main logo

Blog

Is CBD Beneficial for Epilepsy in Dogs?

I had dealt with dogs for years, and I was aware of the symptoms of a seizure, but nothing could really prepare me for the sight of my pet seizing. CBD oil is a natural solution that can help reduce or prevent epileptic seizures in dogs.

A 16-year-old chihuahua rescue named Molly came to me with a background of seizures. I needed to know everything there was to know about epileptic fits in order to assist Molly. CBD, thankfully, helped stop Molly’s seizures while they were happening, as well as prevent future seizures.

What Are the Signs of a Dog Suffering from Seizures?

A seizure is a neurological condition in dogs in which the brain’s activity becomes disrupted against the dog’s will. Epilepsy is a word that refers to recurrent seizures.

Symptoms of a canine seizure include:

  • Collapsing
  • Jerking
  • Convulsing
  • Stiffening
  • Muscle twitching
  • Drooling
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chomping
  • Tongue-chewing
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Release of bowel or bladder

What Causes Dogs to Have Epilepsy/seizures?

Seizures are brought on by an overload of electrical energy in your dog or cat’s brain.

A variety of factors can cause epileptic seizures, including poisoning, liver disease, changes in blood sugar levels, fever, strokes, brain cancer, anemia, electrolyte disturbances, or head trauma.

Epilepsy is classified into two categories: idiopathic and symptomatic. Idiopathic epilepsy has no known cause and is often hereditary, whereas symptomatic epilepsy develops as a result of an identifiable structural brain malformation or metabolic dysfunction, as described above.

Epilepsy can be passed down through many dog breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherds, Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Border Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, English Springer Spaniels , Finnish Spitz,, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Lagotto Romagnolos, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, Shetland Sheepdogs, Standard Poodles, and West Highland White Terriers, among others.

In the past, epilepsy was thought to be an inherited disorder in which a dog’s genes were predisposed to develop this disease. It is now understood that there are multiple genetic factors involved in both idiopathic and symptomatic epilepsies.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Experiencing a Seizure

The first and most important thing to remember when your dog is having a seizure is to remain calm. Never try to move the dog unless they are in a dangerous location (for example, if they’re on the edge of a dock over water or near a fire). If you must transfer the pet, attempt to do so from their hind legs or hips.

You may comfort or softly pet your dog while they are having a seizure, but keep your hands away from their mouth since they may clamp down with their jaw.

A seizure should not last more than 5 minutes. If it does, contact a professional immediately. Seizures are generally only a few minutes long, after which the dog resumes its regular routine.

Phenobarbital (PB) and potassium bromide (KBr or K-BroVet Potassium Bromide) are used to treat seizure disorders in dogs. However, these drugs can have harmful side effects and contribute to deeper liver damage, which is why many pet owners are choosing full spectrum hemp extract (CBD oil).

Holistic Alternatives to over the counter medication  

To prevent the sorts of liver disease, changing blood sugar levels, anemia, and electrolyte problems that can induce seizures, it’s critical to feed your pet a healthy, species-appropriate diet. We recommend a fresh/raw diet that is complete with the appropriate macro and micro nutrients in the right proportions. By addressing some of the irregularities that lead to seizures, you may frequently avoid them.

Seizers and dog CBD

Over the last several years, there has been a lot of research into cannabidiol (CBD) and its potential applications. For example, it’s shown promise in treating epileptic seizures in both animals and people.

CBD has been used as a neuroprotectant since 2003, according to the U.S. government (despite the marijuana ban in the United States). Due to the popularity of hemp-derived CBD for dogs, researchers are now conducting studies on CBD’s seizure-relieving abilities more than ever before.

The endocannabinoid system, which consists of neurotransmitters and receptors, is found in the body. This system regulates a variety of bodily processes, including hunger, sleep, and pain as well as your immune system response.

CBD is believed to affect these processes by communicating with receptors in your endocannabinoid system.

CBD’s anti-seizure effects, according to animal research, may be due to its ability to modulate two receptor groups called GPR55 and TRPV1.

In a recent study, neurologist Stephanie McGrath evaluated the short-term impact of CBD on seizure frequency in 16 dogs. For 12 weeks, dogs were given a placebo or hemp-derived CBD in a study. In a double-blind, parallel-group trial, researchers gave 10 dogs with epilepsy either a placebo or cannabidiol. All of the dogs in the study had epileptic seizures.

McGrath discovered that 89 percent of dogs who took CBD in the clinical trial had a decrease in the occurrence of seizures as a result of the research. McGrath also noted a close link between seizure reduction and the amount of CBD in the dog’s blood.

CBD for dogs’ seizures was not the only study to discover that it is a successful anti-epileptic remedy.

Another group of scientists conducted a similar study, in which three dogs with epileptic seizures were given hemp-derived CBD for eight weeks. Two of the three dogs investigated had a shorter seizure frequency, according to the research. The dogs were given different dosages of CBD, and the dog who received the lowest amount of active CBD showed little to no improvement, whereas the dog who was given 1700 mg demonstrated the greatest degree of improvement. More isn’t necessarily better, but the amount required for optimum results proved to be 1700 mg of CBD for dogs suffering from seizures.

CBD For Dogs’ Seizures: Dosing and Administering CBD

The first step is to figure out the dosage that will be most beneficial for your pet. Despite popular perceptions, the amount of CBD you give your dog has nothing to do with his size or weight. The dosage should be determined based on each animal’s specific physiological status.

We recommend a trial and error approach for the first few weeks, while you track your animal’s reaction and determine the proper dosage.

It’s all about slow and low. It’s all about gradually introducing CBD and monitoring its effectiveness over time. When you’re moving between pharmaceuticals, whether it’s one to another or one to a nutraceutical, it doesn’t matter. The process should be gradual. The procedure may take anything from weeks to months. To document what’s occurring every day, keep a diary of everything that happens, whether positive or negative.

Based on our experience, we have seen the most success with 35–50 mg of our Premium CBD Oil daily. To achieve the greatest absorption and to keep it in your circulation, give your pet the daily dose in several doses throughout the day (microdosing). The peak occurs at two hours and is absent for four to six hours. Microdosing helps keep the CBD in circulation, which can help prevent seizures. When your dog is having an episode, CBD for dogs’ seizures may also be used as needed.

For the most rapid and thorough absorption, apply the dose directly to the gums rather than lifting the lip. The fastest way to the bloodstream is usually accessed through the gums.It can be taken with food, but the medicine may not be as effective and will take far longer (30-45 min.) to travel through the gastrointestinal system.

CBD for Molly’s Seizures: A Case Study

Molly, a chihuahua rescue with a history of seizures (among other significant problems), came to me. I was aware of the symptoms of a seizure, but nothing can truly prepare you for the sight of your pet seizing. Even the most laid-back person could panic when you witness the look in your beloved dog’s eyes as they convulse. It’s something I hope no one has to experience.

When Molly started seizing, I kept a level head, but my heart was shattered for her. She’d endured so many other difficulties and maintained a happy, inquisitive attitude. The seizures, on the other hand, were drawing her away from enjoying her twilight years leisurely playing and resting.

Before I could assist Molly, I had to fully comprehend what takes place during a seizure and why they occur. Fortunately, I discovered a natural remedy that helped. CBD was able to stop Molly’s seizures while they were happening as well as aid in the prevention of future seizures.

We first weaned her off of Phenobarbital and other drugs, then placed her on a natural CBD treatment and switched her to a new, species-appropriate raw diet. Molly’s sores disappeared after two weeks, and her toes were no longer red or inflamed. She also noticed an improvement in the number and duration of her seizures within the first week. Within a month, Molly was seizure-free and no longer needed any of the prescription medications she had previously been given.

To summarize,

Seizures are frightening and we know it. We’ve seen them first-hand. It’s a fantastic finding in scientific study to be able to stop a seizure and, as a result, minimize the harm caused by one. We also acknowledge the anxiety. We’ve been there too. We care about your pet and we want to make a difference in their world, the same way they have made a difference in ours.

That’s why our products are made with ingredients we believe in and trust, so look into CBD oil for dogs.