Hemp with Cannabidiol (CBD oil) has been tested and shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs which is why many pet parents turn to CBD oils when other treatments are ineffective.  In fact 30% of dogs that suffer from seizures tend to not be responsive to traditional medications.  So if you’re on this article, you’re likely looking for a solution because your pup is part of the 30%.

You’re not alone, and you’re just looking to help your best friend. Below you’ll find how CBD oil works with a dog’s body based on scientific research, and be able to make a decision on giving CBD a try, or to continue looking for another solution.  

Remember to always talk to your veterinarian before making a final decision as you’ll learn below that seizures in dogs are often a symptom of other issues, and not always a diagnosable disorder themselves.

Interesting fact: Herding dogs and breeds with short, flat noses tend to be more prone to seizures including collies, pugs, German shepherds, and English bulldogs.

How CBD and CBD Oils Can Help Prevent Seizures in Dogs

Seizures are a neurological disorder that are triggered by brain conditions, and multiple internal and external factors.  The most common type of seizures are inherited and is a condition known as Idiopathic Epilepsy.  

There is no known cause of seizures because it can be triggered by multiple factors including abnormal brain activity, poisoning, or organ issues like liver or kidney problems.  Like we mentioned above, many veterinary professionals consider dog epilepsy a symptom of a different disorder rather than one on its own.

By identifying the cause that results in the symptom, the seizures, the veterinarian can then begin trying to find a treatment.  If they can treat the disorder that causes the seizures, the seizures may stop.  If the specific cause or type of seizure cannot be determined, then your veterinarian may diagnose it as Idiopathic epilepsy, and this is the most common diagnosis. 

Interesting fact: Idiopathic epilepsy impacts 75% of dogs with seizures but only 33% of cats with seizures, you can learn more here.

CBD can help to reduce seizures in dogs (as well as other animals like humans and mice) in multiple ways.  This study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine shows that CBD blocked signals that are carried by brain cells carried by the Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) molecule which can be overtaken by diseases causing seizures. This may help with focal and other brain activity based seizures.

Inflammation is also a known cause of seizures in dogs and can be associated with diseases that affect the central nervous system, brain, or other organs. CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, helping dogs with joint and mobility issues and epilepsy. This was demonstrated in a study published in Vet Science by the NIH.

When CBD May Not Be Effective in Treating Seizures

Seizures resulting from of organ failure and poisoning will not benefit from CBD oils as the CBD molecule will not have an impact with these conditions.  If your dog is poisoned and showing symptoms, call your vet or local animal hospital immediately.

In the case of organ failure, especially from old age, CBD may be able to comfort some of the pain as the Humane Society has stated, but talk to your veterinarian first.  Studies like the first one sourced in this post have shown that there can be  increased liver values, after all, this organ is is the powerhouse of drug metabolism/breakdown.

If the liver values are already affected and this organ is not working at full capacity, you don’t want to make things worse.  But don’t panic, there have been multiple studies done with CBD and dogs and did not report severe or adverse effects in the majority of test subjects.

Once your veterinarian determines the cause of the seizures in your dog, then they can begin recommending treatments as the seizures are likely a symptom of something else.  And detecting the cause could save your dog's life, especially if they’re happening from a more serious condition that was previously undetected.  

If you think CBD may be a treatment for your loyal best friend pup, have your veterinarian contact us here.  We can create a custom formula using proper ratios aligning with whole plant medicine, including other key molecules like CBD, THC, CBD, and CBG for the “entourage effect”.