Compare the Best CBD Oil for Hyper Dogs in 2022

How CBD Helps Hyper Dogs 

Cannabidiol (CBD), an active constituent of cannabis, is derived from hemp plants⁽¹⁾. 

CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is pervasive in mammalian species. Aside from being nearly present in all animals, the ECS also plays an integral role in maintaining homeostasis⁽²⁾. 

Homeostasis is a process by which biological systems maintain stability while adapting to survive in the face of a changing external environment⁽³⁾. 

Based on a study in the journal Animals, endogenous and exogenous ECS-related molecules can influence the endocannabinoid system⁽⁴⁾. 

Endogenous cannabinoids refer to molecules made by the body, while exogenous cannabinoids refer to ligands derived from plants.

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)^(5). These CB receptors are involved in multiple essential biological processes, including pain, immune function, and anxiety⁽⁶⁾.  

Endocannabinoids are produced naturally. However, phytocannabinoids, primarily from Cannabis sativa L., are exogenous plant-based ligands (molecules) that interact with cannabinoid receptors⁽⁷⁾. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychotropic constituent of cannabis responsible for some of its biomedical activity⁽⁸⁾. 

Dogs are particularly unique due to the greater concentration of endocannabinoid receptors in their brainstem and cerebellum. These structures control heart rate, muscle coordination, and breathing⁽⁹⁾. 

Since dogs have a higher concentration of CB receptors and are relatively smaller than humans, ingesting excessive levels of cannabis containing THC may be detrimental to them⁽¹⁰⁾. 

If you are interested in utilizing medical cannabis to manage your dog’s behavior, you may find non-psychotropic cannabinoids such as CBD more beneficial. 

CBD has a similar biomedical activity to THC. However, this compound does not have the side effects of intoxication⁽¹¹⁾. 

If you are contemplating using CBD oil to manage your dog’s hyperactivity, there is still no conclusive data on the compound’s use. Therefore, it is best to talk with your veterinarian before you administer CBD to your dog. 

Note that veterinarians in most states cannot prescribe CBD to pet owners⁽¹²⁾. However, if you are from Nevada, veterinarians are allowed to administer certain cannabis products to their patients⁽¹³⁾. 

Benefits of Using CBD on Hyper Dogs

CBD is known for its calming effects⁽¹⁴⁾. For this reason, you may know some pet owners who swear by its therapeutic benefits on their furry pets.

Generally, problematic behaviors, such as hyperactivity, fearfulness, destructiveness, and aggressiveness, are the reasons for the relinquishment of dogs to shelters⁽¹⁵⁾.

A study from the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) observed the behavioral responses of canines with different origins when learning vocal cues⁽¹⁶⁾.  

The researchers noted that neither the shelter environment nor the shelter dogs’ socially deprived routine affected their capacities to learn vocal cues. 

In addition, the researchers observed that shelter dogs were more engaging in sessions than companion dogs.  

This phenomenon was possibly due to ontogenetic (origination of an organism) homeostasis processes⁽¹⁷⁾.  

Furthermore, the MDPI study’s outcome showed a connection between the quality of interaction during the dogs’ training and their performance. 

Thus, the researchers suggested that friendly interaction may potentially improve shelter dogs’ welfare⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Another study published in 2021 stated that dogs share many similarities with humans. Thus, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or similar behaviors may naturally occur in dogs as well⁽¹⁹⁾. 

The researchers collected data on more than 11,000 dogs by conducting an extensive behavioral study. 

They examined canines’ hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity using questions based on a survey utilized in human ADHD research⁽²⁰⁾. 

The findings suggested that the same neurobiological pathways and brain regions regulate the activity, concentration, and impulsivity in humans and canines⁽²¹⁾. 

Meanwhile, a randomized controlled trial in 2017 observed the effects of cannabinoids in adults with ADHD. 

Participants who used Sativex oromucosal spray, a cannabinoid medication, showed a minor reduction in ADHD symptoms with no cognitive impairments⁽²²⁾. 

The trial result may seem promising, considering the previous study about the similarities of human ADHD to canine attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

However, it is worth noting that the trial’s outcome is not definitive. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine if cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, can help with human and canine ADHD. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Hyper Dogs? 

The easiest method to administer CBD to your dog is by adding CBD oil to its food or treats using a calibrated dropper to dispense the content⁽²³⁾.

Cannabidiol’s onset typically takes about 30 minutes, and your dog should feel its effects for about four to six hours⁽²⁴⁾. 

Note that the effect varies. It may also be dependent on your dog’s metabolism and body weight. Generally, large breeds may need larger doses of CBD for it to take effect⁽²⁵⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help Hyper Dogs?  

Bioavailability is the portion of the ingested drug that can be absorbed into the bloodstream⁽²⁶⁾.  

The bioavailability of cannabidiol was reported to be low when administered orally to dogs and humans due to the high first-pass effect through the liver⁽²⁷⁾.  

However, oral CBD-infused oil formulations resulted in higher maximal concentrations and systematic exposure than the oral microencapsulated oil beads and the CBD-infused transdermal (drug absorption via the skin) cream⁽²⁸⁾.  

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD on Hyper Dogs

Using CBD oil for dogs may have possible side effects, such as⁽²⁹⁾:  

1. Lowered blood pressure
2. Dry mouth
3. Drowsiness 

CBD Oil for Hyper Dogs: Dosage Guide

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA has not approved cannabidiol as a form of medication. Therefore, it has not issued a dosing chart for it. 

Remember that any supplement or medication may have the risk of a reaction. 

Hence, it is recommended to start with small amounts and closely monitor the effect of any substance on your dog. You should also consult your veterinarian each time you give your dog something new⁽³⁰⁾.   

Veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe CBD to pet owners. However, you can initiate a discussion about it⁽³¹⁾. 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Hyper Dogs 

Note that each CBD product may contain different CBD or hemp extracts:

• Broad-spectrum CBD oil 
• Full-spectrum CBD oil
• CBD isolates 

When you search for the best CBD oil for dogs, always choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil that has extracts of the cannabis plant like terpenes. 

Make sure to avoid full-spectrum oil that has trace amounts of THC. You may opt for 0.1 to 0.2mg of CBD per kilogram of your dog’s weight and administer CBD oil twice daily by mouth⁽³²⁾. 

Other Essential Tips 

Most CBD brands promise high-quality CBD oil, while others even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

To help you select the best CBD pet product, below are the things you need to consider:

1. Know the source of the CBD extract used in the product. Check if the hemp extract or hemp oil comes from non-GMO or organic hemp. 
2. Support CBD brands that are transparent with their farming practices. Visit their website to know if it includes information about their testing methods and CBD extraction process.
   Most CBD companies utilize CO2 extraction. This method aims to eliminate toxic and explosive chemicals. Hence, it uses compressed carbon dioxide as an extraction solvent⁽³³⁾.
3. Ensure that your pet CBD products come with lab results from third-party labs and certificates of analysis (CoAs).

Remember that CBD pet products must be tested to determine their potency and the presence of contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. 

1. Assess the ingredients of the CBD pet products. This way, you will be aware of the possible allergens that may trigger adverse reactions.

Is your dog allergic to dairy? Is it gluten intolerant? If yes, you must avoid CBD dog treats containing these ingredients.

You should also consult your veterinarian regarding any added preservatives in the chews or treats. If possible, always go for natural ingredients. 

Most CBD products may contain additives like carrier oils that contribute to CBD’s purported health benefits. 

MCT oil and coconut oil are commonly used carrier oils⁽³⁴⁾. 

How Hyperactive Dogs Can Take CBD Oil 

You may administer CBD oil to your hyperactive dog through the following⁽³⁵⁾: 

1. Soft chews
2. CBD-infused peanut butter
3. CBD biscuits
4. CBD capsules  

These CBD treats have an average onset time of 30 to 90 minutes⁽³⁶⁾. Other CBD products that are used in dogs are CBD oil and tinctures that can be taken topically or orally. 

CBD Oil vs. Conventional Medications 

Research showed that many dogs become hyperactive and perform increased oral and locomotory behaviors in response to acute stress⁽³⁷⁾. Therefore, herbal medicines with calming effects may be beneficial for hyper dogs. 

For example, chamomile has been used as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety, manage hysteria, and calm nerves⁽³⁸⁾.  

Meanwhile, the purported benefits of CBD on anxiety and stress have led many pet parents to use CBD to help with their dog’s anxiety⁽³⁹⁾.

Some dog owners have reported success in administering CBD oil in managing their dog’s anxiety⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Thus, cannabidiol may help with canine separation anxiety. However, there is no known study directly linking the effects of CBD on hyperactive dogs. 

For this reason, it is advisable to speak with your veterinarian if you are considering CBD as an alternative method to manage your dog’s behavior. 

However, note that veterinarians cannot prescribe CBD unless they are from Nevada⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Legality of CBD 

Many veterinarians may be hesitant to suggest cannabidiol to pet parents because of anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, they may be fearing possible legal repercussions⁽⁴²⁾. 

Before giving your pet CBD oil for hyperactivity, make sure to read individual state laws regarding cannabidiol use to avoid legal consequences. 

Note that different states may impose various regulations about the usage of CBD products. 

In 2021, Governor Steve Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 101, making Nevada the first state in the U.S. to allow cannabinoids as veterinary treatment.

In Nevada, veterinarians can give patients cannabis products if the THC level is less than 0.3%⁽⁴³⁾. 

For instance, in Colorado, marijuana products are regulated. However, it is still illegal to make and sell THC products that have been manufactured from hemp⁽⁴⁴⁾.  

Remember that when your dog ingests excessive levels of cannabis with THC, this occurrence may affect its muscle coordination and cause balancing problems⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Thus, if you consider giving cannabis to your dog, go for THC-free products to be safe.