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The bond between humans and their pets is often associated with warmth, companionship, and affection. However, a recent study conducted by the Animal Behavior and Human-Animal Interaction Research Team at the Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuempong Wongtawan, has revealed a concerning reality: more than 40 percent of pet owners have experienced being bitten or scratched by their own dogs or cats.

This finding highlights that aggression in pets is not a distant or uncommon issue. Instead, it often stems from deeper causes closely linked to the animals’ mental health.

When examining the root causes of aggressive behavior, the research team identified clear psychological differences between dogs and cats.

In dogs, the leading cause of aggression is fear and anxiety, prompting them to bite as a form of self-defense. The second most common cause is resource guarding, where dogs become protective over toys, belongings, or food. The third cause involves situations where dogs are forced to perform activities they dislike, such as bathing, grooming, or nail trimming.

For cats, the primary trigger is touch sensitivity, meaning they dislike excessive physical handling. Cats often bite when they are picked up, bathed, groomed, brushed, or have their nails trimmed. Aggressive play linked to their predatory instincts can also contribute to biting or scratching. Fear is another cause, but it is less common compared to touch sensitivity.

According to the research team, when aggressive behavior is still at a mild stage - such as growling or warning signals without actual biting - the problem can often be managed through behavioral adjustments by both owners and pets.

Effective approaches include rewarding good behavior, avoiding forcing pets to do things they dislike, allowing pets to have personal space, and providing activities or toys to relieve stress. These methods can significantly reduce mild aggression.

However, if pets accumulate stress or frustration over a long period, aggressive behavior may escalate to more serious levels - for example, repeatedly biting or scratching their owners without clear triggers. In such cases, behavioral modification alone may not be sufficient.

The researchers noted that behavior-modifying medications, often similar to antidepressant drugs used in humans, may be required.

Clinical trials at the Pet Psychiatric Clinic of Walailak University Animal Hospital showed that medication was 100 percent effective in reducing aggressive behavior, and over 80 percent of pets were able to discontinue medication once their behavior returned to normal.

Despite its effectiveness, conventional medication may come with side effects that owners should understand. These include mild to moderate loss of appetite and excessive sleepiness, which typically subside after more than one week of treatment.

Approximately 60 percent of pets experience such side effects, with cats tending to show them more frequently than dogs.

To address this issue, the research team explored an alternative treatment and made what they describe as a world-first discovery: using hemp-derived oil primarily containing cannabidiol (CBD) to reduce aggressive behavior in cats.

The study found that CBD oil effectively reduces stress and aggression at levels comparable to standard medications. However, its key advantage is that it does not cause appetite loss. In fact, some cats showed improved appetite and healthier fur, allowing owners to care for their pets with greater peace of mind.

This research marks an important step forward in pet mental health treatment and offers promising opportunities for further development.

Private sector organizations interested in collaborating on research or developing related products with the Animal Behavior and Human-Animal Interaction Research Team can contact the Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University at Email: tuempong.wo@mail.wu.ac.th or Tel: 075-476002

Pet owners facing challenges with aggressive dogs or cats can seek consultation and treatment at the Pet Psychiatric Clinic, Walailak University Animal Hospital.
Facebook: Good Pet and Human
Tel: 075-673902

The goal is to help both people and their pets live together safely, peacefully, and happily once again.