Many people give CBD to their dogs to help control seizures.
Seeing your beloved dog have a seizure can be a frightening experience. Seizures can be subtle, indicated by staring, a dazed appearance, whining, twitching, jerkiness, heavy breathing, or unusually rapid eye movements. They can also be distressingly severe, resulting in uncontrollable fits, tremors, and even loss of consciousness.
Seizures are basically caused by the abnormal firing of neurons in the brain. If your dog has seizures, whether mild or severe, you should visit your veterinarian to determine the cause.
If you want to supplement your dog’s treatment with a natural remedy, CBD oil should be your first option. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, which has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties. Extracted from industrial hemp (not marijuana) and legal in all states, CBD won’t make animals high, and there are no known side effects.
How does CBD work to reduce seizures?
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, a network of numerous receptors that regulates body functions. Endocannabinoids are synthesized on demand by the body to maintain homeostasis – a stable internal environment. When a condition such as epilepsy interferes with homeostasis, these internal mechanisms lag behind the body’s needs. Supplementing with the phytocannabinoids found abundantly in hemp can help restore balance.
Two types of endocannabinoid receptors have been identified: CB1 receptors, found predominantly in the brain, nervous system, glands, and organs; and CB2 receptors, existing mainly in the regulatory cells of the immune system. While CBD supplements benefit both types, their ability to calm overactive neurons and control seizures comes from the interactions with CB1 receptors. When the nervous system has been impacted by an illness or injury, CBD supplements can restore homeostasis.
How effective is CBD at treating seizures in dogs?
Anecdotal feedback is highly encouraging. There are countless testimonials and endorsements from pet parents sharing how CBD has helped their furry friends overcome dog seizures, including cases where conventional medications haven’t helped. Regular use has been shown to decrease both the frequency and severity of seizures.
Preliminary research is so highly promising that the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation is currently conducting research on CBD’s effectiveness at treating seizures in dogs through Colorado State University. The research found that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
Additionally, the National Institute of Health has published CBD research demonstrating strong reductions in epileptic seizures in rodents and shows CBD to be an effective therapeutic anti-convulsant. Research on using CBD for seizures from other species, including human patients, suggests that it’s likely CBD can exert anticonvulsant effects in dogs.
How do you treat dogs’ seizures with CBD?
Give your pet CBD regularly to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. Typically, relief will be best achieved by dosing twice a day. Dosage amounts can vary quite a bit from one situation to the next, so it may be necessary to experiment to find the right amount and how often to give. Keep in mind that you cannot overdose, and there is no toxicity associated with CBD.
CBD for dogs is available in many convenient forms. Give extracts from a dropper bottle directly into the mouth, add to food, drop on a treat, rub into bare skin or inside the ears, or drop on your pet’s paw so they will lick it off. You can also offer tempting CBD treats, tasty solid Coconut Oil with CBD, and topical hemp CBD ointments. Make sure the CBD product you choose is lab-tested so you can be sure you’re giving your pup the best opportunity for natural relief with CBD.
CBD can provide multiple additional benefits.
Read more about what CBD can do for your dog or cat.
We cannot provide veterinary advice
Please note we cannot provide health recommendations for individual animals, and we are not veterinarians. Please contact your dog or cat’s veterinarian with any health concerns you may have.
