Nowadays, it seems like CBD oil is the answer to all our problems – and in many cases, it actually is! We’ve got a treasure trove of natural remedies at our disposal, and thanks to scientific advancements, we no longer have to resort to simply lighting up to reap the benefits. But it’s not just us humans who can benefit from this miracle plant – our furry friends can get in on the action too!

You heard that right – CBD oil can be a game-changer for dogs dealing with serious health issues, like seizures and epilepsy. It’s an all-natural, non-psychoactive way to potentially alleviate some of the most debilitating symptoms of these conditions. So, if your pooch is struggling, it might be worth giving anti-seizure CBD meds for dogs a shot. Trust us, they’ll thank you for it!

Veterinary medicine is finally catching up to the many benefits of this natural compound. Turns out, there’s a ton of research on CBD and its anticonvulsant properties. So, what is CBD oil for dog seizures dose? Well, it all depends on their weight and condition, but don’t worry – a medical expert can guide you through the dosing process. Here are some of the facts and figures you should keep in mind when it comes to helping your furry friend with CBD.

About Seizures in Dogs

Let’s get serious for a minute and talk about something important – seizures in dogs. As per the AKC Health Foundation, these bad boys can be caused by a bunch of different things like toxins, illnesses, injuries, metabolic issues, and even a specific stimulus. It’s a lot to take in, we know. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. When it comes to seizures in dogs, there are three main categories to keep in mind.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Sounds serious, right? It’s actually the most common type of seizure activity in dogs, especially those between six months and six years old. “Idiopathic” is just a fancy word for “we have no clue why this is happening.” After ruling out possible conditions through diagnostic testing, vets still can’t figure out what’s causing the seizures. Some experts believe that some of these idiopathic seizures are inherited conditions because certain breeds, like Boxers and other Bully types, seem to experience them more frequently.

When it comes to seizures, it’s not just a one-and-done situation for our furry friends. While a single epileptic episode might not cause any lasting harm, a cluster of seizures in a short span of prolonged seizures that lasts more than a few minutes can lead to brain damage in dogs. And let’s be honest, nobody wants their pup’s brain to be damaged! Plus, repeated seizures can also set the stage for more severe and frequent seizures down the road. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your dog’s health and seek proper treatment if needed.

Structural Epilepsy

This occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by injury or illness. Think of it like a construction site – if something goes wrong with the foundation, the entire building could come crashing down. The same thing applies to our furry friends. This type of epilepsy is more common in dogs that are either under a year old or over five years old. If you suspect your dog has structural epilepsy, don’t fret. Your vet can help you determine if this is the case by running diagnostic tests like blood work and an MRI of the brain.

Reactive Seizures

The ones that occur in response to a trigger. It could be a certain food or substance that your pup is sensitive to or exposed to. While reactive seizures aren’t usually considered a marker for epilepsy, they could indicate a serious underlying medical condition that requires attention. Things like hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, or hepatic encephalopathy could be causing these seizures. The good news is that if the underlying issue is identified and addressed, reactive seizures can often be cured.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all seizures are created equal. Some, like idiopathic head tremors common in Bully breeds, may not be cause for concern. But in other cases, seizures could be a sign of a serious problem, like acute poisoning, injury, or illness. If your furry friend experiences a seizure, make sure to consult your veterinarian. They’ll run the necessary diagnostic tests to rule out anything serious and recommend the best course of treatment.

Traditional Medications for Seizures in Dogs

Let’s shake things up and talk about traditional medications for dog seizures! While CBD oil can be a great option, your vet might suggest other treatments. Once the root cause of your dog’s seizures is determined, your vet may recommend dietary changes, treating the underlying condition, or using anticonvulsant medication. Yes, the names may sound intimidating – phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, and levetiracetam – but don’t worry, your vet can break it down for you.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that anticonvulsant medications are usually a lifelong commitment once a dog starts taking them. In cases of idiopathic epilepsy, where seizures are infrequent and not too severe, you and your vet may decide to forego medication and deal with occasional seizures as they happen.

Symptoms of Dog Seizures

Watching your beloved furry friend have a seizure can be absolutely terrifying, but it’s important to know that it’s usually not a painful experience for them. Here are some telltale signs to keep an eye out for:

• Foaming at the mouth: While it may look concerning, foaming at the mouth is a typical symptom of dog seizures.
• Loss of consciousness: During a seizure, your pup will not be aware of its surroundings and will be unresponsive to your voice.
• Muscle twitching: You may notice your dog’s muscles twitching or contracting uncontrollably.
• Whole-body stiffening: Your dog’s body may become completely stiff and rigid during a seizure.
• “Paddling” motions with their legs: Your dog may display a cycling motion with their legs, almost like they’re running in place.
• Drooling: It’s common for dogs to drool excessively during a seizure.
• Collapsing: Your dog may suddenly collapse or fall over during a seizure.
• Jerking: You may notice your dog jerking or convulsing uncontrollably.
• Chomping: During a seizure, your dog’s jaw may clench and unclench repeatedly.
• Incontinence: Your dog may lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure.

Other symptoms may be a bit more subtle, like slight facial tremors or unusual barking patterns. Remember, with your help and love, your pup can still live a happy and healthy life.

What You Can Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure

Dealing with seizures in dogs can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you and your pup through it:

• Stay cool: Don’t freak out – your dog is not feeling any pain during the seizure. Keeping a cool head will help you take care of them better.
• Time it: Make a mental note of when the seizure starts and stops. This will help you measure if the episodes are getting better or worse.
• Know what’s normal: Frothing and excessive drooling might seem terrifying, but they’re common symptoms of dog seizures. Just be prepared for it.
• Protect them: Keep them away from sharp corners and stairs. If possible, use pillows to cushion their fall. Also, avoid grabbing their tongue, unless you want a nasty bite.
• Keep them cool: The longer the seizure lasts, the higher the chance of your dog overheating. Once they regain consciousness, place wet towels around their head, neck, and paws.
• Record it: After the seizure, take note of the date, time, and symptoms. This will help your vet in the long run, and it’ll give you a way to measure if the episodes are improving or not.

Remember, medication is not always the only answer for seizures in dogs. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can help your furry friend through this rough patch.

Research on CBD and Epilepsy

CBD has been a trending topic in recent times and for a good reason. Did you know that it’s now being used as a treatment for seizures in drug-resistant childhood epilepsy? That’s right; in 2018, the FDA approved the first-ever pharmaceutical drug based on CBD oil, called Epidiolex. It’s used to treat rare forms of drug-resistant childhood epilepsy and is derived from hemp plant extract, which is a game-changer in the world of seizure medications.

No surprises here! Turns out, good ol’ CBD has been known for its anticonvulsant properties since way back in 1973. That’s right, this natural compound and several other cannabinoids found in the cannabis family share this effect. But unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, cannabidiol won’t get you high or euphoric. It’s been the subject of dozens of medical studies over the years, investigating its antiseizure properties.

There have been some legal hurdles surrounding cannabis-based medicine, thanks to some prudes who just don’t get it. But with the 2018 Farm Bill reinstating the agricultural production of hemp in the United States, scientists finally have the green light to investigate the medicinal properties of this special part of cannabis. It’s high in CBD and low in THC, making it an ideal candidate for research on its anticonvulsant properties.

CBD for Dog Seizures: The Endocannabinoid System

Did you know that all mammals, including our furry friends, have an endocannabinoid system? Yes, it’s true! This intricate network of receptors plays a vital role in regulating body functions and maintaining internal balance or homeostasis. However, sometimes conditions like epilepsy can throw our pups’ internal mechanisms out of whack, leaving them in need of a little extra support. That’s where CBD comes in.

CBD, which is found abundantly in hemp, supplements the body’s endocannabinoid system by interacting with two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, nervous system, glands, and organs, and it’s these receptors that are responsible for CBD’s ability to calm overactive neurons and control seizures. By restoring homeostasis in the nervous system, CBD can help our pups live happier, healthier lives.

Research on CBD for Dog Seizures

Ah, the age-old problem of veterinary medicine is a bit behind the times. It’s not just about dogs wearing flared pants (though that would be quite the sight). Even scientific research can lag a bit behind what’s going on in human medicine. And when it comes to cannabis, well, let’s just say it’s been a bit of a sticky situation. But with the recent changes in laws and the FDA giving the thumbs up to Epidiolex, the first-ever CBD-based drug for seizures, veterinary researchers are finally able to take a closer look at answering the question: “Does CBD help with dog seizures”.

Guess who’s leading the “pack” for new information on CBD and dogs? Researchers at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University, of course! In June 2019, they conducted the first-ever clinical trial on the impact of hemp oil for seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy who were also receiving traditional anticonvulsant therapies.

The sample size was relatively small (n=26), but the results were promising. The CBD group was given 2.5 mg/kg twice daily for 12 weeks in addition to their antiseizure medication, while the control group only received antiseizure medication. Both groups showed a positive response to treatment, defined as a 50 percent or more reduction in seizures. However, the group that received CBD oil in addition to the traditional anticonvulsant showed a 33 percent median reduction in the frequency of seizures compared to those who only received traditional anticonvulsant drugs.

In simpler terms, the study found that CBD oil and traditional medications make a pretty good duo when it comes to treating seizures in dogs. The researchers even noticed that the more CBD was present in a dog’s system, the fewer seizures they had. However, they still need to figure out the best dosing guidelines for our furry friends.

And guess what? The researchers at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University are not stopping there. Thanks to a grant from the AKC Health Foundation, they’re embarking on a new clinical trial that will include a larger group of epileptic dogs. They’re on the hunt for participants, so if you have a dog with epilepsy, now’s your chance to get involved and help us learn more about the effectiveness of CBD oil for dog seizures. Let’s get those tails wagging again!

Are There Negative Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs with Seizures?

CBD oil is the real deal when it comes to being a natural and holistic treatment for dogs, and the best part is that it usually has few side effects. However, the most common one is diarrhea. Yes, it may sound like a crappy side effect, but the good news is that it’s usually just temporary. If your dog experiences this, it’s recommended to start at a lower dose and gradually increase it until it can tolerate it. You could also take a break from administering the CBD for a day or two to allow their body to adjust.

Once your dog adjusts to the CBD oil, it should experience little to no side effects, and it’ll be well on its way to better health. CBD oil is a natural and organic alternative to prescription drugs, but if you notice any strange side effects or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. They’ll be happy to help you and your furry friend get the best possible care.

CBD for Dogs with Seizures: What to Look for?

Are you considering giving your furry friend CBD oil for their seizures? Great! But before you jump on the CBD bandwagon, you need to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product that’s safe and effective for your pet.

First things first, consult with your veterinarian to confirm a proper diagnosis and an approved treatment plan for your dog. Once you have their approval, start researching a reliable brand that produces CBD oil specially designed for pets. Unfortunately, the CBD market is largely unregulated and growing rapidly, which means there are a lot of low-quality products out there. Therefore, you need to be careful while choosing a product for your furry companion.

When selecting a CBD product for your pet, look for a company that sources CBD from sustainable hemp farmers who use toxin-free soil. Also, check that the company uses safe and high-quality CO2 extraction to extract CBD, which preserves the therapeutic nutrients of the hemp plant.

Always check the label to ensure that the product lists all the active and inactive ingredients found in each CBD pet product, including flavors, carrier oils, and the exact milligrams (mg) of CBD. The company should also have its products tested by an accredited third party to ensure their accuracy, potency, and safety for your dog. A good company should provide all lab test results and additional testing information about their CBD pet products on their website. They should also have a well-trained and well-informed support team for good customer service.

CBD & Dog Seizures: How to Treat?

So, you’re considering taking the DIY approach to treat your furry friend’s seizures with CBD. While we always recommend consulting with your vet first (they went to school for this stuff, after all), we understand the appeal of a little homegrown healing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Consistency is key! To get the best results, it’s important to give your pet CBD on a regular basis. Twice a day is usually a good starting point, but every dog is different, so you may need to experiment to find the ideal dosage and frequency. But don’t worry, there’s no need to stress about overdoing it. You may even ask: “Can CBD edibles cause seizures” or “can CBD cause seizures in dogs” – thankfully, CBD is completely non-toxic and won’t harm your pup even in high doses. So go ahead and give that good boy some extra love (and CBD) when he needs it most.

Now, let’s talk about how to get that CBD goodness into your pup’s system. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that works for you and your pet. You can drop CBD oil directly into your pet’s mouth, mix it with their food, or rub it into their skin. You can even find CBD-infused treats and capsules that take the guesswork out of dosing.

In Conclusion: CBD for Dogs is a Winner!

When asking: “can CBD stop seizures for dogs”, remember – CBD oil can be a game-changer for dogs dealing with seizures and epilepsy. It’s a natural and non-psychoactive way to alleviate some of the most debilitating symptoms of these conditions. With its anticonvulsant properties and ability to restore homeostasis in the nervous system, CBD can help our furry friends live happier, healthier lives. While anticonvulsant medication may be necessary in some cases, CBD oil is worth considering as an alternative or complementary treatment option. And who knows, with a little help from CBD oil, your pup might just be back to chasing its tail in no time!