What's The Best CBD for Dog Aggression?

Is your dog aggressive with other dogs and people, or around certain triggers such as food, toys, and places? This article will help you learn more about aggression in dogs. We’ll explore causes, training tips, and whether using CBD for dog aggression can help.

• Note that if your dog doesn't allow you to get near their mouth, chews or treats could be a safer option for you. 

Can You Use CBD for Dog Aggression?

CBD may help manage aggression in dogs by promoting calmness and reducing stress. Aggressive behavior in dogs is often linked to anxiety, fear, or underlying discomfort, and CBD is known for its potential to ease these issues.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood and stress responses. By promoting balance, it may reduce anxiety and make dogs less reactive to triggers that typically cause aggressive behavior.

While many pet owners report success using CBD for aggression, it’s important to note that results can vary. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD to your dog’s routine, especially if the aggression is severe or linked to a medical condition.

CBD Treats vs Oils for Dog Aggression

CBD treats and oils are popular options for managing dog aggression. Both options provide certain advantages, depending on your dog.

CBD treats are a convenient way to administer a measured dose, making them ideal for dogs who don't want people (or oil droppers) near their mouths. You can simply drop treats where your dog will find them, and that prevents any chance of your dog snapping at you. Note that CBD soft chews and treats are effectively the same thing.

CBD Oils, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in dosing and can be added to your dog’s food or given directly. Oil tends to be more effective because it's absorbed by the blood vessels in the cheek. This allows more of the active ingredient, CBD, to enter the blood stream whereas some is lost through the digestive system in treats.

The Best CBD for Dog Aggression

When choosing a CBD product, look for high-quality options made specifically for pets. Full-spectrum hemp oil is typically the best option due to the full profile of cannabinoids which can support the key compound in its ability to calm aggressive dogs.

Calming oil is an excellent option for pet parents who think that a tincture would work well for their dogs. This oil is formulated with CBD, chamomile, and l-theanine - all of which are calming agents for dogs and can support a healthy mood.

Calming chews are great for pet parents who feel that a soft chew treat is a safer option. These calming chews are formulated with CBD, chamomile, tryptophan, valerian root, and passionflower.

What Counts as Aggressive Behavior in Dogs?

Aggressive behavior in dogs includes actions like growling, snapping, biting, baring teeth, and lunging. It can also involve stiff body posture, intense staring, or raised hackles.

This behavior may be triggered by fear, territorial instincts, pain, or frustration. Recognizing these signs early can help address the underlying cause and prevent escalation.

Types of Aggression in Dogs 

According to the ASPCA, there are 11 common types of dog aggression. These are pictured in the image below. Helping your dog overcome aggression always starts by developing a clear picture of the problem and its causes.

The outdated “dominance” model of canine psychology assumes that most aggression problems are caused by excessive dominance or lack of submission. We now know, however, that dogs have complex social and emotional lives. Aggression is often triggered by fear, insecurity, and anxiety.

Take a look at the 11 types of dog aggression above and notice that almost all of them (with the exceptions of pain-induced and predatory) involve anxiety and aggression about a certain trigger.

1. Fear

Fear aggression occurs when a dog reacts aggressively due to anxiety or fear of a specific situation or person, such as encountering a loud noise. CBD may help reduce anxiety levels in fearful dogs, potentially leading to calmer behavior in stressful situations.

2. Redirected

Redirected aggression happens when a dog is frustrated by a trigger but instead directs that aggression toward another dog or person nearby. CBD may assist in calming the dog, allowing for better control of their reactions to frustrating situations.

3. Territorial

Territorial aggression arises when a dog perceives a threat to their home or space, often leading to aggressive barking or lunging at intruders. CBD could help create a more relaxed environment, potentially reducing the impulse to react aggressively to perceived threats.

4. Defensive

Defensive aggression is a reaction to a perceived threat, where a dog feels the need to protect itself from harm. By potentially alleviating anxiety, CBD may help dogs feel more secure and less likely to react defensively.

5. Pain Induced

Pain-induced aggression occurs when a dog feels threatened or in pain, often leading to aggressive behaviors. CBD may provide some relief from discomfort, which could help reduce aggressive responses associated with pain.

6. Protective

Protective aggression is displayed when a dog feels the need to defend their owner or family. CBD may help create a sense of calm in protective dogs, allowing for more measured responses to perceived threats.

7. Social

Social aggression can manifest when dogs are unsure of how to interact with other dogs or people, leading to aggressive behaviors. By potentially reducing anxiety, CBD might facilitate more positive social interactions.

8. Dynamic/Relational

Dynamic or relational aggression arises from conflicts within a household, often between resident dogs. CBD could promote a more relaxed atmosphere, which may help ease tensions between dogs.

9. Possessive

Possessive aggression occurs when a dog feels the need to guard their food, toys, or space from others. CBD may help mitigate anxiety related to resource guarding, fostering a calmer demeanor around possessions.

10. Frustration

Frustration aggression can happen when a dog is prevented from reaching a goal, such as getting to a toy or another dog. CBD may help reduce overall frustration levels, allowing for better self-control.

11. Predatory

Predatory aggression is driven by a dog's instinct to chase and capture prey, which can include smaller animals. CBD might assist in moderating impulsive behaviors, potentially leading to calmer reactions in situations that trigger predatory instincts.

How CBD Overall Could Support These

CBD may provide overall support for dogs exhibiting various forms of aggression by promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety. While it is not a cure, its potential to help manage stress and anxiety may contribute to more balanced behavior in aggressive dogs.