CBD Oil for Hyper Dogs: Safety, Dosing, and Effects

As a loving and loyal pup parent, you want the best for your dog.

Like humans, dogs have their own quirks and personalities.

Does your dog bear the same characteristics as the Energizer bunny? Are your measly human legs unable to give your dog the amount of mileage they need on a daily basis?

Hyperactive dogs often appear to have poor impulse control, difficulty paying attention, and are highly distractible. Some dog owners have turned to CBD oil for hyper dogs, but you might be hesitant to give hemp to your pet.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help you gain some insight into whether or not CBD is the right choice for you and your canine friend.

What is Hyperactivity in Dogs?

While you may think all dogs are hyper, true canine hyperactivity can make training and managing your pup difficult. Everyday tasks like walking and going to the dog park become unpredictable and potentially hazardous.

Some hyperactive dogs may even have a rare condition called hyperkinesis which is similar to ADHD in humans. Just like in humans, these dogs may display symptoms like an abnormally short attention span, dog anxiety, difficulty staying calm, difficulty following instructions or commands, poor impulse control, and random bursts of energy.

These characteristics are distinguishable even when a hyperactive dog is a puppy. They may have violent or destructive tendencies, be constantly chewing up or getting into things around the house, and have difficulty adjusting to new stimuli.

This hyperactivity may coincide with other emotional issues, like seeming unstable, being overly attention-seeking or socially avoidant, showing a lack of attention, and displaying anxiety and nervousness.

Hyperactivity in dogs is a question of nurture versus nature. Just like humans, the interplay between genes and the environment can lead to behavioral issues. Many dogs have such an acute sense of their surroundings that if they are exposed to harmful conditions at a younger age, like social isolation or aggression from owners, they may become more hyperactive and even have other emotional disturbances as they get older.

There are certain breeds that tend to be more prone to hyper behavior based on what they’ve been bred for. Some dog breeds prone to hyperkinesis are Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers.

Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil to Calm Them Down?

Yes! CBD oil for hyper dogs is a great option to supplement traditional holistic behavioral training (more on that later).

Dr. Kangas, a veterinarian based in San Diego, CA, explains that all vertebrates have what’s called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes receptors all where cannabinoids produce different effects throughout the body. When CBD interacts with the central and peripheral nervous system, it offers a variety of therapeutic benefits.

Some of the benefits of hemp-derived CBD include:

• Pain and inflammation relief
• Calming effect
• Improved sleep
• Stress and anxiety relief
• An overall sense of well-being
• Reduced chance of seizures

But avoid giving your dog a squirt from your personal bottle of CBD oil. You’ll want to ensure you’re giving the proper dose of CBD to your dog. While full-spectrum CBD oil is non-psychoactive, you never want to overmedicate your dog, just as you wouldn’t want to overmedicate yourself.

When searching for the right dog CBD for your pet, you’ll want to look for a few things. Be sure it is free of harmful additives like herbicides, pesticides, and heavy metals. You’ll want to go for a product that has little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and has undergone third-party testing from a lab outside of the manufacturer.

Look for brands that use organic hemp, natural ingredients, and are THC-free, like Public Goods’ 1000mg organic full-spectrum CBD oil. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to smell, so don’t opt for our organic peppermint CBD oil for your dog (though it’s delightful to the human tongue!).

Also, avoid CBD derived from marijuana—the sister of hemp. While both are referred to as cannabis, hemp and marijuana are differentiated by their THC content. You don’t want your doggie to have a bad trip!

CBD doesn’t just help with hyperactivity. It can also be used for a myriad of other conditions, like anxiety, seizures, cancer, inflammation and joint pain, digestion and nausea, and even to relieve the pain of teething puppies.

CBD oil can be especially helpful for situations where your dog is extra hyperactive, like during a thunderstorm, when they have separation anxiety, or when they are in a new place.

What Is CBD?

If you’ve made it this far and are wondering, “What is CBD?” we’re here to help.

CBD, aka cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the plant commonly known as cannabis or hemp.

Often called hemp oil, CBD extracts are typically derived from the hemp plant versus the marijuana plant, which tends to have higher concentrations of THC. While THC has psychoactive effects and can cause someone to be high, CBD offers feelings of calmness and relaxation, as well as medicinal benefits.

So, in case you’re wondering—no, CBD oil will not get your dog high—as long as it has little to no THC!

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Hyper Dog?

As a doting pet parent, you naturally want to be cautious when trying something new with your pet, like CBD.

Since there’s not a lot of definitive data out there on CBD dosing for dogs, you’ll want to take into account whether or not they have any other underlying conditions, such as with their liver or kidney function, that would affect their ability to metabolize CBD.

The general rule of thumb is anywhere from 0.2 mg to 2 mg per pound of your dog’s body weight. Start small. You can gradually increase the dose depending on your pet’s needs. This means if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you can try giving them 4mg of CBD oil. Be sure to note what that looks like on the dropper in your bottle!

You’ll also find brands selling CBD dog treats that already have measured doses. CBD dog treats are a wonderful alternative to CBD oil, which frequently uses coconut oil as a carrier oil. Some dogs will eat anything, but it’s not natural for them to eat coconuts! Look for CBD soft chews with ingredients that dogs love, or buy irresistible treats, like our freeze-dried chicken dog treats, and place the CBD oil directly on it. Odds are, it’ll be gone before your pooch has a chance to taste any unpleasant plant-based flavors!

You can also try putting the oil directly in your dog’s mouth, on their food, in their water, or put it in a kong toy with a treat.

Of course, if you have any specific questions about CBD and hyperactive dogs, especially if your dog has an underlying condition, you should contact your veterinarian. They’re there to help!

5 Holistic Ways to Calm Your Hyper Dog

Just like humans, dogs benefit from a holistic approach to behavioral issues, meaning you’ll want to incorporate a variety of methods to help support your pup in addition to giving them CBD.

1. Improve Your Dog’s Diet

First, let’s look at your dog’s physical health. Believe it or not, changing their diet may help calm your dog! Dogs need proper nutrients to thrive, just like humans. You’ll want to make sure their dog kibble is free of fillers and full of nutrition. You can also make them fresh food like homemade chicken and vegetables. You may even want to consult your vet on any vitamins or supplements for dogs that can help your dog meet their nutritional needs.

2. Keep Them Engaged

Your dog, of course, has plenty of energy to burn off. That means they’ll need your help figuring out novel ways to stay engaged and stimulated, like puzzles and games.

3. Run and Play

Be sure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise, especially if they are young or a puppy. Switching up their walking routine often lets them explore new smells, and helps keep them on their toes!

4. Get Social

Unless you’re concerned for their or others’ safety, try to socialize your dog. Hyperactive dogs are often not getting enough socialization. This is especially helpful if you start them at a young age by going to the dog park, signing them up for dog sports, and having doggo playdates. Fun!

5. The Click and Treat Method

For especially hard-to-train hyperactive dogs, trainers and vets recommend using the click and treat method. This uses positive reinforcement for good behavior by making a small noise the moment your dog correctly follows instructions, and then follow with a reward like a tasty sweet potato dog chew. Some people use a small clicker device, but you can also click your tongue or snap your fingers so that your dog recognizes that noise as a positive reinforcer.

Live Harmoniously with CBD Oil for Hyper Dogs

Whether you’re in the middle of training or you’re turning to CBD as a last resort, you’ll want to have plenty of patience; your dog feeds off your responses and even your emotional state.

That includes CBD. The intention of CBD is not to dose your dog until they fall asleep. Instead, it should be regarded as a daily wellness practice and a tool to help you train your loveable, huggable, excitable pup!