Dogs are cherished members of our families. When our dogs experience seizures, the episodes can be stressful and frightening.
For this reason, pet owners are increasingly interested in CBD for seizure control in dogs.
Remember: epilepsy is a serious medical condition. Consult your veterinarian to manage seizures in pets; do not use CBD to replace prescription seizure medication, but consider it as an option to discuss with your veterinarian.
What Customers Say About Lolahemp Oil for Their Dogs' Seizures
Jennifer L.
"She had seizures about 2 times a day...This oil has helped her 100% I truly believe that."
Deborah
"Best product I've found...She has responded wonderfully. I was able to reduce the seizure medication dosage."
Does Using CBD Oil for Dog Seizures Help?
Dog owners have reported success when using CBD oil to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures in dogs. Using CBD oil for dog seizures can yield results, but it's not guaranteed to.
For a dog with seizures, CBD could provide benefits and it's unlikely that it will cause negative side effects. Most dogs tolerate CBD oil very well, and negative side effects at weight appropriate dosages are typically limited to loose stool, and light digestive upset.
Loose stool tends to be a result of the carrier oil or additional ingredients used. In high dosages, negative side effects can include drowsiness and lack of coordination.
If your dog is already using anticonvulsant medications, it's important to review those medications and any possible drug interactions with your veterinarian. CBD can interact with pre-existing medications.
Research on CBD for Dog Seizures
One CBD for dog seizures study at Colorado State University found that epileptic dogs who took CBD alongside their usual seizure medication had fewer episodes (7).
Another trial with 14 epileptic dogs found that 6 had 50% fewer seizures when CBD was added to their traditional medications (8).
Lastly, a case study of 3 dogs found that two showed improvement in their symptoms while taking CBD, while the third dog did not improve. But, each dog took a different dose, and there was no placebo group for comparison (9).
Bring up CBD to your vet if you want to add it to your dog's seizure management regimen, and they'll help you decide on an appropriate dose.
| Pet Weight (lbs) | CBD Dosage (mg) | Twice Daily Dosage (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | 2 |
| 20 | 2 | 4 |
| 30 | 3 | 6 |
| 40 | 4 | 8 |
| 50 | 5 | 10 |
There's a general rule of thumb, 1mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily. That's the general guideline when starting your pet on CBD. The guide chart below discusses this rule for Lolahemp CBD oil for pets.
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About Seizures in Dogs
Seizures in dogs are neurological events, also called a convulsions or fits (2). Seizures are marked by abnormal brain activity, uncontrollable movements, loss of awareness, and other temporary changes.
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A seizure is generally not painful for your dog, but they may accidentally injure themselves or others during the event. There is also a dangerous type of seizure called status epilepticus, which is a seizure episode lasting longer than 5 minutes (3). Status epilepticus is an emergency.
It's also important to mention the difference between a seizure and epilepsy in dogs. A seizure is one event, while epilepsy is a medical condition characterized by repeated seizure episodes.
Seizures in dogs can have many causes, including liver problems, kidney problems, a brain or head injury, brain tumors, ingested toxic plants or chemicals, and more. Reactive seizures occur during shifts in brain activity, such as excitement, mealtime, or periods of falling asleep or waking up.
Articles on The Causes of Canine Seizures
Can Dog Food Cause Seizures? Can Dehydration Cause Seizures in Dogs? What Toxins Cause Seizures in Dogs? Can Ear Infections Cause Seizures in Dogs? Can Fleas Cause Seizures in Dogs?
Epilepsy in dogs usually has no clear cause (referred to as idiopathic epilepsy). However, researchers believe that many cases of epilepsy in dogs are genetic (4).
Regardless of the cause, dogs can appear completely normal between seizures.
Traditional Medications for Seizures in Dogs
Dogs with mild or infrequent seizures may not require medication. However, having your pup evaluated by a veterinarian is still essential. Treatment can potentially cure seizures in dogs with underlying conditions such as kidney problems.
Dogs with epilepsy may need long-term medication to reduce seizure frequency. While this scenario is not ideal, uncontrolled seizures can be dangerous and even fatal. Anticonvulsant medication can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and improve your dog's quality of life.
Prescription Seizure Medications
Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are the most common epilepsy drugs in dogs. These medications slow down brain activity, reducing the likelihood of abnormal electrical signals that lead to seizures.
For some dogs, traditional seizure drugs have side effects that limit or prevent their use. Fortunately, there are new, safer epilepsy medications on the market with fewer side effects (5).
High-Quality CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Look For
Because CBD oil for pets isn't strictly regulated, you need to know how to spot high-quality products. The following are quality indicators to look for when choosing the best CBD oil for your dog:
1. Independent Lab Testing
Reputable CBD companies will provide independent laboratory test results for each batch of CBD oil. This information confirms the concentration and purity of the product and verifies that it meets legal requirements.
2. Comprehensive Ingredient Lists
Check that the product label lists the amount of CBD in milligrams and any other ingredients that are included. This transparency lets you stay informed about what you're giving your dog. A clear label will also help you spot allergens or ingredients harmful to dogs, such as the artificial sweetener xylitol.
3. Commitment to Animal Welfare
Finally, choose a company demonstrating its commitment to animal health and welfare. Potential means of support include donating proceeds to animal rescue organizations and conducting cruelty-free testing.
So, What’s The Final Verdict?
Seizures in dogs can be frightening, but there are steps you can take to treat and manage them.
The best first step is to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet will check for underlying conditions that could be causing the attacks and treat them. If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, they'll help you build a management plan to improve your dog's quality of life.
If you're interested in CBD, you can also bring up CBD oil with your vet. Remember, CBD works best alongside traditional medications. Your vet will determine whether CBD is safe for your pup and help you choose an appropriate product.
More on Hemp & CBD for Dogs
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- Dog CBD Collection - Browse a wide range of CBD products tailored for dogs.
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- CBD for Storm Anxiety - Discover how CBD can help dogs fearful of storms.
- Finding Pet CBD Near You - Tips for locating pet CBD products in your area.
- Hemp Calming Treats Safety - A guide to the safety of hemp calming treats for dogs.
