Chronic hyperactivity or hyperkinesis are canine conditions that can be caused by several different factors. While CBD oil does not calm all hyper dogs, it has the potential to support some of the causes behind the condition.

Causes of Hyperactivity in Dogs

  • Breed plays a big role, as pointers, retrievers, terriers, shepherds, and even poodles are notorious for being hyperactive dogs.
  • Lack of stimulation/socialization can also contribute, as dogs need a variety of opportunities for mental and social engagement, such as play dates, games, and walking routes to keep their mind actively engaged and present.
  • Anxiety can be another cause, as anxious dogs may exhibit hyperactive behaviors such as excessive barking, panting, destruction, and aggression. This is where CBD can help.

What is CBD oil, and can it help calm my hyper dog?

CBD is a natural, non-toxic, and non-psychoactive concentrate made from the hemp, not marijuana, plant.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoids discovered in the cannabis plant, which can effectively activate the endocannabinoid system and induce de-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing processes on demand.

CBD’s effect on the endocannabinoid system increases the potency of endogenous elements such as anandamide, an endocannabinoid that acts as a regulator of inflammation, mental motivation, and pleasure/reward cycles.

Boosting endocannabinoids can increase your dog’s ability to process and manage their energy, contributing to a more stable and relaxed daily state of being.

CBD studies

While there hasn’t been a study specifically on CBD for hyper dogs, there has been a recent 2019 study exploring CBD’s effects on 72 adult humans with anxiety and sleep issues. After the first month, 79% of patients reported a reduction in anxiety, while 67% reported improved sleep scores.

This does not mean that CBD can directly reduce hyperactivity in dogs, but it does suggest its indirect potential to calm dogs by reducing anxiety-levels.

Another 2023 review in the journal Biomedicines found that cannabinoids may be able to affect glucose tolerance, as well as energy and metabolic regulation, providing a direct way of managing sudden energy bursts.

What’s the best CBD oil for hyper dogs?

We recommend Honest Paws Calm Oil if you’re interesting in trying CBD for your hyper dog. This is for several reasons, starting with the quality of this brand’s CBD.

Extracted from organic, US grown hemp, this full-spectrum CBD oil is the only to contain all the supportive cannabinoids we look for, which have been shown to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of CBD.

They also have outstanding pet owner testimonials from third-party platforms (such as Google), where brands can’t control the reviews you see. With over 600 testimonials and a 4.9 / 5 star average rating, no other brand comes close to Honest Paws.

Honest Paws Calm Oil uses the best CBD, along with organic MCT oil and organic Chamomile, for extra calming effects. For a limited time, use COFD for 20% off your first Honest Paws purchase.

Supporting a Hyper Dog with CBD Oil

Use CBD oil in conjunction with increased exercise, mental stimulation, and training. CBD oil is a safe, consistent, and effective way to enhance calming measures and promote general wellness.

Using CBD oil for hyper dogs helps manage their energy, contributing to a more stable and relaxed daily state of being. A more relaxed dog should be more susceptible to training through treats, crates, habits, and responsible socialization—all things that help instill a healthy level of discipline.

CBD offers a solution that stands above other options, thanks to its safety, consistency, and its ability to boost other tried-and-tested calming measures—not to mention its more general wellness benefits.

How much CBD oil should I give my hyper dog?

Our recommendation for hyper or anxious dogs starting out with CBD oil is 0.25 mg per pound of body weight daily. If after one week there is no , gradually increase their dose to a maximum 4 mg per pound, or until you notice significant improvements in their well-being.

While there is no official CBD dosage guideline for dogs, there have been studies done to pull from.

A study on dogs suffering osteoarthritis published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science, found that two daily doses of 2 mg of CBD per kg of body weight (or two daily doses of 1 mg per pound) resulted in significantly lower pain levels and an increase in activity over the 4 week period, compared to the placebo group.

Another study found that a CBD dose of 1 mg/kg (~0.5 mg per pound) produced an anxiolytic effect in rats, reducing anxiety levels during a social interaction test.

What CBD oil will not do for hyper dogs

CBD oil is not a sedative, so using it on dogs with lots of excess energy isn’t going to knock them out.

Instead, owners of dogs with hyperactivity issues are turning to CBD oil for dogs for its ability to reduce inflammation and anxiety, without affecting a dog’s subjective experience. CBD oil helps to boost the effectiveness of other training methods and wider lifestyle changes.

Summary

  • The pressures, sedentariness, and isolation of urban life can all cause dogs to become hyperactive.

  • When hyperactivity is caused by environmental factors, CBD’s ability to boost a dog’s endocannabinoid system gives it potential as a highly effective treatment.

  • Even though CBD is able to calm hyperactive dogs, it is not a sedative in the manner of traditional drugs.