Hemp for Aggressive Dogs

Dog Aggression is a serious topic; finding an effective solution for this problem is imperative since euthanasia is often the unfortunate choice many dog owners have to make for this issue. Using full spectrum hemp extract for dog aggression has been found to be a promising tool for this serious concern.

Fear, Anxiety, and Aggression in Dogs

Most canine behaviorists agree that the majority of dog aggression is due to fear and anxiety. We already have many studies showing full spectrum hemp extract’s ability to ease mood disorders. By extrapolating these studies we can make a safe assumption that as more studies are conducted, this conclusion will be further solidified, that Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is an effective option for aggressive behaviors in dogs. 

Conventional Options For Dog Aggression

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract helps to achieve homeostasis throughout the body. Additionally, its ability to regulate stress hormones is done naturally and without side effects. This is in contrast to traditional veterinary pharmaceutical tools used to control dog aggression, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Clomipramine (Clomicalm), and Propanolol (Intensol). All of these conventional options come with a host of unpleasant side effects, short and long-term. In addition, as further studies are conducted on these conventional options, many are losing their favor among veterinary professionals. 

Antidepressants like Fluoxetine work on specific receptors in the brain, while Full Spectrum Hemp Extract works on those very same receptors in a much safer and more comprehensive way. Not to mention, FSHE does not come with any long-term side effects like liver and kidney damage, and can be discontinued without tapering.It also helps with far more than brain chemistry, due to its systemic benefits in the body, such as lowering inflammation and immune modulation. 

Unsurprisingly, new research is being conducted investigating the Endocannabinoid System and finding anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs to interact with the ECB system. Despite cannabis’ continued demonization by the pharmaceutical industry, newer scientific research points to the ECB system’s power to help regulate just about any brain/mood disorder. 

Related: What is an Endocannabinoid System and Why is it Important?

New Research on Hemp for Dog Aggression

Hemp has recently been studied as a possible tool for dog aggression, with promising results. A recent study conducted by The University of Western Australia has shown encouraging findings with using hemp oil for shelter dogs with aggressive tendencies. Twenty four (24) shelter dogs were blindly observed and analyzed for aggressive behaviors. The observers did not know who was given hemp and who was not. This study found a reduced amount of aggression towards humans after administration of Hemp Oil.  According to the researchers, “Our results clearly suggest that [hemp] might be effectively used to improve welfare in dogs housed in a shelter.”

This is the first study of its kind to analyze hemp’s ability to help shelter dogs with stress. Any other research done on this subject has only been conducted on psychoactive medications, herbal remedies, and pheromones. More research is needed in this area of concern, with larger variation and classification of types of dogs, as well as the type of hemp extract used. However, with what we already know about hemp’s ability to change brain chemistry and influence behavior, we can make some inferences. 

As the study states, “Stress is a mental, physiological, or emotional state characterized by a factor that is altering the homeostasis of a living organism. For mammals, the response to a stressor, which can be physical or emotional, as for example infections, burns or anger involves the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity, resulting in an increase of circulating glucocorticoids that could result in stress-related disorders.” This is an important cue to what we already know about hemp and stress. Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (and its respective synergistic compounds) is an adaptogen, directly modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. All adaptogens work to achieve homeostasis by regulating the HPA axis.

A Full Spectrum Hemp Extract works to achieve homeostasis by regulating the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Other adaptogens don’t have the power that a Full Spectrum Hemp extract does to regulate this system to such a degree that all the body’s systems come into balance, not just the HPA axis. By utilizing the ECS, a wider effect can be achieved, and the damaging effects of chronic stress can be better managed. Taking that into consideration, using hemp for aggressive dogs can only be a good thing.

Related: Hemp for Anxiety in Dogs

An Integrative Approach to Dog Aggression

When it comes to canine aggression, a comprehensive, multimodal approach will yield the best results in the long term. This type of integrative approach is nearly always preferable to a single tool or, ‘silver bullet’ solution, regardless of their condition. Integrative means using both traditional/conventional tools and more holistic/natural options to achieve an ideal result. Consider combining plant medicines like hemp extract with conditioning tools like behavioral therapy. 

For canine aggression, seeking the help of a canine behaviorist is a great idea. A behaviorist will help to determine where your dog’s aggression is coming from. Finding the cause will not only help you approach the problem with more precision but will achieve a better end result.

Diet is also another critical tool in maintaining better brain health and promoting a calmer state in dogs. A fresh, whole food diet low in processed carbohydrates and rich in omega 3 fatty acids is very important. Feeding processed kibble to a dog with aggressive tendencies will only hinder any progress you are trying to make therapeutically with other tools like FSHE and training. Studies have shown a link between low levels of fatty acids in dogs and aggressive tendencies (this applies to people as well).

Additionally, the environment plays an important role in your dog’s behavior. While we cannot control our outdoor environment much at all, we can control our home environment. It is important to use pet-safe chemicals throughout your home. Most of the cleaning and deodorizing products on the market today are not safe for humans or pets. They contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), endocrine disruptors, and flame retardants that seriously affect our pets’ health in a negative manner. Switching to safer, natural alternatives will greatly reduce the amount of VOCs and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in your home and create a more balanced environment for everyone living in it. For a comprehensive guide of cleaners safe for the entire household, check out EWG’s list here.

Hemp and Behavioral Training for Dog Aggression

Using Full Spectrum Hemp Extract alongside a proper training program will offer the most benefits for your dog. 

Consider dosing your dog with a calming Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, such as our CALM tincture, 30 minutes before their behavioral training session. This can help to increase mental clarity and promote a calm, alert state of mind. Being consistent with dosage (2-3 times a day is ideal) and using a journal to monitor your progress are great ways to make your dog’s aggressive behavioral training more successful. 

Keep in mind that each dog’s endocannabinoid system will vary in its sensitivity to FSHE. More aggressive dogs may need significantly higher doses at first, so logging your dog’s FSHE intake and training progress in a journal will help you to adjust your dog’s dosage accordingly. If you are unable to give your aggressive dog FSHE along the gum line, placing their dosage on a high value treat, or adding FSHE to their food is also an option. 

Final Thoughts

Using Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for dog aggression is a promising tool, along with other important tools that can help aggression in dogs. This includes feeding a fresh, whole food diet low in carbohydrates, proper omega fatty acids, maintaining a low stress and chemical-free home environment, as well as managing your own stress in a healthy way.