CBD for Seizures in Dogs: Does It Work?

Seizures in dogs can be distressing for both dogs and their owners. If you’re looking for a natural way to help manage your dog’s seizures, CBD for dogs is gaining popularity as a potential solution. But how effective is it, and is it safe? Let’s explore how CBD oil for seizures in dogs works, its benefits, and what you should know before trying it.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures in dogs can be caused by various conditions, including epilepsy, tumors, liver disease, overheating, exposure to toxins, or other rare health problems.

Canine epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures, affecting a significant number of dogs worldwide. Traditional treatments often involve anticonvulsant medications, but these can come with side effects like drowsiness, liver damage, and loss of coordination.

How CBD May Help with Seizures in Dogs

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the hemp plant that interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in both humans and animals. Research suggests that CBD may help reduce seizure frequency and severity by possibly regulating neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall brain and nerve health.

However, there have not been enough scientific research that definitively proves CBD to be effective for seizures in dogs, which is why vets still do not prescribe this as a treatment for dog seizures.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs with Seizures

So, if the research is not enough for vets to confidently recommend CBD for dogs with seizures, why should you care? Are there really benefits?

Well, many dog owners are turning to CBD as a potential treatment for seizures because it is a natural alternative to traditional epilepsy medication, especially because seizure medication is not effective 100% of the time.

Moreover, some dog owners see CBD as a great option if it works, as it has less side effects than most medications. Plus, CBD actually has other health benefits unrelated to seizures that are appealing to owners.

However, it is important to note that if your dog has seizures, the first step is talking to a vet and taking their advice. Getting a second or third opinion is also fine, but going ahead and trying CBD without consulting a vet is not safe! Not because CBD is not safe, but because seizures are an incredibly serious health condition for dogs, and medication is often times the best long-term solution.

How to Give Your Dog CBD for Seizures

CBD for dogs comes in various forms, including oil, treats, and capsules. However, CBD oil is usually the best option as it is the purest form and you are able to dose it most accurately. When it comes to using CBD for a dog with seizures, it is of the utmost importance that you can control the dosage well.

Final Thoughts

As someone that had a dog that suffered with epilepsy for over 10 years before passing away at 13, this topic is close to my heart. He was on epileptic medication for his entire life, and towards the last few years, his seizures started to increase in frequency again.

So, he started to take CBD oil with his meals and medication, and it actually helped; needless to say, I will always be grateful for CBD for what it did for Oreo. 

But, even as a CBD advocate for dogs, I will say — when it comes to epilepsy and seizures, the evidence is not strong enough for me to recommend it as a treatment, nor is it for vets to recommend it… yet.

I believe in the coming years, as we get more research and data, CBD will become a viable treatment for minor epileptic dogs or as a supplemental treatment to tarditional medication, but time and more studies will tell.