CBD Oil For Dog Aggression: The Science Behind It, Facts, Benefits and Limitations

Dealing with an aggressive dog? Yes, it is super stressful and a little scary at times. Whether it’s a growl that sends chills down the spine or full-on lunging, dog aggression is a serious behavior issue that pet owners need to address. But here’s the thing, dog aggression doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s a complex mix of emotions and reactions, and understanding why it happens is key to keeping a furry friend (and everyone around them) safe.

Traditionally, managing aggressive behavior in dogs has meant a combo of behavioral therapy, training, and in some cases, medication. However, a growing number of pet owners are getting curious about a more natural route. Yes, the CBD oil. Is this hemp-derived product the missing piece in calming a dog’s aggressive behavior? In this post, we’ll dive into the potential benefits of CBD oil for dog aggression, explore the science behind it, and offer some tips for any pet owners considering giving it a go. Let’s dig in!

Dog Aggression: What’s Really Going On?

Before discussing CBD dog tinctures and treats, it’s more appropriate to discuss dog aggression first. Aggressive behavior looks different from one dog to another. One pup gets territorial, while another lashes out in fear. Understanding the type of aggression a dog is displaying is critical to finding the right solution.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common types of dog aggression:

Territorial Aggression: This is when dogs defend their space like it’s the last piece of pizza at a party. It’s triggered when they feel their home, yard, or favorite couch spot is under threat. “Territorial aggression in dogs is characterized by aggressive behavior towards other dogs, often involving territorial disputes,” (Blackshaw, J., 1991). 

Protective Aggression: Ever seen a dog go into bodyguard mode around their family or other animals? That’s protective aggression, and it happens when a dog feels the need to shield their “pack.”

Possessive Aggression: Some dogs are possessive of their food, toys, or even their favorite human. They’ll get aggressive if they think their stuff is in danger of being taken away. “Aggression in dogs is normal and adaptive behavior, used to defend themselves and compete for resources, such as food, mates, and territory,” (Voith, V., 1990). 

Fear Aggression: When a dog is scared out of its mind, aggression is often the response. Sudden movements, loud noises, or unfamiliar situations turn a fearful pup into an aggressive one. Also, “Dogs are more likely to demonstrate stranger-directed aggression if they are mildly or severely fearful of strangers, or mildly fearful in non-social situations,” (Flint, H., et al., 2017).

Social Aggression: Social climber, much? This happens when dogs are sorting out the hierarchy in a group and feel the need to dominate or show who’s boss.

Frustration/Redirected Aggression: Ever seen dogs get so worked up that they take their frustration out on anything in their path? This happens when something blocks them from what they want, and that pent-up energy redirects as aggression.

Pain-Elicited Aggression: If a dog’s hurting, they snap, growl, or lash out to protect themselves. Pain makes even the sweetest dog turn aggressive, especially if the pain is ongoing.

Does CBD Help With Dog Aggression?

Alright, now that the different types of dog aggression were elaborated, it’s time for the main event—CBD oil. This is a hemp-based supplement popping in the form of CBD Tinctures. But can cannabidiol (that’s the fancy term for CBD) really help curb aggressive behavior in dogs? Let’s take a closer look.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

So, what makes CBD tick? It all comes down to the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors that runs throughout both human and dog bodies. The ECS regulates a bunch of important stuff. Some are listed below.

• Mood and behavior
• Pain perception
• Stress response
• Immune function
• Sleep

When a dog ingests CBD, it interacts with this system, helping to influence how the ECS responds to things like anxiety, stress, or even pain. CBD oil for dogs helps bring balance to these processes, potentially reducing the need for aggressive behaviors. It’s like giving a pup’s nervous system a little extra zen, without any of the psychoactive effects that come with THC (the “high” compound found in cannabis).

Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Aggression in Dogs

So, why are pet owners reaching for CBD tinctures when their dogs start showing aggression? Here are a few ways CBD might help:

Reducing Anxiety: Since many aggressive behaviors in dogs are rooted in anxiety, the calming effects of CBD are a game-changer (Hunt, A., et al., 2023) If a dog feels less anxious, they are not inclined to snap or lash out. A CBD dog treat helps turn down the dial on their stress, making them less reactive to their triggers.

Pain Management: Remember that pain-elicited aggression we talked about? Well, CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A study showeed that “CBD has anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties in dogs’ immune cells, encouraging further studies to better understand its potential therapeutic role in veterinary medicine,” (Gugliandolo, E., et al., 2021). So, if pain is fueling your dog’s aggressive outbursts, CBD oil could help reduce the discomfort and lower the chances of aggressive behavior flaring up.

Mood Improvement: By influencing serotonin levels (that’s the feel-good hormone), CBD potentially helps improve a dog’s mood (Sales, A., et al., 2018).. A happier dog is a less aggressive dog, right? That’s the theory anyway!

Real-World Results: What Studies Are Saying

While the research on CBD oil for dog aggression is still in its early stages, there’s some interesting data out there. For example, a study by Corsetti, S., et al., (2021) involving shelter dogs with aggressive tendencies showed that those who were given CBD oil exhibited reduced aggression toward humans.

Another animal study found that CBD reduced aggressive behaviors induced by social isolation or exposure to stressful stimuli (Hartmann, A., et al., 2019).

While these studies are promising, it’s important to remember that we still need more research to fully understand how effective CBD is for dog aggression. Every dog is different, and the effects of CBD vary.

Types of CBD Products for Dogs

There are a few different types of CBD oil for dogs available, each with its pros and cons. Below is a quick rundown:

Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all the cannabinoids found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC (but less than 0.3%, so it’s not enough to get a dog high). Full-spectrum products are thought to produce an “entourage effect,” where the different cannabinoids work together for stronger therapeutic effects.

Broad-Spectrum CBD: Similar to full-spectrum, but with no detectable THC. It still includes other cannabinoids and terpenes, so some of the entourage effect benefits are still present.

CBD Isolate: This is the purest form of CBD. No THC, no other cannabinoids—just CBD doing its thing.

How to Choose a CBD Product for An Aggressive Dog

The market for CBD dog products is booming, so it is a little overwhelming when it’s time to choose one. Follow the cheat sheet below to find a quality product.

Source and Quality: Make sure the CBD oil comes from high-quality, organically-grown hemp. Avoid products with pesticides or chemicals that are harmful to dogs.

Third-Party Testing: Reputable brands have their products tested by independent labs. These reports (often available on the brand’s website) verify the product’s purity and potency.

Potency: CBD oil comes in different strengths. The right potency depends on the dog’s size, weight, and the severity of their aggression.

Type of CBD: Decide whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate is preferred.

Additional Ingredients: Some products include other calming ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine, which enhance the calming effects of CBD.

To learn more about choosing the right CBD oil for a dog, click here. 

How to Give CBD to A Dog

After choosing the product, how to get a dog to actually take it? Luckily, CBD for dogs comes in different forms to suit picky eaters or dogs that don’t love taking supplements:

CBD Tinctures: Administer CBD oil directly into the dog’s mouth using a dropper or add it to their food or water. Tinctures allow for precise dosage adjustments.

CBD Treats: These are super convenient—pre-dosed, easy to give, and delicious. They’re a great option if dog parents don’t want to measure out tinctures every day.

CBD Capsules: If a dog will take a pill, capsules are a good option. Mix them with food or slip them into a treat.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effects are seen. Always chat with the dog’s vet first, especially if a dog is on any other medications or has health conditions.

Limitations of CBD for Dog Aggression

As promising as CBD for aggressive dogs sounds, it’s not a cure-all. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Not a Magic Bullet: CBD helps, but it’s not going to solve the aggression problem on its own. It is a part of a broader plan that includes behavioral training and possibly other interventions.

Every Dog is Different: Just like humans, dogs respond to CBD in their own unique ways. What works for one dog does not work for another, so there could be some trial and error involved.

Potential Side Effects: While CBD is generally safe, some dogs experience mild side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or an upset stomach.

Limited Research: We need more studies specifically focused on the long-term effects of CBD on dog aggression. While the early findings are encouraging, there’s still a lot to learn.

Combining CBD Oil with Behavioral Training

Here’s the golden rule: if using CBD to help with dog aggression, pair it with good old-fashioned training. Whether a dog’s aggression stems from anxiety, frustration, or fear, working with a certified trainer or behaviorist is essential to get to the root of the issue. Techniques like desensitization and counterconditioning, along with positive reinforcement, help a dog learn to stay calm in triggering situations.

The Final Takeaway

So, is CBD oil for dog aggression worth trying? The answer is a cautious yes! If a dog’s aggression is tied to anxiety, stress, or even pain, CBD oil is a natural supplement that helps them chill out and feel more balanced. Just remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and results vary from dog to dog.

If a dog parent is considering giving CBD to aggressive dogs, consult the dog’s vet to ensure it’s the right fit for the dog’s needs. Combine it with proper training, a healthy environment, and lots of love to help the dog live their best, most peaceful life!

References

• Blackshaw, J. (1991). An overview of types of aggressive behaviour in dogs and methods of treatment. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 30, 351-361. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(91)90140-S.
• Corsetti, S., Borruso, S., Malandrucco, L., Spallucci, V., Maragliano, L., Perino, R., D’Agostino, P., & Natoli, E. (2021). Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2.
• Flint, H., Coe, J., Serpell, J., Pearl, D., & Niel, L. (2017). Risk factors associated with stranger-directed aggression in domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 197, 45-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APPLANIM.2017.08.007.
• Gugliandolo, E., Licata, P., Peritore, A., Siracusa, R., D’amico, R., Cordaro, M., Fusco, R., Impellizzeri, D., Paola, R., Cuzzocrea, S., Crupi, R., & Interlandi, C. (2021). Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood. Veterinary Sciences, 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090185.
• Hartmann, A., Lisboa, S., Sonego, A., Coutinho, D., Gomes, F., & Guimarães, F. (2019). Cannabidiol attenuates aggressive behavior induced by social isolation in mice: Involvement of 5-HT1A and CB1 receptors. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109637.
• Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.
• Sales, A., Crestani, C., Guimarães, F., & Joca, S. (2018). Antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 86, 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.002.
• Voith, V. (1990). Aggression in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 197 7, 807, 810-1.