CBD Dog Treats or CBD Oil For Hyper Dogs | Hyperactive No More?

Are you tired of your hyperactive dog constantly being on the go? Well, I totally hear you! When Winston was a puppy I spent countless nights playing fetch, ball, tug of war, and rubbing his belly until he was finally tired and ready to sleep. And that was often not earlier than midnight!

In average, dogs calm down between the ages of one and two, and now that Winston is older he is not like a dog hyper for activities anymore, and the best way to calm him down is often just to play a little longer with him. Yet that's not always the case, and that's when pet CBD products, like our dog CBD cookies, can come in very handy. 

How Does CBD Work?

If you are familiar with CBD, you can skip ahead of this paragraph. If not, here's a quick recap on what is CBD and how it works (1).

CBD, or cannabidiol, became a popular choice as a supplement for its potential benefits in people with various health conditions, but it can also be beneficial for dogs, cats, horses, and many others. There are numerous benefits of using CBD. CBD oils and treats have been often used for their calming effect on dogs, together with their effects on reducing inflammation and pain (3).

CBD works through its effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and while THC is the molecule that gets you high, CBD has no psychoactive effects and it's much safer for pets. 

In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of CBD for hyper dogs, and whether CBD dog treats or CBD oil should be your choice for giving a new sense of calm to your dog. 

What Are the Causes of Hyperactivity in Dogs?

Humans and dogs are often not too different when it comes to root behaviors. When we are not feeling well we behave differently, when we have sudden bursts of emotions we behave differently, when we sit for too long we can become cranky...dogs are the same. 

Let's have a look at what you, as a responsible dog owner, should look for if you have a hyper dog.

Need to Calm Your Dog? Go For a Run to Calm Your Hyper Dog!

How do you feel after sitting at a desk for the whole day? Cranky? Groggy? Restless? Guess what...Your hyper dog feels the same way! Going for a run, taking your dog to the dog park, or for a walk is by far the best way to have your dog relax! Hands down! More often than not, that's all a dog needs!

Exclude Any Medical Concerns Making Your Dog Hyper

Before you consider CBD, give your dog a good look to ensure that no underlying medical issues could be at the root of your dog's behavior. Pain, discomfort, infections, or an undiagnosed health condition could be the culprit for his restless behavior. While CBD treats and CBD oil may have benefits for dogs, they are not the first thing you should give your dog. Simply using CBD without considering medical concerns is not a good choice. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog anything and if something seems off or odd.

Does Your Hyperactive Dog Have Other Behavioral Issues?

You want to help your dog, you have been going to the dog park and there are no medical issues...well, is he an anxious dog? Is he fearful? Does your dog live in a stressful environment? Did your routine change? All of these are viable options to consider when you are trying to figure out why you have a hyper dog. Talk to a veterinarian or a dog behavioralist to make sure that your dog is more than hyperactive.

Different Dog Breeds Behave Differently

Yes, different dog breeds have very different innate behaviors. Genetics is fascinating, as a scientist I spent half of my life studying how DNA works, and I still find it fascinating how something that we cannot see controls our fate.

For example, a Labrador Retriever is known for being high-energy energy, friendly, and family-oriented. Australian Shepherds are known for being hyperactive and full of energy. Among others, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Vizslas are very active dogs that need frequent exercise. Other breeds that have a lot of energy are Jack Russell Terriers, Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, and Boxers. Many of these breeds also require a pet parent who is able to keep them mentally and physically stimulated to prevent destructive behaviors.

Should You Use CBD Oil For Hyper Dogs? 

CBD Oil for pets is a common choice to calm a hyper dog. Oils generally contain a base of MCT oil, they come in small dark bottles that prevent or limit, the exposure of its content to light to best preserve it. Dog CBD oils are generally administered directly from the dropper or mixed with food, making them a great choice for dog owners because of their versatility.

When choosing a CBD oil you can select products that are flavored or unflavored. The advantage of flavored oils is that dogs often love the added bacon, chicken, or fish flavor used to make products more appealing. If your dog is not a good eater and he's picky, oils may be right for your dog.

Just like other edibles, treats included, you can choose between broad spectrum CBD oil (aka no THC) or full spectrum CBD oil (aka less than 0.3% THC in it). I personally prefer THC-free products since THC is toxic for dogs.

Lastly, CBD oils have generally a faster absorption than CBD treats, so keep that in mind if you are adding CBD oil on your dog shopping list :) .

Or Should You Use CBD Treats For Hyper Dogs?

You now know that CBD oil is one of the products you can use to help calm your dog. However, CBD dog treats are the other side of the medal. Treats for dogs have been on the list of dogs' favorite go-to, as well as on most dog parents' wish lists. When your dog is a good boy what do you do? You give him a treat...easy!

CBD dog treats can be easier to use because they are much easier to flavor when compared to oils, you can add many more ingredients (I remember finding one with broccoli!), and it is just extremely common that whenever a dog does something well, that dog gets a treat. You can even bake CBD treats for dogs at home!

In terms of absorption, CBD dog treats however may be slower than CBD oils because they have to be processed by the gastrointestinal system. While they may take longer with treats than with CBD oil for your dog to feel something, they will still help relax your dog. 

In terms of THC content, I still prefer broad-spectrum CBD over full-spectrum CBD because it is safer for my dog. If you are going to give your dog CBD make sure that it is THC-free. 

How Much CBD Oil Does it Take to Calm Down a Hyper Dog?

This point goes back to the initial discussion about breeds. A basic rule is to start with 1 to 2 mg of CBD per 10lb of body weight, and this applies to CBD oils and treats alike. Yet, we noticed that a dose between 2-4 mg of CBD per 10lb of body weight is more appropriate and may be able to calm dogs that are a little more "stubborn". 

Yet, different dogs can have different responses due to how they metabolize the drug. Something as low as 2mg of CBD may help your dog, but depending on size and breed, some dogs may need up to 20 mg or more before seeing anything. The CBD dosage (3) can vary a lot, but we suggest always starting with the lowest dose possible before trying to calm hyperactive dogs with CBD.

How Fast Does CBD calm a dog?

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (4) shows that the peak blood concentration of CBD is reached within a couple of hours. After that, it takes an average of 8 to 9 hours for that to go away. 

As always there is variability and we need to consider the dog's age, breed, and food intake. Younger dogs, just like people, tend to have a faster metabolism than older dogs, which may require a longer wait time before any CBD extract has an effect. In some cases, you may need to regularly give CBD to your hyper dog for a few days before you can observe a noticeable effect. We generally suggest giving CBD to your dog for a few days or a week before changing the dose or trying a different approach.

It is also important to use a high-quality CBD product that comes from trusted sources, as the effectiveness of CBD depends on its purity and concentration. 

What Are The Benefits of CBD, Besides Its Calming Effect?

Just like humans do, dogs experience health issues at any age. If you are looking to address more than dogs with hyperactivity issues, here's a quick and dirty summary of what CBD can do.

CBD can work wonders by helping dogs with general anxiety (5) and separation anxiety (6). Since anxiety in dogs is a very common issue (unluckily in shelters this can be a serious problem), there is much that can be done with CBD on this front. CBD can help with getting a better night of sleep (7) by offering benefits similar to those of melatonin. And CBD may be a good choice to ease the side effects of chemo (8) in dogs with cancer.

These are just a few of many of the applications of CBD for health, and you can see that besides using CBD edibles or CBD oil for hyperactive dogs, there is much more than meets the eye.

Training Plus CBD For Hyperactive Dogs

I like to say and remind myself all the time that CBD is not a panacea or a cure-all kind of thing. You can try CBD as a way to help your dog with various health concerns, but while CBD can do a lot, it doesn't do it all...and in several cases, it doesn't do it alone.

CBD can be great for dogs that are hyperactive, yet, excluding medical issues, the best results are seen when you combine training and CBD supplements.

Whether it's long walks around the neighborhood, a game of fetch in the park, or even signing them up for a doggy sports class like agility or flyball, physical activity will help burn off that extra energy.Plus, it's a great way for both of you to get some fresh air and build a better bond with your dog.

Use toys that stimulate your dog's thinking and force him to work around a problem. Puzzle toys, slow feeders, treat-dispensing games, or nose work activities can keep their minds engaged and help tire them out. 

In Summary: Choosing the Best CBD For Hyper Dogs

You know now that CBD helps in a number of ways, and a healthy dog is a dog that lives its best life. But yet...how do you pick the CBD product that best suits your needs and can help calm hyperactive dogs? 

Not every product is a good product, and every dog is different. Not all CBD treats and CBD oils for dogs are the same either. And if that is not enough, the effects of CBD on your dog heavily depend on the quality and purity of the product. Always steer clear from any brand or product that does not show third-party lab test results, or you will end up using the wrong amount, or worse.

In the case of treats, the fewer the ingredients, the better it is. The simpler the list of what is in the treats, the easier it will be on your dog's tummy. You have to think about your dog as a whole being, not just focusing on "Will this calm my hyper dog?" or similar. Think about your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

At GiandWin we have super simple dog CBD cookies made with almond butter, apple sauce, and coconut oil and, for real, you can eat them too! We also have a crafted CBD oil with omega-3 fatty acids from real fish, not the chemical bio-version of the flavor! Check them out, and give them a try as a way to calm a hyper doggy! You won't be disappointed!

References:

(1) What is CBD: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/what-is-cbd-how-does-cbd-work 

(2) CBD for Inflammation and Pain: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/cbd-for-inflammation-what-you-need-to-know 

(3)  CBD Dosage: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/cbd-dosage-for-dogs-a-guide-to-find-the-optimal-cbd-dose

(4) Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics:  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvp.13100

(5) Understanding Anxiety in dogs: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/understanding-dog-anxiety-natural-ways-to-calm-your-dog

(6) Separation Anxiety in Dogs: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/how-to-help-your-dog-overcome-separation-anxiety

(7) Melatonin or CBD for sleep: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/melatonin-or-cbd-for-sleep-which-one-is-better

(8) CBD for Dogs with Cancer: https://giandwin.dog/blogs/news/cbd-for-dogs-with-cancer-a-comprehensive-guide

(9) CBD Oil with Omega3s: https://giandwin.dog/collections/cbd-chew-treats/products/peaceful-paws-cbd-oil-thc-free