Anyone who has watched their dog have a seizure knows how heartbreaking it can be. The neurological effects can be devastating — resulting in paralysis or blindness, for example — but the saddest part is your dog’s confusion and terror.
Dogs are prescribed anticonvulsant drugs to keep their seizures in check but many owners still wish there was more they could do. They want something to give more relief and they want it to be all-natural.
Early studies and anecdotal evidence have demonstrated the effectiveness of CBD oil for dog seizures. The compound is already being used to treat seizures in humans and those same benefits can help dogs as well.
Are you thinking about buying CBD oil for your dog? Below we will discuss your CBD options and touch on what some of the limited studies have concluded.
SHOULD I USE CBD OIL FOR DOG SEIZURES?
According to veterinarians, seizures are the most common neurological condition reported in dogs. They result from abnormal brain activity and most of the time are genetically inherited. Other medical conditions like kidney failure, brain tumors, or liver disease can also cause seizures in dogs. The severity of seizures can range from restlessness and confusion to a complete loss of consciousness.
A single seizure may not be life-threatening but if they happen frequently or last longer than five minutes the dog may have a condition known as status epilepticus.
Seizure medications for dogs exist — phenobarbital and potassium bromide, for example — but some pet owners are seeking natural remedies for dog seizures. This is where CBD or cannabidiol comes in.
CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. By law, it can’t contain more than 0.3 percent of THC. This is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gets you high. Ultimately, CBD fights inflammation and offers many natural health benefits.
Research has also shown that CBD is not addictive, unlike many prescription medications on the market.
After being legalized in 2018, CBD has been used to alleviate the symptoms of seizures or other neurological conditions. Some people even take it for anxiety and depression.
More research is being done on CBD but the anecdotal results are promising. Are you wondering what the research says about dogs?
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT CBD FOR DOGS
There hasn’t been much research done on CBD to this point. The compound was only legalized two years ago and many researchers were reluctant to work with it beforehand because of the stigma attached to marijuana.
Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a neurologist and researcher at Colorado State University’s (CSU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital, piloted a small study on CBD for dogs. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published her results in June 2019. She focused on 26 dogs with canine epilepsy. Every dog was required to stay on its anticonvulsant drugs but half were given CBD for 12 weeks. In the end, 90% of the dogs receiving CBD had a reduction in seizure activity.
The most important part was that she observed no adverse behavioral effects in the dogs taking CBD.
A larger study has been commissioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), testing the efficacy of CBD in the treatment of canine epilepsy. It’s scheduled to conclude in November 2020 and should help veterinarians understand more about the benefits of CBD.
CBD research is also being ramped up for human beings. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its first drug containing CBDto treat seizures in children. This drug is designed for children 2 or younger diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome.
There are also many CBD applications for patients living with chronic pain or neurodegenerative disorders.
CALCULATING CBD OIL DOSAGE FOR DOGS
Figuring out CBD dosage is tricky. Without a library of CBD research to consult, calculating an effective dose is trial and error.
People who start taking CBD to treat insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain are told to speak with their doctors first. A medical professional can help them determine an exact dosage and ensure that CBD doesn’t interact with their current medications.
The same advice holds true for dogs. If you’re thinking about putting your dog on a CBD regimen, speak with a veterinarian first. They will take all of your dog’s health issues into account.
When selecting a CBD product, consider your dog’s weight, activity level, and the medical condition you’re trying to treat. It’s very important that you only buy high-quality, toxin-free CBD for your dog.
The market for CBD has exploded and there are many fraudulent products for sale. Always research your CBD by checking its color, source, and content. Avoid buying a fake!
Generally, higher doses are given for more serious conditions.
Calculate your dog’s CBD dosage by multiplying their weight by 0.2 milligrams (mg) of CBD. A 50-pound dog, for example, should get 10mg. Keep in mind this is a guideline. Your dog may need more or less.
The safest move is to start low and gradually increase their dosage if you aren’t seeing the desired results. Take your time and write down daily observations to discuss with your veterinarian.
BRING RELIEF TO YOUR DOG WITH CBD OIL
CBD is all-natural and has loads of health benefits. The market for CBD products is expected to reach $22 billion by 2022. Researchers are also finding new ways to use it for treating serious medical conditions in people and animals.
Are you ready to get CBD oil for dog seizures? Speak to a veterinarian first to determine the correct dosage. Your next step is to find high-quality CBD oil. Some companies are specifically producing it for dogs in the form of oil, salve, or edibles.
When you’re ready to start administering CBD to your dog, start low and watch carefully to see how they react. Your dog should benefit from taking it, just keep your veterinarian in the loop.
In the meantime, read more of our CBD blog for tips on buying high-quality products online, the difference between hemp and CBD, and common health-related questions.