CBD for Seizures in Dogs: Use, Effectiveness, side effects, and more

Seizures are one of the health conditions that are scary but pretty common. There are different types of seizures in dogs, and they may occur due to several different causes.

“A 24.1% decrease in seizure days occurred in dogs receiving CBD and a 5.8% increase occurred in dogs receiving placebo.“  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37889215/

Some of the typical symptoms and signs of dog seizures include:

• collapsing,
• loss of consciousness,
• muscle spasms,
• drooling,
• jerking, and more.

Most seizures take place for a few seconds only, although epilepsy can cause frequent and more prolonged episodes of seizures. There is not much you can do at home to prevent dog seizures. There are prescription medications available, but they might not completely ease or stop these episodes.

In light of new research, CBD has emerged as a potential organic material to help ease seizures in dogs. There are different types of it, like CBD oil for dogs with seizures and hemp oil for dogs. If your dog has been experiencing seizures, keep reading to know how CBD oil can help dogs with seizures.

Types of seizures in dogs

Dog seizures can be triggered by several issues such as:

• Excessive toxins in the environment, recent injury, illness, problems with metabolism, and a specific stimulus, such as loud noise.
• Up until now, three different types of seizures in dogs have been identified.

1.     Idiopathic seizures

Idiopathic seizures are those for which there is no apparent identifiable cause. Rather than the seizures being a sign of something else, it is believed that dogs have inherited this health condition. Diagnostic tests are done to rule out any other causes. Idiopathic seizures mainly occur in dogs from six months to six years of age.

2.     Structural epilepsy

Structural epilepsy occurs after a dog contracts an illness or severe injury that causes motor damage to the brain. A stroke or an inflammatory disease can also cause it. If the seizures in your dog begin before turning one year old or after turning five, it is more likely structural epilepsy. https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/strokes-in-dogs/

3.     Reactive seizures

Reactive seizures occur in response to a stimulus, such as being allergic to a food item or poison. These seizures are usually a sign of an underlying condition, such as diabetes or another medical condition. If the underlying issue is identified and solved, reactive seizures might even be cured.

If seizures occur only sometimes and last for a few seconds, they are usually not that harmful and will pass. Longer seizures that occur frequently in dogs are a cause of alarm. If they are not treated immediately, frequent seizures may even cause damage to dog brains.

Treatment options for dogs with seizures

There is traditional treatment and dog seizure medication available. Depending on the type of seizure, the treatment option will vary accordingly. It may only include some dietary changes, dealing with the underlying cause, or anticonvulsants.

There have been several studies recently on the uses of CBD oil for dogs with seizures and hemp oil for seizures in dogs. The information indicates a positive development in the said field and shows that CBD oil and hemp oil may actually be able to help dogs with seizures, especially with old dog seizures.

The role of CBD oil and hemp oil in dog seizures

CBD is the short form of Cannabidiol, and it comes from the cannabis hemp plant. However, it has no psychoactive properties, so it won't cause the dog to become high.

Seizures are known to have an effect on the endocannabinoid system of dogs which makes the use of CBD effective in controlling and easing dog seizures. According to some theories and studies, organic CBD oil for dogs with seizures can help soothe the neurons involved during the seizure, thereby reducing the frequency of such episodes. Further studies on this are still underway.

Hemp oil for dogs comes from the same plant as CBD oil. It does not have the same amount of cannabinoids as CBD oil, but it has lots of antioxidants and omega 3 and 6. The oil has shown to be beneficial in controlling symptoms of convulsions and epileptic episodes in dogs.

How does CBD help with seizures?

A dog has two types of endocannabinoid receptors in his body. The CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system, and CB1 receptors are located in the brain and nervous system. These receptors are the ones with the most effect on seizures in dogs.

Using CBD oil for dogs with seizures has an impact on the endocannabinoid system, easing symptoms. The exact role of CBD oil in helping reduce seizures is not currently known, but CBD oil benefits for dog seizures are widely reported. Hemp oil for dogs works in a similar way.

Side effects of CBD oil in dogs

There are no significant side effects of using CBD oil for dogs with seizures or hemp oil for dogs. When you first start giving CBD oil, you may see some negative effects like diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

These are usually because of high dosage, as it takes time for the gut to adjust to the new ingredient. You must start with a lower dosage and then increase gradually. If you see any severe side effects, take your pet to the vet immediately and stop giving the oil.

FAQs

Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

Yes, CBD oil is generally considered safe for consumption by dogs. There are only a few side effects, such as drowsiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth, and they usually ease down on their own in a few days as your dog adjusts.

How much CBD oil should I give my dog for seizures?

CBD oil dosage for dog seizures varies with the dog's size. Smaller dogs need less and larger ones require more. The general rule is to give 1-2 mg/kg according to the dog's weight.

What can cause seizures in dogs?

Seizures can be caused by a few different factors such as illness, a recent injury, especially one involving the brain or the nervous system, too many toxins in the environment, issues with metabolism, and a few other causes.

Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?

While more research needs to be done on the use of CBD for seizures in dogs, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may be a safe and effective treatment option for some dogs. Always work with a veterinarian before giving your dog CBD and be sure to choose a high-quality product.