We all want the best for our dogs - especially if they're experiencing seizures or other related disorders, such as epilepsy. For those of us who've experienced attacks, you might feel helpless. Good news now comes in the form of CBD oil for dogs.
More dog owners are starting to trust the positive effects of CBD on their dogs, thanks to more comprehensive testing. This article will look at all the latest science on CBD oil for dogs and how to dose it properly.
We'll show you what to look for and how home treatment might be the best option for your dog. Check with your veterinarian first. They may have other options available for your seizures. There may be more serious underlying causes affecting their brain.
What Are Dog Seizures?
Dog seizures are one of the most common neurological conditions in canines. Also known as a convulsion or fit, seizures are an involuntary disturbance in your dog's brain. When your dog experiences a seizure, you'll notice an immediate, unsettling change in their behavior. Most dog owners will notice it right away, but sometimes you'll need to see if they're having a seizure.
Dog Seizure Symptoms:
- Uncontrollable muscle movement
- Dazed or starring look
- Twitching
- Heavy breathing
- Rapid eye movements
- Running in circles
- Complete consciousness
How Does CBD Dog Oil Help Seizures?
CBD, or cannabidiol, contains powerful anti-convulsant properties. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration), for example, recently approved CBD for the treatment of seizures in humans with epilepsy. Although research on dogs is limited, we know they have an internal cannabinoid system that reacts to properties found within the Cannabis plant.
All mammals contain an ECS or Endocannabinoid System. When CBD is ingested, cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, send signals to the brain and create a modulatory effect on your dog. When seizures occur, such as in those who have epilepsy, the brain's homeostasis is interrupted.
CBD works by restoring balance to the ECS system and calming overactive neurons in the brain, nervous system, and glands. While medications do exist to treat epilepsy for dogs, such as diazepam, they may often cause serious side effects. CBD oil, by contrast, is a natural supplement that's considered safe and well-tolerated by the WHO (World Health Organization).
CBD Oil For Dogs: What Research Has Shown
CBD research is still somewhat limited when it comes to dogs. What scientists have found so far, however, is promising. In 2019, for example, 26 dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy were submitted to a random, blinded, controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of CBD in controlling seizures.
Researchers gave the CBD group 2.5 mg of CBD oil twice daily for 12 weeks. After the 12-week treatment, the clinical trial recorded that the dogs showed a ' reduction in seizure frequency, compared with the placebo group.' Although promising, researchers did indicate a need for further testing.
Is CBD Oil For Dogs Safe and Effective?
CBD Oil is safe and won't make your dog 'high.' The two main components of Cannabis are CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, CBD contains no psychoactive properties but retains all the potent compounds responsible for helping your dog's ECS. Many veterinarians suggest CBD as a safe supplement, as well, because of its proven ability to control seizures.
Current CBD oil testing with The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation on CBD for seizure control indicates more scientific interest. Colorado State University recently found that 89 percent of dogs treated with CBD improved.
How Do I Use CBD For My Dogs Seizures?
For best results, use CBD oil twice a day for your dogs. Start small and increase the dosage until you see improvement. It may take up to two weeks before the CBD 'kicks in,' so be patient. Others will notice an immediate effect.
Dosing for Seizures
It's important to remember your dog can't overdose on CBD, but proper dosing is recommended. Start with CBD oil straight from the dropper. If they don't like the taste, you can also apply it to a treat, such as peanut butter.
1/2 milliliter, as marked on the dropper, per 20lbs of weight
Where Should I Buy My Dog CBD Oil?
When looking for CBD Oil for your dog, you should look for a few things. Not all CBDs are created equal. Although an all-natural ingredient, CBD may vary differently, according to a few factors, including:
- Is CBD organic and pesticide-free?
- Is it purified through a CO2 extraction process?
- Is it sourced from American hemp?
- Are there lab reports indicating purity?
What about THC content?
We only want the best for our dogs, especially if they're suffering from convulsions and seizures. We know this and created a unique CBD dog oil formula geared toward canine health. Our dog CBD oil is 99% pure CBD sourced from all-natural, organic hemp from American farmers.
Our lab analysis, indicating THC-free CBD oil, can be found on our website, so you don't have to worry about your dog getting high. We also use MCT coconut oil as a carrier oil, which helps disburse the CBD more effectively.
Why is MCT Oil important if my dog has seizures?
In 2020, The American Kennel Club Health Foundation published a study examining the effects of MCT oil in helping dogs with epilepsy. The study studied the effects of dogs given medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil for six months and how it impacted cognitive ability. Researchers determined that MCT not only controlled seizures 'but also the behavioral changes associated with canine idiopathic epilepsy.'
Final Thoughts
Apart from helping control seizures, CBD provides many potential health benefits for your dog. The ECS is a complex, physiological system that interacts favorably with cannabinoids, such as CBD. Some of the additional health benefits that might aid in helping seizure side effects include the following:
- Anxiety relief
- Help with insomnia
- Arthritis and pain relief
- Helps control hyperactivity
If you want to learn more about CBD for dog seizures, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
