CBD for Dog Seizures - April 2024

How Does CBD Work to Reduce Dog Seizures?

CBD is a cannabis plant compound purported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-nausea properties⁽⁵⁾. Studies are being conducted to evaluate CBD’s potential benefits to help with treatment-resistant epilepsy in dogs.

Canine epilepsy is a disease characterized by recurring and unprovoked seizures due to abnormalities in the dog’s brain⁽⁶⁾.

CBD works by interacting with the dog’s ECS. This system contains endocannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors, that bring out the drug’s therapeutic benefits⁽⁷⁾.

CB1 receptors are mostly expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. These receptors affect cognition, motor activity, and appetite⁽⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are found primarily in immune system cells. These receptors form part of a signaling system that helps regulate cell function⁽⁹⁾.

The ECS plays a significant role in controlling the spread of epileptic activity and neuronal excitability⁽¹⁰⁾. This role suggests that CBD, working through the ECS, may help with the symptoms of dog seizures.

How Effective Is CBD in Helping With Dog Seizures?

At present, no conclusive studies have been conducted that determine the effectiveness of CBD on dog seizures.

However, researchers of one study mentioned that 89% of the dogs participating in a clinical trial and were given CBD had a reduction in seizure frequency⁽¹¹⁾. These findings suggest that CBD may be effective in managing seizures in dogs.

Although the results appear favorable, more research is needed to further measure and ascertain CBD’s efficacy in helping reduce seizures in animals.

Benefits of CBD for Dog Seizures

One study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science involving dogs with osteoarthritis mentioned that CBD may have anti-epileptic and anticonvulsant effects on dogs⁽¹²⁾. Epilepsies are repeated episodes of seizures or convulsions⁽¹³⁾. Thus, CBD may help lower the risk for seizures.

Dog seizures may also be a sign of brain injury⁽¹⁴⁾. Another benefit of CBD is its purported neuroprotective properties in pets⁽¹⁵⁾.

Neuroprotection involves the recovery and regeneration of the nervous system’s cells and functions⁽¹⁶⁾.

A dog’s nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord⁽¹⁷⁾. Thus, CBD may have the potential to help manage symptoms of brain injuries.

Research on CBD for Dog Seizures

A randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on dogs with idiopathic epilepsy using a CBD oil dose of 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of the dog’s weight (mg/kg) administered twice daily⁽¹⁸⁾.

Results showed a 33% reduction in seizure frequency among dogs in the CBD group than in the placebo group.

The study’s authors suggested additional research to determine if a higher dosage effectively reduces seizure frequency by 50% or more.

Why Studies on CBD and Dog Seizures Matter

One important reason why CBD and dog seizure studies are crucial is to determine CBD’s potential as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs⁽¹⁹⁾.

Studies and clinical trials are also necessary so that pet CBD products in the market can be tested and regulated.

According to Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a veterinary neurologist from Colorado State University, the lack of CBD product regulation is concerning, especially regarding CBD oil products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)⁽²⁰⁾. This compound can cause toxicity to dogs at certain doses.

To help achieve these goals, the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation funded several studies to help advance the understanding of canine epilepsy and address the unmet needs of dogs with this condition⁽²¹⁾.

Dosage and Usage of CBD Oil for Dog Seizures

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved cannabis use in animals⁽²²⁾. The agency also has not endorsed any CBD dosing guides for dog seizures.

However, a 2019 study suggested that a 2.5mg dose of CBD-infused oil per kilogram of the dog’s body weight taken twice daily may help reduce the frequency of seizures⁽²³⁾.

When the dog is taking CBD for the first time, one recommendation is to give a low-end dose of 0.05mg of CBD per pound (lb) of the dog’s body weight twice daily. Pet parents who see no improvement after some time may increase the dosage to 0.125 or 0.25mg of CBD per lb of the dog’s body weight twice daily⁽²⁴⁾.

Presently, there is insufficient clinical data to conclude whether a high amount of CBD may cause or worsen seizures.

Research is ongoing to discover whether higher doses will effectively reduce seizure frequency further⁽²⁵⁾.

Dog owners planning to purchase the best CBD oil for dogs may choose from a wide range of high-quality CBD products. These products include the following⁽²⁶⁾:

• CBD treats, like biscuits and chews
• CBD oil tinctures
• CBD capsules
• CBD topicals, such as salves, butter, and sprays

Pet parents may also consider giving CBD dog treats containing full-spectrum CBD oil, or full-spectrum hemp oil, to their pets. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains most compounds and cannabinoids, including THC, extracted from the hemp plant.

Other considerations include whether the product is non-GMO, free from pesticides, or made in the United States.

Despite these findings, dog owners are recommended to consult a veterinarian or doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) versed in cannabis use before deciding on a specific CBD dosage for their pets.

Side Effects of CBD

Presently, there is no conclusive scientific data on CBD’s side effects in dogs. However, the drug may have the following potential side effects based on how the compound affects humans⁽²⁷⁾:

• Dry mouth: CBD may decrease saliva production and increase the dog’s thirst.
• Low blood pressure: CBD given at high doses may temporarily cause blood pressure to drop.
• Drowsiness: CBD’s purported calming effects may help manage anxiety and, as a side effect, cause slight drowsiness.

Dog owners are advised to follow the right dosage recommendations as instructed by the CBD product instructions to minimize the risk of the dogs experiencing side effects.

Is CBD Safe for Dog Seizures?

A World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that CBD may not exhibit potential for drug dependence or abuse in animals⁽²⁸⁾.

However, the FDA has not established a CBD dosing chart for dog seizures, and there is no definite size dosage that may be toxic to dogs⁽²⁹⁾. Thus, pet owners should consult a veterinarian before giving their pets CBD.

Is CBD Legal for Use in Dogs?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

However, the law removed hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC, from the controlled substances list⁽³⁰⁾. CBD extracted from hemp has a total THC content not exceeding 0.3%⁽³¹⁾.

Despite more than half of all U.S. states passing laws allowing medicinal or recreational marijuana use, state laws legalizing cannabis use among humans do not apply to animals⁽³²⁾.

Current federal law prohibits veterinarians from administering, dispensing, or prescribing cannabis-based products for animal use⁽³³⁾.

Still, laws are changing, and some states are implementing new regulations allowing veterinarians to recommend or administer such products.

Thus, pet owners are advised to review their state laws to determine whether the use of CBD is permitted in their area.

For example, Nevada-based licensed veterinarians can recommend and administer CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC⁽³⁴⁾.

In California, veterinarians cannot administer, dispense, recommend, or prescribe cannabis. However, they can discuss these products with their patients⁽³⁵⁾.

Is CBD the Right Option for Dogs?

Although the FDA has not approved using cannabis on animals, the agency is aware that some cannabis-based products are sold as animal health products⁽³⁶⁾.

However, pet owners should consider CBD’s purported therapeutic benefits, dosage options, product types, side effects, safety profile, and legal restrictions to determine if the product is the right choice for their pet’s needs.

What Are Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures, also called convulsions or fits, are frequently reported neurological conditions affecting dogs⁽³⁷⁾. Seizures are temporary brain function disturbances accompanied by involuntary muscle activity.

A recurring dog seizure is called epilepsy. Epileptic seizures can be unpredictable and infrequent or may happen at regular intervals⁽³⁸⁾.

Some seizures, such as facial tremors, are localized or affect a specific area. Other seizures affect the dog’s entire body and are called grand mal seizures⁽³⁹⁾.

Causes of Dog Seizures

Seizures in dogs can happen due to brain tumors, liver disease, kidney failure⁽⁴⁰⁾, low blood sugar, severe anemia, brain trauma (head injury), or exposure to toxins⁽⁴¹⁾.

Meanwhile, idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited disorder, currently has no known cause⁽⁴²⁾.

Other sources of dog seizures include⁽⁴³⁾:

• Veterinary medications, such as ivermectin (antiparasitic drug), fluoroquinolone antibiotics (antibacterial medications), or ibuprofen (pain relief drug)
• Mushrooms or sago palms
• Caffeine, ethanol, or dark chocolate
• Insecticides or rodenticides
• Cocaine, amphetamines, or synthetic cannabinoids

Symptoms of Dog Seizures

Symptoms indicating that the dog is having a seizure activity include the following⁽⁴⁴⁾:

• Drooling or biting
• Running in circles
• Becoming unconscious or falling on the floor immediately
• Twitching
• Staring blankly
• Stiff muscles
• Urinating or defecating uncontrollably

Categories of Dog Seizures

Canine seizures can be classified into two types⁽⁴⁵⁾:

• Focal seizures: Characterized by symptoms affecting one side or a specific part of the dog’s body.

Examples include abnormal motor actions such as chewing movements or facial twitches, or behavioral actions like attention-seeking or fear.

• Generalized seizures: Affect both sides of the brain and manifest as involuntary muscle movements in both s›ides of the body.

When the dog has a generalized seizure, its environmental awareness is impaired, and it may experience salivation, urination, or defecation.

A Guide on What to Do When a Dog Is Experiencing Seizures

Pet owners whose dogs are experiencing seizures should consider the following tips until the convulsions stop and the dog is safe⁽⁴⁶⁾:

• Keep calm.
• Monitor the time the seizures occur and how long they last.
• Do not grab the dog’s tongue.
• Cushion the dog’s head or keep the pet away from the stairs.
• Apply cold water or wet towels around the dog’s head, neck, paws, and groin if seizures last more than two or three minutes.
• Call a veterinarian after the dog experiences seizures.
• Keep a journal documenting all the canine’s vital details, such as the frequency of dog seizures.
• If the dog has multiple seizures within 24 hours, the owner must immediately bring it to the veterinarian.

Traditional Medications for Seizures in Dogs

Veterinarians can recommend or prescribe anti-epileptic drugs (AED) for dogs, such as potassium bromide, phenobarbital, levetiracetam, or zonisamide⁽⁴⁷⁾.

• Potassium bromide: A first-generation AED used to treat epilepsy in dogs⁽⁴⁸⁾. Bromides are usually administered orally as a capsule, liquid solution, or chewable tablet that may be mixed with pet food⁽⁴⁹⁾.
• Phenobarbitals: Anticonvulsant drugs that may be used for episodic dyscontrol syndrome or rage in dogs with seizure activity⁽⁵⁰⁾.
• Levetiracetam: An anti-seizure drug often used alongside other anticonvulsants when administered to dogs. This drug may be given as a tablet, oral solution, or injection⁽⁵¹⁾.
• Zonisamide: An anticonvulsant given as an oral liquid or capsule and used as initial epilepsy therapy or an add-on medication for seizure control⁽⁵²⁾.

Pet owners are advised not to give their dogs any medications mentioned above without a veterinarian’s prescription.

FAQs

1. How long will CBD’s effects last in dogs with seizures?

At present, there are no conclusive studies specifically focused on the duration of CBD’s effects in dogs with seizures.

However, one animal study on healthy dogs showed that the half-life of CBD-infused oils administered at 75mg doses was 199.7 ± 55.9 minutes. For microencapsulated capsules with 57mg of CBD, the compound’s half-life was at 95.4 ± 29.2 minutes⁽⁵³⁾.

Half-life is the duration for a drug’s effects to be reduced to 50%.

2. What treatment is the best for dog seizures?

To prescribe or recommend the best treatment for dog seizures, doctors need to diagnose the pet first.

Potassium bromide and phenobarbital are the most common medications to treat seizures in dogs. Newer anticonvulsants like levetiracetam and zonisamide are also growing in popularity⁽⁵⁴⁾.

3. Will CBD interact with other drugs for dog seizures?

CBD may inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes needed to metabolize or process drugs⁽⁵⁵⁾.

For example, if CBD is taken with other anticonvulsants to control pet seizures, the dosage for those other drugs may need to be adjusted.

Thus, CBD may interact with other medications for dog seizures.

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1. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
   https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
2. Understanding Canine Epilepsy
   https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html
3. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/
4. Alterations of endocannabinoids in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with epileptic seizure disorder
   https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-6148-9-262
5. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
   https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
6. Understanding Canine Epilepsy
   https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html
7. Page 179 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
8. Marijuana for pets?
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109620/
9. Ibid.
10. Alterations of endocannabinoids in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with epileptic seizure disorder
    https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-6148-9-262
11. CBD clinical trial results on seizure frequency in dogs ‘encouraging’
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190521101450.htm
12. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/
13. Seizures in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
14. Brain Injury in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brain-injury-in-dogs
15. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
16. Neuroprotection and neurodegenerative disease
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11749009/
17. The Nervous System of Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-dogs/the-nervous-system-of-dogs
18. 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
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
19. Can CBD Oil Help Dogs With Epilepsy?
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-for-dog-seizures/
20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
23. 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
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
24. Page 180 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
25. 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
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
26. Page 182 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
27. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
28. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
29. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
30. Cannabis use and pets
    https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/cannabis-use-and-pets
31. Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/
32. Cannabis use and pets
    https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/cannabis-use-and-pets
33. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
34. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
35. Hemp Oil for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
    https://veterinarycannabissociety.org/hemp-oil-for-pets-everything-you-need-to-know/
36. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
37. Seizures in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
38. Ibid.
39. If Your Dog’s Having a Seizure, Here’s What You Should Do
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-seizures-what-to-do/
40. Seizures in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
41. If Your Dog’s Having a Seizure, Here’s What You Should Do
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-seizures-what-to-do/
42. Seizures in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
43. Most Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/most-common-causes-seizures-dogs
44. Dog Seizures: Symptoms and What You Can Do
    https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/dog-seizures/
45. Understanding Canine Epilepsy
    https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html
46. If Your Dog’s Having a Seizure, Here’s What You Should Do
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-seizures-what-to-do/
47. Understanding Canine Epilepsy
    https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html
48. Ibid.
49. Bromides
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/potassium-bromide
50. Maintenance Anticonvulsant or Antiepileptic Therapy
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-nervous-system/maintenance-anticonvulsant-or-antiepileptic-therapy
51. Levetiracetam
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/levetiracetam
52. Zonisamide
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/zonisamide
53. Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered by 3 delivery methods at 2 different dosages to healthy dogs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6038832/
54. Seizures in Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
55. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets

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