Dogs are our beloved companions, but sometimes when they have too much energy, it can be a lot to handle. While we wouldn’t want to change them, there are handy tools we can use to help manage an over-exuberant pup. One such tool for helping soothe hyper dogs is CBD oil.
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. As pet owners become increasingly aware of CBD's benefits, many look to the compound as a potential therapeutic aid for their furry companions.
Before resigning yourself to being kept up all night or discovering your pup has destroyed your favorite shoes, read on to learn more about using CBD to calm hyper dogs.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD works on dogs’ endocannabinoid system to help promote calm moods and overall balance.
- Hyper dogs benefit from CBD as it targets their underlying anxiety and stress.
- CBD oil works similarly to other sedative medications but is a natural alternative.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of hundreds of naturally occurring components, and the second-most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
Research has uncovered many benefits of CBD oil for both human and animals. CBD operates on the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping to maintain homeostasis (aka balance) in mood, pain regulation, sleep function, metabolism, and other physiological functions. Studies have also found that CBD can interact with serotonin receptors, which could further explain its mood-boosting abilities.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and will not make your dog high. Instead, CBD is known for its anti-anxiety and analgesic properties, making it a helpful aid for stressed-out pups and people alike.
Hyperactivity in Dogs
There are many reasons a dog can be unusually hyperactive or energetic. Lack of exercise and boredom are two potential reasons to explore first. With more regular walks or mental stimulation, your dog can get its excess energy out and calm down more easily.
Some dog breeds are naturally more energetic than others, with varieties like German shepherds and terriers – natural watchdogs and hunting companions – specifically bred with high stamina. These dogs usually do well with increased exercise, but not every owner’s lifestyle can accommodate hyper dogs' temperament.
Separation anxiety or noise aversion are other common reasons behind an overly active dog. If your dog is sensitive to loud noises, sleeping through the night in a noisy city could be challenging. Or perhaps your dog is uncomfortable alone, making them hyperactive out of stress or fear. Separation anxiety can cause an ordinarily relaxed dog to become destructive and hyperactive, leading many to seek strategies to calm their anxious pets.
Does CBD Work for Hyper Dogs?
Research and anecdotal reports alike have found that CBD oil or CBD-infused treats may be helpful in calming hyper or over-anxious dogs. CBD produces calming effects that both relax and improve moods, different from more traditional sedative medications.
CBD works on a dog’s endocannabinoid system and helps to regulate a chemical called anandamide. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in mood, motivation, and the brain's reward center. As such, CBD helps to modulate a dog’s hyper energy by assisting them to feel more balanced and relaxed. Research also suggests that CBD can help regulate glucose production and metabolic function, which can prevent energy boosts related to spikes in blood sugar.
However, it’s important to note that the FDA has not approved CBD products for pet use. It’s best to discuss CBD with your dog’s veterinarian before use, though many vets may be reluctant to recommend it due to its unregulated status.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of CBD for Hyper Dogs
Potential Benefits
CBD is known for its anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects, helping to calm hyperactivity in your dog. Hyper dogs are generally anxious, so addressing the stress and fear, which may be at the root of their high energy, can go a long way to calming their nervous system.
Additional research has pointed to CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects - it can soothe arthritic pain and other inflammation-based discomfort. Well-crafted, high-quality hemp oil may be able to help hyperactivity in dogs as a result of pain sensitivity.
At the correct dosage, CBD oils for dogs can also help with:
- Pain relief
- Depression or stress-related anxiety
- Healthy skin and coat
- Skin and seasonal allergies
- Neurological conditions such as epilepsy
- Cardiac health
- Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Digestive issues
- Cancer prevention and tumor inhibition
- Insomnia
Potential Drawbacks
Research has yet to explore CBD's potential risks and side effects for dogs. The FDA has yet to approve CBD, and no approved dosing breakdown exists. Therefore, it is uncertain whether CBD has a toxicity threshold, and any current medication your dog is taking has the potential for an interaction.
Always check with your vet before introducing a new supplement to your dog’s routine, and start with a small amount and monitor effects before increasing the dosage.
Additionally, some manufacturers of CBD for dogs are more reliable than others. When sourcing a product, looking for high-quality ingredients and lab-tested products is important. Our Evn CBD oil for dogs and dog treats are tested by independent, accredited third-party labs for consistent and effective quality.
The Bottom Line
CBD oil offers a reliable, natural way to soothe hyper dogs by addressing their underlying anxiety. While the modern pet market features dozens of CBD brands and dog-targeted products, it’s important to look for third-party lab results and user reviews to make the best possible choice.
Check out our line of lab-tested CBD oil and pet chews for reliably soothing CBD treats and CBD Dog Oil, trusted by thousands of customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD help with hyper dogs?
Yes – CBD may help to regulate hyperactive dogs by soothing anxiety, boosting their mood, and helping to balance their behavior.
How much CBD can I give my dog to relax?
Measurements vary based on the CBD product, but the AKC recommends giving your dog about 0.1 - 0.2mg per kilogram of your dog’s total weight twice daily.