Dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior for many reasons, and because an aggressive dog may potentially pose a danger to humans and to other animals, fixing this behavior is a priority if you’re a pet parent.
Environmental and dietary changes go a long way, but often, medications are needed. But if you’re like many people, you’re reluctant to have your dog take drugs that are known to create nasty side effects in dogs and humans.
Thankfully, there’s a natural alternative that offers many of the same benefits with fewer side effects.
Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural supplement that can work in tandem with other methods to help your dog be calmer and happier – and help bring you peace of mind.
A recent study suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for dogs with aggressive behaviors, and it’s also been shown to have potential benefits in dogs for anxiety and pain, both of which can create or exacerbate aggression.
Your pet deserves the best. Discover our collection of lab-tested CBD oil, treats, and bones for pets.
Causes & Types of Aggression in Dogs
VCA Animal Hospitals defines ten main types of aggression in dogs:
- Territorial: Aggression directed toward a person or animal that enters or approaches a dog’s perceived territory, which is usually the owner’s home or property.
- Possessive: Aggression, sometimes called resource guarding, that is directed toward a person or animal when a dog feels threatened that the person or animal will take away valued resources, usually food or toys.
- Maternal or Protective: Aggression directed toward a person or animal, typically by a female dog protecting her offspring.
- Pain-Related or Irritable: Aggression directed toward a person or animal which is motivated by pain or discomfort.
- Predatory: Aggression directed toward another animal, or occasionally a person, which is motivated by the desire to hunt, capture, kill, and consume species viewed as prey.
- Frustration or Redirected: Aggression that occurs when a dog cannot reach the target of its aggression or arousal and out of frustration changes its focus to another object, person, or other animal.
- Social Conflict-Related: Aggression directed toward a familiar person or animal which is motivated by internal conflict and displayed in contexts of social interactions.
- Sexual: Aggression directed toward another male or female dog associated with mating behavior, when male dogs compete for a female, or a female fights for access to a male.
- Disease-Related: Aggression directed toward a person or animal may be associated with infectious or non-infectious disease.
- Fear- or Anxiety-Related: Aggression directed toward a person or animal which is motivated by a dog that is feeling afraid, which may occur if approached, cornered or trapped, or if the animal is anxious about an uncertain or unpleasant outcome.
Out of these ten types, however, VCA mentions that fear and anxiety-related aggression are by far the most common in dogs. They also state that most of the types of aggression listed above include some element of fear and anxiety in them.
Therefore, addressing and alleviating the fear and/or anxiety is often the most important part of reducing your dog’s aggressive behaviors.
Can CBD Help With Dog Aggression? What Research Says
Research suggests CBD may have therapeutic potential for aggressive dogs. However, the studies so far are preliminary and more investigation is needed to confirm these benefits.
Here’s what research has to say about CBD for aggression, anxiety, and pain, all of which can be closely related:
Research on CBD for aggression in dogs
A 2021 study published in the journal Scientific Reports looked at the potential benefits of CBD for aggressive dogs.
The sample consisted of 24 shelter dogs divided into two groups: 12 dogs were assigned to the treatment group and 12 to the control group.
The dogs in the treatment group were given a CBD oil consisting of 5% CBD, while the control group was given a placebo.
Compared to the control group, the authors reported that the “treated dogs showed reduced aggressive behavior toward humans following the treatment.”
However, the author also found that the difference in the decrease of aggressive behavior between groups was not significant [1].
This study indicates that CBD may have a calming effect on aggressive dogs, but more research is needed. Twenty-four dogs isn’t a large enough sample to accurately determine the effects of CBD, but this study is nonetheless promising.
Research on CBD for anxiety in dogs
Anxiety is a major part of aggression and reactivity in dogs. Therefore, if CBD is beneficial for anxiety in dogs, it may also be useful for aggressive behavior.
Research suggests CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties in dogs.
In a 2023 study, researchers tested the effects of CBD for dogs with separation anxiety and travel anxiety.
The dogs underwent two tests: being left alone in a familiar room, or going on a short car journey. The researchers gave some of the dogs CBD, while they gave others a placebo.
Dogs who received a 4 mg/kg dose of CBD showed fewer signs of stress than those who didn’t, with the researchers noting that in some tests, the dogs who were given CBD experienced “a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group” [2].
While this is just one study, it shows that CBD has significant therapeutic potential for anxiety in dogs. Based on this, CBD may support dogs who struggle with anxiety-related aggression.
Research on CBD for pain in dogs
Physical discomfort and pain can cause dogs to act aggressively (pain-related aggression), or these circumstances can contribute to and exacerbate existing aggressive tendencies.
Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs, which means it may be beneficial if your dog is acting aggressively due to physical discomfort.
In a 2018 study, dogs were given either CBD oil or placebo oil every 12 hours for 4 weeks. The researchers found that, across two tests, dogs who were given CBD oil showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity [3].
Additionally, a 2023 research review identified five different studies in which CBD “significantly reduced pain and increased activity in dogs”, thereby improving their quality of life [4].
More studies are needed on CBD for pain in dogs, but the research so far indicates CBD may promote physical comfort – and therefore, mental calmness – in dogs.
How Does CBD Work in Dogs?
To understand how CBD renders benefits for dogs, you need to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a receptor system in the bodies of humans and animals (including dogs) that helps to regulate their vital functions. Among other things, it plays a large role in regulating emotions, mood, and the pain and inflammatory responses.
CBD works by interacting with the ECS in ways that allow it to maintain regular, normal mental and physical sensations.
Unlike many cannabinoids, CBD doesn’t bind strongly to the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the ECS.
Instead, it renders its benefits by exerting a general supportive effect on the ECS in dogs. CBD doesn’t create overtly positive sensations; rather, it restores mental and physical balance.
More research is needed on the exact mechanisms by which CBD works on the ECS in dogs and thereby creates the benefits highlighted in the research above.
However, what we know so far indicates that CBD promotes canine health in a comprehensive way, whereas most drugs target a single process in the body.
CBD vs. Prescription Drugs for Dog Aggression
Veterinarians use a variety of methods to treat aggression in dogs. Among these methods are the prescription of anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) drugs.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common type of anxiolytic drug. Examples of SSRIs prescribed to dogs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Side effects
But while these drugs may be effective at reducing anxiety (and therefore aggression) in dogs, they also come with a lot of side effects.
For example, the most common side effects of paroxetine in dogs are sleepiness and decreased appetite, but other side effects include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty urinating, muscle twitches, restlessness, sleeplessness, panting, dry/itchy skin, or vocalization.
Serious side effects include seizures, aggressive behavior, hyperexcitability, or persistent lack of appetite.
CBD, on the other hand, is far milder. It commonly causes dry mouth and drowsiness, and it may also create vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and diarrhea in dogs.
None of these side effects are good, but they’re not as severe as those caused by Paxil.
Benefits
Research suggests CBD may work similarly to SSRIs.
One study in humans found that CBD may increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, similar to how SSRIs do [5]. While this needs to be studied in dogs, this shows that CBD may have some of the same therapeutic potential as prescriptions.
Which should you choose?
We always recommend consulting your veterinarian before making any medication decisions for your dog. CBD should not be used as a substitute or replacement for SSRIs and other drugs if these have already been prescribed to your dog.
Your veterinarian weighs the relative benefits and downsides of medications before prescribing them. To keep your dog safe, we only recommend you use CBD if your vet has given you the okay.
That said, research suggests CBD may do some of the same things as prescription drugs for dog aggression while creating fewer side effects. Therefore, it’s an alternative worth considering.
Taking an Integrated Approach to Helping Your Dog With Aggression
Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for aggressive behavior in dogs. But CBD alone won’t fix your dog’s problems: instead, you’ll need to take an integrative approach to changing your dog’s behavior.
An integrative approach is one in which you combine natural supplements, like CBD, with psychological tools, such as behavior modification techniques.
It’s also important to remember that your dog’s environment heavily influences their behavior. Knowing which stressors trigger aggressive or reactive behavior in your dog can help you minimize or, ideally, eliminate these stressors.
Diet is another important component, both in terms of what you feed your dog and how often you feed them.
A lack of protein or overconsumption of carbohydrates may result in inflammation and obesity (which contribute to aggression), and they may also cause your dog to guard food, toys, or treats, which lead to aggression.
Overall, remember that different avenues of wellness for your dog are not mutually exclusive: CBD, psychological tools, environment, and diet should all be used together to help your dog live a happier, less anxious existence.
Types of CBD Products for Dog Aggression
There are several different CBD delivery methods for your dog. Here’s what to know about each:
CBD Oil
CBD oil for dogs typically consists of carrier oil, hemp extract, and added terpenes (hemp compounds with additional benefits). We also add flavoring – either chicken, bacon, or peanut butter – to our oils so our furry friends find them more appealing.
The benefit of choosing oil-based CBD delivery for your dog is that you can measure very precise doses. Therapeutic use often requires that you give your dog a very specific dose, and that you slowly increase it over time. CBD oil enables you to do this.
Additionally, CBD oil is versatile in that you can administer it directly or add it to your dog’s food (the latter option is far easier, our experience).
CBD Treats
Since your dog is probably already used to treats, they won’t think anything is amiss when you hand them a CBD-infused pet treat. Treats are also a convenient CBD delivery method if you’re going to be traveling with your dog, as they aren’t as messy.
In addition, each treat will contain the same amount of CBD, so dosing is predictable. The downside is that it’s harder to break treats down into exacting doses.
CBD Bones
If your dog loves bones, a CBD dog bone is a great way for them to get in some chew time while also soaking up the benefits of CBD.
However, for dog aggression and other situations where you’re using CBD for targeted therapeutic use, bones aren’t as reliable a delivery method.
This is because most bones don’t contain enough CBD to render strong therapeutic benefits from a single chewing session. It’s also difficult to measure how much CBD your dog is getting from the bone each time they chew on it.
Best CBD for Dog Aggression: 3 Best Products in 2024
If you’re looking for the best CBD products for dogs with aggression, here are three lab-tested picks:
1. Best CBD Oil for Dog Aggression: Natural Ways Bacon Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD
Potency: 250mg, 500mg, or 1000mg CBD per bottle
Size: 1 oz. (30 ml.)
Price: $20.00 (250mg), $35.00 (500mg), or $38.50 (1000mg)
Our bacon-flavored CBD oil for dogs is a delicious way to give your pup the benefits of hemp.
We formulated this oil specifically for therapeutic use, and it’s available in three strengths to support mental calmness and physical comfort for dogs of all sizes and needs.
Since it contains full-spectrum CBD, it will render stronger and more effective therapeutic support than CBD isolate products, and it won’t cause your dog to feel inebriated in any way.
And with all-natural bacon flavoring, you won’t have any trouble getting your dog to take this product: they might even look forward to their daily dose!
Shop: Bacon Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs
2. Best CBD Treats for Dog Aggression: Charlotte’s Web Calming Chews
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD
Potency: 2.5mg CBD per chew
Size: 30-count or 60-count
Price: $19.99 (30-count) or $34.99 (60-count)
Calming Chews by Charlotte’s Web are a perfect way to give your dog a low-dose of CBD in a delicious treat.
Each treat contains 2.5mg CBD, plus valerian root, passionflower extract, and chamomile to promote mental relaxation.
The smaller doses of CBD mean these dog treats make it easy to split your dog’s CBD dose up into multiple pieces and give it to them throughout the day, and the chicken flavor means your dog will enjoy their doses.
Shop: Calming Chews
3. Best CBD Bone for Dog Aggression: Chew’ems CBD Dog Bones
Type of CBD: CBD isolate
Potency: 100mg CBD per bone
Size: 2 oz. (small) or 5 oz. (large)
Price: $10.00 (small) or $15.00 (large)
Chew’ems CBD bones are a safe, healthy, and long-lasting CBD chew toy for dogs.
Each bone contains 100mg hemp-derived CBD along with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s diet while contributing to their fun.
These bones come in four flavors: bacon, beef, chicken, and salmon. Needless to say, your dog will enjoy chewing their bone just as much as they enjoy the relaxation it brings to them!
Shop: CBD Dog Bones
Conclusion: Helping Your Dog Feel Better, Naturally
CBD can promote mental and physical relaxation, which can contribute to helping your dog feel better and be less likely to act aggressively.
But remember that CBD (and any other method you use) will always work best when combined with other measures, like ensuring your dog’s diet is well-rounded, their environment is safe, and that stressors and behavior triggers are minimized.
By seeking the guidance of a veterinarian and taking a comprehensive approach to your dog’s mental and physical wellness, you can ensure they live a happier, safer existence.
CBD for Dog Aggression: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD for dog aggression.
Will CBD calm a reactive dog?
CBD may promote mental calming and relaxation in dogs, and it may have benefits for dogs with reactive behavior. However, CBD doesn’t work instantly; you’ll need to give your dog CBD for at least 1 week and use proper dog CBD dosage techniques to begin noticing a significant improvement in their behavioral patterns.
What can I give my dog for aggressive behavior?
Hemp-derived CBD can promote mental relaxation for aggressive dogs. Other options include drugs prescribed by veterinarians like paroxetine and sertraline.
Does CBD reduce aggression?
While CBD may promote mental relaxation and physical comfort, more research is needed before we know the efficacy of CBD at directly reducing aggression in dogs.
What is the best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety and aggression?
Natural Ways Bacon Flavored CBD Oil may promote mental relaxation and physical comfort for dogs of all sizes, as it comes in three strengths: 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg CBD per bottle. With all-natural bacon flavoring, this is a product your dog will enjoy taking.
Sources
[1] Corsetti, S., et al. Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Sci Rep 11, 2773 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2
[2] Hunt, Alysia B G et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1112604. 22 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604
[3] Gamble, Lauri-Jo et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 5 165. 23 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
[4] Di Salvo, Alessandra et al. “Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1204526. 30 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526
[5] De Gregorio, Danilo et al. “Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain.” Pain vol. 160,1 (2019): 136-150. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386
