Do you ever notice how a dog can be sweet and playful but then suddenly act aggressive? Has your dog ever shown signs of aggression? Aggression is on of the most common problems seen in dogs. What causes their seemingly sudden change in behavior, and how can we help them? Traditionally the answer comes in the form of a prescription medication but there are alternative, effective, and natural ways to calm dog aggression.

What Is Dog Aggression

Just because a dog doesn’t follow orders, jumps on people, or barks a lot does not mean the dog is aggressive. This is merely a “training issue”, which can be corrected through patients and training.

According to The Animal Humane Society, dog aggression is defined as “the threat of harm to another individual involving snarling, growling, snapping, biting, barking or lunging”.

Any of these actions, alone or compiled, should raise alarm to seek the reason behind the aggressive behavior.

Why Are Dogs Aggressive

Some forms are easier to correct than others, due to the aggression being genetic rather than learned behavior. Here are some common reasons for dog aggression:

• Social Aggression: Between other dogs or people.

• Learned Aggression: If a dog acts aggressive and gets the results it wants, It may continue to act that way because the dog thinks the aggression works.

• Territorial or Resource Guarding: A dog may feel threatened when another dog or person gets too close to its territory (yard or bed) or possessions (toys or food). When dogs feel threatened they can act aggressive.

• Genetic Predisposition: Some dogs have been bred to be more aggressive.

• Leash Aggression: Some dogs behave aggressively when they are on a leash. This is simply because it’s unnatural and the dog feels confined or claustrophobic

• Pain Induced Aggression: Sometimes when a dog is in pain or has certain illnesses it can react to the pain by being aggressive. They probably do this because they are scared and to avoid any further pain.

• Fear Aggression: As previously stated when a dog is scared or in fear the can lash out with aggression. They might be fearful of another human or animal, which will trigger the behavior.

Essentially dogs act aggressively when they feel threatened or heightened anxiety. Stressful situations can make a dog act aggressive. There are various ways veterinarians and owners try to treat aggressive behavior in dogs. The results vary and for longterm use some treatments are not preferable.

Using Prescription Medications For Dog Aggression

According to wagwalking.com “Chronic fear and aggression may require psychiatric medications to assist in treatment. Most psychiatric medications require six to eight weeks before substantial improvement is seen”.

Unfortunately, many of these prescribed treatments can come with harsh side effects. Furthermore it has been reported that dogs can build up immunities to some of these medications which is not good for long term usage.

Prescription Medications For Dog Aggression

Benzodiazepine Derivatives:

• Vallium
• Xanax
• Good for quick relief from anxiety/fear
• Many dogs build an immunity, making long term use less of an option
• Can increase anxiety
• Potential side effects (ataxia, hyper excitability, sedation)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Fluoxetine
• Most commonly prescribed, offering the best results of the prescription therapies
• May cause mild side effects (drowsiness, lethargic, lack of appetite, upset stomach)
• Can make some dogs more aggressive

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):

• Clomicalm
• Elavis
• May cause harsh side effects (diarrhea, vomiting, sedation, lack of appetite)

Using Natural Remedies For Dog Aggression

There are many natural therapies people use to calm aggression in dogs. These are natural herbs and oils, with anxiety and fear reduction qualities. These remedies offer little to no side effects and you can use them in conjunction with most prescription medications.

Remember, it is always a safe practice to consult with your veterinarian before introducing your dog to any other therapies when it’s already on a prescription.

Natural Remedies for Dog Aggression

Chamomile:

• Is a natural herb widely in use
• Used to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms
• One of the safest herbal remedies known

Skullcap:

• Can increase the risks of side effects from benzodiazepine medications
• Can calm anxiety
• Can come from either the American skullcap or the Chinese skullcap plant
• Risk of mild side effects in high doses

Passion flower:

• Comes from a flowering vine
• Contains flavonoids which induce relaxation and can relieve occasional anxiety
• Can have mild side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, confusion)

Hemp (CBD):

• Extracted from the leaves and stems of the hemp plant
• Non-intoxicating
• Highly effective in treating stress and anxiety
• Contains beneficial cannabinoids which interact with a dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)
• Capable of triggering the release of serotonin and anandamide which help to keep the dog in a good mood overall
• Rare mild side effects (dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea)

L-theanine:

• A compound found in green and black tea
• May effect serotonin and dopamine levels (endorphins associated with mood)
• Generally safe
• Promotes relaxation
• Improves sleep

Of the many natural remedies, CBD is the most beneficial towards calming a dog’s aggression. This is because CBD works in several different ways to keep a dog calm in high stress situations. In fact, CBD will help keep your dog in a better mood and healthier overall. We recommend giving your dog a regular regimen to stay proactive in reducing aggressive outbreaks.

CBD can be used in conjunction with most medications and basically any natural remedies. Look for products like stress & anxiety CBD dog treats, which combine the power of CBD, Chamomile, L-theanine, and other super ingredients into one healthy, tasty treat for your dog.

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