CBD Oil on Hyper Dogs [How To Relax Your Restless Pup]

It isn't uncommon to see even fairly level-headed dogs desperately craving attention, zooming around a house, or just causing general mischief. For most dogs, this is just a part of growing up, but for others, this hyperactivity could be coming from something more internal, like anxiety. In cases where additional physical and mental stimulation isn't enough, many dog owners look into CBD for hyper dogs. If you're a pet owner who needs to control your dog's hyperactivity, then this guide should be just perfect for you!

 

 

Does CBD Calm Down Dogs?

 

Dog owners familiar with how CBD works believe that it can calm down their pets. CBD oil is easily incorporated in your pet's meals, infused in your dog's drinking water, or simply dropped into your dog's mouth for easy application. This makes administering CBD oil much less of a hassle, so you and your pup can get back to having fun together.

 

Related Post: At What Age Should Dogs Start to Calm Down?

 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over a hundred active chemical compounds present within the cannabis plant. It is renowned for providing consumers with various wellness benefits, naturally promoting a balanced lifestyle while helping to maintain overall wellbeing. CBD extraction from hemp is preferable due to the plant's naturally higher concentration of CBD.

 

Additionally, due to the 2018 Farm Bill, any legal CBD product must be derived from a hemp plant testing under 0.3% THC, an amount far too low to garner any noticeable response. Marijuana plants will have a substantially higher THC level, far too much to ever be used in a hemp-based CBD product. Because of this, practically all of the CBD products you find on the market will be hemp-derived, and most pet products should be THC-free.

 

 

How Does CBD Oil Work for Hyper Dogs?

CBD oil is made by combining a carrier oil with pure CBD hemp extract. Carrier oils are fat-soluble substances used to encourage CBD metabolization. Because CBD molecules bind to fat cells, carrier oils assist in delivering CBD to the body's fatty tissues. For example, hemp seed oil is packed with fatty acids — since CBD is very fat soluble, this makes hemp seed oil an ideal carrier oil to boost CBD.

 

 

The Endocannabinoid System

CBD oil lowers excess energy and calms hyperactive dogs by supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps to regulate certain functions and processes. These functions are altered and regulated by chemical reactions with the ECS receptors. The effects depend on which receptors are targeted:

 

• Sleep
• Mood
• Memory
• Appetite

 

 

Benefits & Effects of CBD Oil

CBD oil is well known for its calming properties, so it should come as no surprise CBD is valued for helping a dog relax. However, there are many other benefits attributed to CBD oil use:

 

• Encourages natural sleep cycle
• May help to calm an upset stomach
• Maintains contentment
• Uplifts overall well-being

 

 

What Can I Give My Dog to Calm Down?

 

You likely want me to cut to the chase, so here you go: CBD does have the potential to help calm down a hyperactive dog! Here are some of the best calming treats for hyper dogs:

 

• Soft Chews: A soft chew is exactly what it sounds like: a soft chewable dog treat made with tasty, natural ingredients! For example, gummies for dogs can help with sensitive teeth or those who just enjoy a soft textured snack.
• Dog Treats: For a more traditional crunchy treat, try CBD dog treats! They're formulated with healthy, natural ingredients and a good dose of premium hemp-derived CBD. CBD dog treats are sure to satisfy your dog's craving while promoting a relaxed and happy demeanor.
• Capsules: Perfect for dogs who don't enjoy snacking (it's hard to believe but not impossible!), or for dogs with extremely low energy, capsules can be a great way to provide your dog with effortless relief. Capsules are also a great option for pet parents not wanting to introduce additional calories to their dog's diet, as they should have very little caloric content.

 

 

Identifying Hyperactive Dogs

Suppose your dog becomes excited in response to something specific, like meeting a new person, playing with a toy, or hearing loud or unfamiliar noises. In these cases, they are exhibiting perfectly normal behavior. There may be a problem if your dog is excited for no apparent reason. Hyper behaviors include:

 

• Constant vocalization
• Jumping
• Running indoors
• Spinning in circles/chasing tail
• Panting
• Rapid heart rate
• Fidgeting
• Short attention span
• Snapping at others
• Mounting (a.k.a. "humping")

 

 

How Much CBD Oil Does a Hyper Dog Need?

Generally speaking, the rule of thumb for serving CBD for hyper dogs is 1-2 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight. We recommend starting with this low amount so you can safely increase later if needed. Because it is impossible to decrease a serving once given, always follow the essential rule of CBD: start low and go slow. If you find your dog needs an increased amount, slowly increase it to 3 milligrams of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.

 

 

How To Choose the Best CBD Oil

There is a lot to keep in mind when seeking out the best CBD oil to give your hyper dog. Luckily, most of the criteria will seem like common sense to you once you are familiar with them!

 

• Natural Ingredients: Additives and genetically modified ingredients are generally not so good for your pets, and should be avoided if possible. Be sure to verify all of the included ingredients in your CBD oil come from organic sources.
• Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: While raw CBD extract always starts off containing all cannabinoids, scientists can use a scientific process called chromatography to remove cannabinoids from the extract. This is how broad spectrum extracts are made! Broad spectrum CBD oil includes other cannabinoids but has no trace amounts of THC, which is the most desirable for treating hyperactive dogs.
• USA Grown Hemp: Other countries often lack regulations surrounding hemp plant production for commercial products, so there may be discrepancies in their final product. To avoid this, look for products marked as being created using hemp from a grower located in the US.
• Lab Tested: Trust-worthy companies will ensure their products are lab tested for cannabinoid content. Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA), often provided by the brand's website, to ensure you are sourcing your CBD from a quality company.
• User Reviewed: Reading user reviews is a great way to get unbiased, firsthand accounts on the quality and effectiveness of different products. It'll also help you find out whether a brand has a good customer service team, shipping policies, and more, before you purchase anything yourself.

 

 

More Calming Tips for Hyper Dogs

 

There's more than one way to calm a hyper dog. CBD oil and CBD dog treats are both terrific ways to encourage calm and relaxation, but that's just the start. Here are a few more things you can do to calm your dog and support the beneficial effects of CBD oils and treats!

 

• Exercise Daily: Make sure you take your dog on a walk at least once a day. Ask your veterinarian how much time your dog should exercise or spend walking based on their breed and age. Larger and more athletic breeds generally need more exercise, and you may need to walk them twice a day (morning and evening).
• Socialize Early: Once they reach maturity, dogs should be able to maintain a calm demeanor in communal settings. To avoid social hyperactivity, your dog needs to learn good social skills. The earlier you start socializing your dog, the better. Take them to a dog park and organize playdates with your friends' pets.
• Mental Stimulation: To regulate your dog's energy levels, you need to give their mind a workout in addition to their body. Try leaving interactive dog toys around the house to keep your pet engaged. Puzzle toys are especially good for mental stimulation. Having plenty of toys on hand also gives your dog something to do while you are out of the house.
• Create a Schedule: Provide your dog with a consistent routine. Feed them and walk them at the same times each day, and try to have one-on-one playtime at least once a day.
• Provide a Healthy Diet: Pet owners have a responsibility to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. Different breeds have different dietary needs, so talk to a vet about your dog's optimal diet and feeding schedule.

 

 

Do I Need To Go to the Vet for My Hyper Dog?

Hyperactivity may be irritating, but it is generally not serious enough to need a vet. You can address over-excitement with the simple behavioral changes mentioned above and soothing additions like CBD treats. If you make the changes we mentioned but your dog remains hyperactive, there could be an underlying medical cause.

 

 

Final Thoughts — CBD Oil on Hyper Dogs

Dog owners and lovers alike have all witnessed or experienced difficulties dealing with a hyperactive dog. It can strain your relationship with them, tire owners out, and decrease the quality of life for pups struggling with nervousness. Luckily, now we have CBD to help us out, so if you're looking for help calming a hyper dog down naturally, you'll know where to turn next — your friends at HolistaPet!