CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining recognition for its potential health benefits. While CBD is most often associated with humans, it is quickly becoming a popular natural remedy for managing certain health conditions in dogs, particularly seizures. In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of CBD for dogs, the different ways it can be administered, and the safety and efficacy of CBD for managing seizures in dogs. We’ll also look at the current research and provide tips for owners looking to use CBD for their pet’s health.
Does CBD help reduce the frequency of dog seizures?
Yes, CBD can help reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures by up to 40% and can help to reduce the severity of seizures. CBD has also been shown to help reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with epilepsy, which can be a life-changing treatment for these animals.
What dosage of CBD is typically recommended for dogs with seizures?
The exact dosage of CBD recommended for dogs with seizures will depend on the size and weight of the individual dog. Generally, it is recommended to start with a low dose (2.5mg-5mg) of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight and gradually increase the dose over time until a desired effect is seen. It is important to work closely with your vet to monitor the dog’s response to the CBD and adjust the dose accordingly.
How quickly can I expect to see results when using CBD oil for my dog’s seizures?
It can take a few days to a few weeks to experience the full benefits of CBD oil for a dog’s seizures. While some people may report seeing results within a few hours, it is important to be patient and give the CBD oil time to work. It is important to monitor your pet for any changes, including reduced frequency and intensity of seizures. If you don’t see any results after a few weeks, it is recommended to talk to your veterinarian to discuss other treatment options.
Are there any side effects of using CBD to treat dog seizures?
Yes, there are some potential side effects of using CBD to treat dog seizures. These side effects may include decreased appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, and diarrhea. If your dog is taking any other medications, make sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving them CBD, as CBD can interact with certain medications. Additionally, be sure to purchase CBD from a reputable source, and follow the recommended dosage for your pet.
Are there any risks associated with using CBD to treat dog seizures?
Yes, there are some risks associated with using CBD to treat dog seizures. These include potential interactions with other medications, possible side effects such as drowsiness and decreased appetite, and a lack of research on the long-term effects of CBD on dogs. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your veterinarian before trying CBD as a treatment for your dog’s seizures.
Promising and exciting. Those are the words used by Dr. Stephanie McGrath to describe findings from a pilot study to assess the use of cannabidiol, or CBD, for dogs with epilepsy. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, led a small study with 16 pet dogs to assess the short-term effect of CBD on seizure frequency. Based on her research, McGrath found that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures. Nine dogs were treated with CBD, while seven in a control group were treated with a placebo. The research took place from to , and results are published in the June 1 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Idiopathic epilepsy, which occurs with no known cause, affects up to 5. Dogs enrolled in the clinical trial were randomly assigned to the treatment or placebo group. Those in the treatment group received CBD oil for 12 weeks. All of the dogs were required to stay on standard anticonvulsant drugs, including phenobarbital and potassium bromide. The dogs owners and CSU medical staff did not know if the animal received CBD or a placebo until the study was complete. The CBD product used in the study was derived from a hemp plant, which has 0. The compound is not considered marijuana and can be used for research purposes based on the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Bill. In addition to the distinct reduction of seizures in the group of dogs that received CBD oil, McGrath saw a significant association between the degree of seizure reduction and the amount of CBD concentration in the dogs blood. This finding led the neurologist to adjust the dose of CBD oil for dogs in a current clinical trial, which was launched in January and aims to enroll 60 client-owned dogs with epilepsy. Materials provided by Colorado State University. Note Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Bartner, Sangeeta Rao, Rebecca A. Packer, Daniel L. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. ScienceDaily, 21 May Colorado State University. CBD clinical trial results on seizure frequency in dogs encouraging. Retrieved June 15, from www. Print Email Share. Promising Rectal Cancer Study. Walking Towards Healthier Knees. Turn Up the Beat! Component for Brain-Inspired Computing. Exposing Liars by Distraction. Explore More. The results of their recent study indicate that The synthetic CBD alternative is easier to purify than a Living Well. View all the latest top news in the environmental sciences, or browse the topics below. Keyword Search.
Can CBD oil help dogs with epilepsy and seizures? Anecdotal evidence suggests maybe CBD oil may offer a treatment alternative for several illnesses, including canine epilepsy, but no in-depth studies have verified these claims. Cannabidiol CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant marijuana. Instead, it is associated with pain relief and is the main ingredient in many cannabis pet products. Canine epilepsy is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs. Unfortunately, the medications used to treat epilepsy, such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, diazepam, and other anticonvulsant drugs, can cause serious side effects in some dogs. Even with medication, up to 30 percent of dogs with epilepsy continue to experience seizures. We talked with Dr. McGrath shared. There is abundant anecdotal evidence, but very few, if any, well-executed research studies. Regarding the epilepsy study specifically, it is important work because we are constantly searching for an effective anticonvulsant drug to treat epilepsy in dogs. The drugs we currently have available frequently cause intolerable side effects or do not work well enough to control the seizures. Therefore, if CBD does prove to be an effective anticonvulsant, this would affect thousands of dogs worldwide. The dogs enrolled in the study are randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or the CBD oil for 12 weeks and then, after a 4-week washout period, receive the opposite drug for an additional 12 weeks. The researchers and the owners are blinded as to which drug is given in each half of the study. The study will also explore any possible side effects associated with CBD. According to Dr. McGrath, the researchers examine the dogs in the study every four weeks, perform regular blood work, and provide the owners with weekly questionnaires. Without studies and regulations, many of the CBD products on the market are untested and unregulated. When asked if pet owners should be wary of these products, Dr. Not knowing the exact constituents and quantities of those constituents in a particular product is scary, especially with the knowledge that at certain doses, THC can be toxic to dogs. Hopefully, this market will change in the future.