If your dog suffers from seizures, you’ve felt the stress and helplessness. So if you’ve been researching and wondering if CBD oil for dogs with seizures is a good option … I’m glad you found this post!
It’s hard to see your dog suffer and not be able to explain to him what’s happening and why.
If you’ve visited your vet already and haven’t found any answers you’re not alone. Or maybe you’re looking for an alternative to the medication the vet prescribed?
Regardless of what brought you here today, if your dog is prone to seizures, you want a way to help … and CBD oil for dogs may be just the answer you’re looking for.
And yes, it’s legal!
Seizures In Dogs
Seizures in dogs can manifest as anything from a twitch to uncontrollable shaking. They might be over quickly, or they can last for several minutes. Causes of seizures vary from dog to dog.
There are several different things that cause seizures:
- Underlying health condition like liver or kidney disease or cancer
- Electrolyte problems
- Topical flea and tick products
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Vaccines
- Head injury
CBD Oil For Dogs With Epilepsy
If your dog suffers from regular seizures, epilepsy might be the culprit. Epilepsy means there are bursts of uncontrolled electricity in your dog’s brain. Sometimes there’s no cure for this condition, but you can manage it naturally with CBD oil.
RELATED: Find out how food may be the reason for your dog’s epilepsy …
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s harvested from the cannabis hemp plant. However, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive properties .. so it won’t make your dog high.
This is because of the way CBD is structured. That structure affects CBD’s impact on the brain, nervous system and throughout the body.
The psychoactive effect of THC comes from the way it binds with receptors in the brain, called endocannabinoids. CBD also interacts with these endocannabinoid receptors.
Endocannabinoids are found throughout the body. The highest concentration is in the brain, spinal column, and nervous system. And it’s in these organs and systems that CBD has the greatest potential to help dogs with seizures.
CBD Oil For Seizures In Dogs
Scientists are discovering a wide variety of uses in both humans and dogs. And one of the most important uses of CBD oil for dogs is in the management of seizures. Studies as well as anecdotal evidence have shown CBD to be highly effective at managing seizures. But you don’t want to give your dog something without knowing exactly what it is and what it’s going to do.
So … how does CBD oil work?
Earlier I mentioned those endocannabinoid receptors. And they’re important when it comes to CBD oil for seizures in dogs.
There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors in your dog’s body.
- The CB2 receptors – mainly in the immune system.
- The CB1 receptors – centralized in the nervous system and the brain.
It’s these CB1 receptors that have the greatest impact on your dog’s seizure treatment. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system is altered by seizures and epilepsy.
Research shows that CBD improves seizure control in patients with specific epilepsy syndromes. Seizures can have profound effects on the endocannabinoid system. This is why CBD, through a process known as “external modulation,” can reduce and sometimes stop seizures from happening.
The exact way CBD contributes to a reduction in seizures and affects the Endocannabinoids system (ECS) is still unknown. One theory is that CBD affects the receptors that calm the neurons that fire during a seizure. But there’s still further investigation needed to learn more.
But we do know that CBD oil can have a positive effect on your dog’s seizure activity. If he feels any side effects at all, it will most probably take the form of mild drowsiness.
**Note. Even big pharma has finally recognized the power of CBD oil for seizures. And in June 2018, the FDA approved the first drug containing CBD for the treatment of epilepsy.
CBD Dose For Dogs With Seizures
CBD oil dosage for your dog depends on his size. Smaller dogs require lower dosages, of course, and larger dogs will need more to see an effect. You can make these determinations based on your dog’s weight. It’s best to follow the label directions on the product you buy.
Look for CBD oil with the following features:
- Full spectrum or broad spectrum
- Preferably organic
- Extracted using C02 extraction, without solvents or chemicals
- Manufacturer provides Certificate Of Analysis from a third party lab, showing that the product is what’s claimed on the label, and is free of contaminants, additives or preservatives
Full spectrum CBD oils in tincture form usually work best. If your dog is hard to dose, chewable tablets or treats may be easier. But be aware these products may not contain sufficient levels of CBD to help with seizures.
When you buy CBD oil for dogs, shop carefully. This post provides more detail on how to choose the best CBD oil for your dog …
DNM RECOMMENDS: Four Leaf Rover’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil is 100% USDA organic, with a wide range of healthy cannabinoids to help your dog with seizures. Buy CBD oil for dogs now >>
CBD oil for seizures in dogs is a natural alternative with minimal side effects and a very promising future.
References
Carlini EA, Cunha JM. Hypnotic and antiepileptic effects of cannabidiol. J Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Aug-Sep;21(S1):417S-427S.
Kogan L et al. US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Front Vet Sci. 2019 Jan 10;5:338.
McGrath S et al. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2019 Jun 1;254(11):1301-1308.
Rosenberg EC, et al. Cannabinoids and Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):747-768.
Perucca E. Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Hard Evidence at Last? J Epilepsy Res. 2017;7(2):61-76. Published 2017 Dec 31.