How Much CBD Oil for Dog Aggression?

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How Much CBD Oil for Dog Aggression

Do you have a dog that’s normally super loving yet can unexpectedly be triggered to show aggression? Or a bit of a grumpy beast that you still love even with some drawbacks? (Hey, nobody’s perfect.) You aren’t alone! And both your life and your dog’s can be improved as you learn how to calm an aggressive dog. Fortunately, CBD oil may help. Here’s how much CBD oil for dog aggression to use along with other tools to help with this challenging behavior.

What Causes Dog Aggression? 

It doesn’t matter if your dog shows aggression toward strangers, another family member, you, or another animal, it can be very scary. It can also lead to injury, which may be followed by legal action. Remember, no matter what causes the aggression, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior.

Although the behavior may appear “out of the blue,” there are typically just five main causes of aggression. And aggression may not be a behavioral issue at all. The most common reasons a dog may display aggression include:

  • Illness or injury, especially if it is causing pain, stress, and confusion. This can also result as a dog gets older and may experience decreased senses, such as seeing and hearing, as well as cognitive decline. Seizures in the frontal lobe of the brain can also lead to uncontrollable aggressive and threatening behavior sometimes referred to with the unfortunate label “rage syndrome in dogs.”
  • Fear, especially if the dog senses danger and feels like they cannot escape and need to defend themselves. A dog may also be more fearful if they weren’t properly socialized.
  • Protecting their territory or possessions, such as a bed, toy, food, or even their human, home, or yard. 
  • Frustration, such as when they feel couped up and restrained and unable to burn excess energy. 
  • Showing dominance, typically toward other dogs but which can also happen with people. While many people think this is the main cause of aggression, it’s actually the least common cause.

Finding out why your dog is growling, barking, or even biting or demonstrating other aggressive behaviors is the first step to help calm your dog, so they don’t act out. Fortunately, it is possible in many cases to greatly reduce or even eliminate this type of behavior. 

Signs of Aggression

It’s rare for dogs to bite or attack without first showing signs. Here are some to watch for in your own pet:

  • Standing very still or rigid
  • Making and holding direct eye contact
  • Flattening their ears against their head
  • Growling or barking aggressively
  • Snarling or curling lips to show their teeth
  • Lunching forward, even if they don’t make contact

If your dog is showing these types of signs, and especially if they snap, lightly bite, or bite hard enough to break or bruise the skin, it’s important to seek help to learn how to redirect your dog and help them interact more positively with the world around them. 

How Much CBD for Dog Aggression

Since pain and anxiety are two of the most common causes of aggression in dogs, CBD, combined with training and addressing the root causes, may be able to help calm an aggressive dog. 

Determining how much CBD for dog aggression has less to do with the reasons for the aggression (e.g., fear, anxiety, or pain) and more to do with the size of the dog. Start with around .1 mL for every 10 pounds your dog carries. Watch your pet closely to see if the CBD is helping them remain calmer, and adjust the dosage up or down if needed.

Too much CBD may lead to lethargy, upset stomach, or dry mouth (or increased thirst) in your dog. These side effects should not last more than 4 to 12 hours but do indicate that you need a smaller dose. If you don’t notice positive effects, such as greater calm or less destructive behavior in your dog, you may want to slightly increase the amount.

The use of CBD may help relieve anxiety that leads to aggression. This can also help minimize or prevent destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture, relieving themselves inside (rather than in the yard), or potentially hurting someone. Other benefits of CBD for dogs may include easing pain and inflammation, improving joint health, and promoting brain function. 

Again, simply giving your dog CBD and expecting all other issues to resolve likely isn’t going to be nearly as effective as working with a trainer to counter condition and desensitize your dog. You may also need to address underlying health conditions that are causing pain and confusion with the help of a vet. 

Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications, especially to address any health issues. If so, make sure they’re aware that you are giving your dog CBD oil to prevent any unwanted interactions. 

How Much CBD Oil for Dog Aggression Takeaway

Dealing with an aggressive dog isn’t easy, and it’s important to ensure you, your family, and others (including other dogs) are safe. 

Working with a trained professional is the first step to understand why your dog is showing aggression and how to improve their environment to help keep them calm. Trainers can also help with training and rehabilitation for a happier, calmer pet. 

CBD oil may help—especially for dogs who become aggressive when fearful, anxious, or in pain. The combination of training, improved environment, and CBD oil may lead to a more predictable, healthier, happier pet for a big improvement in your life and theirs.

Ready to explore more CBD distillate uses for pets and how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

 

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