Aggressive dogs can be treated with a variety of behavioral medicines. They are mainly human medications that veterinarians utilize off-label, which means that, like cannabidiol, they really aren't FDA approved to be used for dogs.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is another drug commonly prescribed for an anxious dog. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat a variety of behavioral problems in dogs and cats. 

In a 2016 poll, 83% of veterinarians said they had administered Prozac to dogs and cats. When it comes to behavioral difficulties, CBD oil and Prozac may well have similar results. However, drugs frequently have adverse effects that owners should be aware of before taking them.

CBD vs. Placebo

According to studies, using CBD as a painkiller may not truly lessen the intensity of the pain, but it may make one feel less uncomfortable.

According to a tiny study conducted by Syracuse University researchers, placebos may play a role in the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in relieving chronic pain.

A placebo is a medical intervention or procedure fooling a clinical trial participant. It does not comprise any active substances, but it often has a physiological effect on the user.

Dosage of CBD for dog aggression.

Finding the right dosage of CBD for aggressive dogs is one of the most difficult tasks. Dogs, contrary to popular opinion, should be given a CBD dosage based on their disease instead of their weight. 

Every dog is distinct, with its own set of diseases, and the dosage should be adjusted to match the complexity of the issue. A dog that is only minimally stressed, for example, will likely not need as much CBD oil as one that is displaying acute aggression.

Proof of CBD's effectiveness from pet owners.

There are multiple stories where dog parents have been able to help their dog's combat aggression. 

As a result of his age, Barnaby, a 15-year-old dog, had become hypersensitive and feared aggressive. All it took was a week of CBD usage for his owners to notice a difference in his temperament, which made working on his behaviors much easier. These stories can be an inspiration to suffering owners, as well as a motivation to those who volunteer in rescue and deal with restless and aggressive dogs daily.

One dog mom has observed that her furry friend became calmer and friendlier after giving her PTSD foster dog some CBD snacks. She claims that the obvious change in the dog's attitude made it simpler for them to socialize and change their behavior.


The Future of CBD for Dog Aggression and Pet Treatment

CBD products made from hemp are becoming a popular treatment option for pet owners looking for a more holistic approach to pain alleviation without the legal ramifications of marijuana. In the United States, hemp is a legally sold substance. 

Hemp CBD products can be found in a variety of stores across the United States, particularly at dispensaries, where such CBD products have proven popular with pet owners.

What we can expect in the future.

Stopping the stigma around medical marijuana will require a substantial quantity of scientific research. On the other hand, CBD has a promising medical future thanks to its unique chemical structure, which enables humans and animals to benefit from the therapeutic properties of cannabis without the euphoric effects. 

These novel CBD consumption methods are helping individuals realize CBD's enormous potential. We expect to see more pets benefit from the pain-relieving effects of medical cannabis as more research and perceptions change.

Conclusion

Many dog owners are finding relief in realizing the benefits of CBD oil for fearful and aggressive dog behavior. It can be utilized in conjunction with their normal activities and rehabilitation. CBD oil activates the natural mechanism in dogs that controls their moods, leading to a calmer, more relaxed canine.

It's also important to remember that while CBD can calm angry and anxious dogs, it can't cure them or eliminate the underlying reason. It's a great tool for dealing with dog aggression, but it shouldn't be used in place of holistic dog training for maintaining proper dog health.