CBD Oil for Dog Seizures: Here's What You Should Know

by Nature's Pet Herbals August 4, 2020

If your dog suffers from seizures, CBD oil may provide some relief. It’s hard for pet owners to see their dog suffer. You feel helpless and stressed, not knowing what to do to help your dog. If you’ve already been to the vet and are looking for an all-natural way to treat your dog’s seizures, CBD oil may be the answer. This helpful guide will cover everything you need to know about CBD oil for dog seizures.

Dog Seizures

There are lots of reasons why dogs experience seizures. Seizures in dogs can look like uncontrollable shaking. They may last for a few seconds, or they could go one for several minutes.

How seizures manifest and what causes seizures can be different from dog to dog. Here are some different causes of seizures in dogs.

Electrolyte problems
Flea and tick medicines
Underlying health conditions
Vaccines
Traumatic head injuries

Epilepsy is also a common culprit of seizures in dogs. This is a condition where there are bursts of uncontrolled electricity in your dog’s brain. One of the symptoms of epilepsy is seizures.

Epilepsy affects around 0.75% of the dog population. Appropriate dog epilepsy treatment depends on the diagnosis and the type and cause of seizures.

There is no cure for epilepsy, but some people are choosing CBD oil as a natural treatment for dog seizures. A new study from Colorado State University has found a correlation between seizure reduction and the amount of CBD oil in a dog’s bloodstream.

The study gives dog owners new hope that hemp oil for seizures in dogs may be a viable and worthwhile course of treatment.

CBD Oil

CBD oil has been in the news a lot lately, but what exactly is it? Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a popular natural remedy that can be used in humans and animals for many common ailments.

CBD has over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THC causes the sensation of getting “high” that people associate with marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.

CBD is an appealing option for pet owners who are looking for relief for their dog’s symptoms without the effects and symptoms of pharmaceuticals. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and then diluted with a carrier oil such as hemp or coconut oil.

Right now, CBD is gaining momentum in treating seizures in dogs as well as other ailments like chronic pain and anxiety.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

With the signing of the Farm Bill of 2018, CBD has been legal coast to coast in every state since January 2019. Before that, there had been easing in regulation, but it wasn’t as clearly legal as it is now.

The new bill left nothing up for interpretation. It directly addressed the issue of making hemp products legal for use and manufacturing throughout the United States.

This bill opened the door for CBD products to be sold for people and animals. If you are traveling with your dog out of the country, it is a good idea to check the law before you pack CBD oil with you. Some countries still have not made it legal.

Take extra precautions if you are traveling with your dog to one of these countries.

CBD for Dog Seizures

Currently, scientists are discovering the many benefits of treating seizures in humans and dogs with CBD oil. Studies have shown a lot of positive benefits of CBD oil for dogs.

CBD oil helps manage seizures in dogs. You wouldn’t want to give your dog something that you were not sure of, so continue reading to find out how CBD oil works.

There are two types of endocannabinoids in your dog’s body: CB2 receptors and CB1 receptors. CB2 receptors are located in the immune system. CB1 receptors are in the centralized nervous system and the brain.

CB1 Receptors have the most significant impact in treating your dog’s seizures. The endocannabinoid system is significantly altered because of seizures and epilepsy.

Research shows CBD oil can improve seizure control in patients with epilepsy. Through a process called external modulation, CBD can reduce and sometimes stop your dog’s seizures from happening.

The exact way CBD does this is still largely unknown and is currently being experimented in many different studies. There are several theories, but further research is needed so we can learn more.

What we do know is that CBD oil has a positive effect on your dog’s seizures. Side effects, apart from drowsiness, are highly uncommon.

CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs

So, how much CBD oil should I give my dog for seizures? Great question! The CBD oil dosage for your dog depends largely on their size and weight.

Smaller dogs need less CBD oil to see the benefits, and larger dogs will require more. It’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian about a recommended dose for your dog.

It is also essential to read the product label. The label will tell you about the quality of the product and recommend a dosage for your dog.

There are many ways your dog can take CBD oil too. Chewable treats or tablets work great for some dogs. Other owners find CBD oil put directly onto the dog’s food works best for them.

Whatever you choose, make the right decision for you and your dog. Proceed carefully when selecting CBD products. Make sure you get the highest quality product available because you are using it to treat a medical condition.

What are the Benefits?

There are many benefits associated with CBD oil for your dog. The apparent benefit is to provide relief to your dog’s seizures. CBD oil may help lessen your dog’s seizures, and sometimes in rare cases, it has been known to stop them altogether.

Dog owners have reported lessening in the severity of seizures and less frequent seizures in their dogs. Many times there is an intense body pain associated with seizures because of intense muscle cramping. CBD oil can work to help reduce that pain too.

CBD has also been used to treat pet anxiety. If your dog gets anxious during thunderstorms or fireworks, CBD oil can help calm them down during these events.

Does it Have Negative Side Effects?

We must say there are a few rare side effects of using CBD oil for your dog. The most commonly reported side effect is diarrhea. Issues with digestion are common if your dog ingests too much CBD oil too quickly.

Its always better to start at a low dosage and add more on overtime. Too much CBD oil right away can do more harm to your pet than good. It takes time for your dog’s body to adjust to the new CBD oil regime.

If your dog experienced diarrhea, lower the dose, or even skip it for a day or two until it clears up. Give the body a chance to regulate itself and then start the treatments over again, but this time at a lower dosage.

CBD oil can sometimes cause dry mouth. CBD oil has been shown in research to decrease the production of salvia. If your dog is intensely thirsty, it could be a side effect of the CBD oil.

Provide them with plenty of water and talk to your vet if the condition continues.

CBD oil can also lower your dog’s blood pressure. In some dogs, this may manifest as lightheadedness. This effect is only temporary. Be sure to monitor your dog while they take CBD oil.

The most common side effect is drowsiness. The calming effects of CBD oil can make your dog sleepy. If your dog gets sleepy on CBD oil, lower their dosage until you find the right level of calming effects where they are still awake.

How Can I Buy CBD Oil for My Dog?

If you want to try to treat your dog’s seizures with CBD oil, we recommend you talk to your veterinarian first. This is especially important if your pet is taking other medications to treat their seizures.

You should be able to feel comfortable talking to your vet about all of your pet’s health needs, including CBD oil. Together as a team, you can work to find the right products and the proper dosage for your dog.

Make sure you do your homework on dog CBD brand and different products. Learn about the types of oils that are better suited for seizures and what would be the best delivery method for your dog. CBD treats, drops, and food are all popular choices.

CBD Oil for Dog Seizures

CBD oil for dog seizures is a common way to provide relief for your pet. If your pet suffers from seizures, talk to your veterinarian and find out what they think about trying CBD oil.

Use this helpful guide to direct you on the benefits, possible side effects, and correct dosing for your pet.

Nature’s Pet Herbals has a variety of CBD productions that can be used in treating your dog’s seizures. Shop our variety of CBD products for dogs today.