Day: May 20, 2024

Last updated: October 2026. If your dog barks at every passing car, the postman or the neighbour’s cat, you are not alone. Barking is one of the most common reasons owners look for help, and CBD is often suggested online as a quick fix. This guide gives you an honest answer on CBD, explains why dogs bark, and shares the training approaches that actually make a difference. The short answer Why dogs bark Type of barking What it often means What tends to help Alert barking Noises, people or animals near the home Manage what your dog can see and hear; teach a calm “thank you” cue Boredom barking Not enough exercise or stimulation More walks, play, puzzle feeders and training Attention barking Barking gets results Reward quiet; avoid reacting to the barking Fear barking Feeling threatened or unsure Distance from the trigger; gradual, positive exposure; professional help Separation-related barking Distress when left alone Gradual alone-time training; speak to your vet or a behaviourist Excitement barking Visitors, walks, play Calm routines; reward settled behaviour What does the research say about CBD and dogs? Research on CBD in dogs is growing but still limited. Studies in healthy dogs suggest CBD is generally well tolerated at moderate amounts, although some dogs have shown increases in liver enzymes at higher doses, which is one reason vet involvement matters. A few small studies have looked at behaviour, such as how dogs respond to stressful events, with mixed results. There are no studies showing that CBD reduces barking. Barking is normal dog behaviour with many causes, so it is unlikely that any supplement on its own would change it. Be wary of any product that promises to stop barking. Training tips that work Barking and the neighbours in Ireland Persistent barking can strain relations with neighbours. In Ireland, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 allows a person to complain to the District Court about a nuisance caused by excessive barking, and the court can make orders about the dog. Most situations never get that far: a friendly conversation, some of the training steps above, and making sure your dog is not left alone and bored for long periods usually solve the problem. Puppies and rescue dogs Puppies bark as they learn about the world, and rescue dogs may bark more while they settle into a new home. Give them time, a predictable routine, a safe space of their own and plenty of positive experiences. Puppy classes and reward-based training help enormously. Avoid punishing barking in a new or nervous dog, as it can increase fear. Enrichment ideas to reduce boredom barking When barking could be a health issue A sudden change in barking, especially in an older dog, can sometimes be linked to pain, hearing or sight loss, or cognitive changes. If your dog’s barking has changed, or comes with other signs such as restlessness at night, changes in appetite or reluctance to move, see your vet. A simple four-week plan for alert barking Week Focus 1 Increase exercise and enrichment; block the view from the front window; note when barking happens 2 Start a “thank you” cue: acknowledge, call your dog away, reward calm 3 Practise at gradually harder moments, such as when the postman comes 4 Keep rewarding calm; review your notes and adjust, or call in a trainer Progress is rarely a straight line. A few good days followed by a noisy one is normal. Consistency over weeks is what changes behaviour. If you want to try CBD for your dog Your dog’s weight Our pet oil Up to 35kg CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats 5% 35 to 55kg Pet CBD Oil 10% Big Dog Over 55kg CBD Oil for Pets 20% XXL Read our full guide to CBD oil for pets. With Halloween and fireworks season coming, you may also find dogs, fireworks and Halloween useful. Frequently asked questions Can CBD stop my dog barking? There is no research showing CBD stops barking, and we do not claim it does. Barking is communication; the most effective approach is understanding why your dog barks and working on that, with help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist if needed. Why does my dog bark so much? Common reasons include alerting you to noises or people, boredom, frustration, attention-seeking, fear, excitement and separation-related distress. The pattern of barking usually points to the cause. Should I use a bark collar? Many vets and behaviourists advise against aversive collars, such as spray or electric collars, as they can increase fear and do not address the cause. Reward-based training is recommended. Is CBD safe for dogs? Studies in healthy dogs suggest CBD is generally well tolerated at moderate amounts, though some dogs show changes in liver enzymes at higher doses. Only use a product made for pets, and speak to your vet first. How much CBD should I give my dog? Follow your vet’s advice and the guidance on a pet product, which is based on weight. Our pet oils come in 5% (up to 35kg), 10% (35 to 55kg) and 20% (over 55kg). Can I give my dog human CBD oil? No. Human products may contain flavourings or sweeteners, such as xylitol, that are toxic to dogs, and the strengths are not designed for animals. When should I see a vet about barking? If barking starts suddenly, comes with other changes in behaviour, or your dog seems in pain, anxious or unwell, see your vet to rule out a medical cause. Does barking at night mean something is wrong? It can be a response to noises outside, but also to discomfort, needing the toilet, or cognitive changes in older dogs. If it is new, check with your vet. Does barking get worse in winter? Some dogs bark more when they get less exercise in the dark evenings. Keep walks and play going, and add indoor enrichment. Can older dogs start barking more? Yes. Changes in hearing, sight or cognition can make older dogs bark