CBD for Dog Seizures | Naturally Managing Seizures in Dogs
Daisy, a 16-year-old chihuahua rescue, came to me with a history of seizures. Before I could help Daisy, I had to fully understand what happens during a seizure and what causes them. Working with dogs for years, I knew the signs of a seizure, but nothing can really prepare you for the moment your pet starts seizing. Thankfully, CBD for seizures in dogs helped stop Daisy’s seizures while they were happening, and also helped drastically reduce the frequency of her future seizures.
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Understanding Seizures in Dogs
Seizures in dogs can vary widely in their presentation and severity. They are neurological events that result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Understanding the types of seizures dogs can experience and the condition of epilepsy can help pet owners better support their dogs through these episodes.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
Not all seizures manifest in the same way. They can range from subtle to dramatic, with symptoms including:
- Generalized Seizures: These are the most common and typically involve both sides of the brain simultaneously. They can present as:
- Tonic Seizures: Characterized by stiffening of the muscles, which can last several minutes.
- Clonic Seizures: Involving rapid, rhythmic jerking due to involuntary muscle contractions.
- Myoclonic Seizures: Resulting in sporadic muscle contractions, often resembling a shock-like movement.
- Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Combining stiffening (tonic phase) with jerking movements (clonic phase).
- Atonic Seizures: Where there is a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to collapse without convulsions.
- Focal Seizures: These affect only a specific part of the brain, often resulting in abnormal movements in one limb or one side of the body. Focal seizures can evolve into generalized seizures over time.
What is Epilepsy in Dogs?
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that may occur intermittently throughout a dog’s life. Idiopathic epilepsy, specifically, refers to epilepsy without a known underlying cause. While stress and environmental factors can trigger seizures in dogs with this condition, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to idiopathic epilepsy. These include Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Boxer Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, Keeshonds, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, St. Bernards, Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Siberian Huskies, English Springer Spaniels, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and Wire-Haired Fox Terriers.
Understanding the types and causes of seizures in dogs is crucial for pet owners. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond can help mitigate the impact of seizures on a dog’s quality of life. If your dog experiences seizures, consulting with a holistic veterinarian for proper diagnosis and management strategies, including CBD oil for seizures, is essential for their well-being.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seizures in Dogs?
A seizure is a common neurological condition in dogs in which the brain’s function is involuntarily disrupted. Epilepsy is the term used to describe repeated episodes of seizures.
Symptoms that your dog is having a seizure include:
- Collapsing
- Jerking
- Convulsing
- Stiffening
- Muscle twitching
- Drooling
- Loss of consciousness
- Chomping
- Tongue-chewing
- Foaming at the mouth
- Release of bowel or bladder
What Causes Seizures in Dogs?
Seizures are caused by an excess of electrical energy in your dog or cat’s brain. Individual seizures can be caused by a number of things, including ingesting poison, liver disease, fluctuating blood sugar, fever, strokes, brain cancer, anemia, electrolyte problems, or head injury.
Epilepsy is typically categorized in two ways: Idiopathic epilepsy, also called primary epilepsy and symptomatic epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy has no identifiable cause and is often a genetic issue, while symptomatic epilepsy occurs when there is an identifiable underlying brain lesion or metabolic cause, like the ones mentioned above. Idiopathic epilepsy can be inherited in many breeds, however, it can occur in any breed or mixed breed, according to the American Kennel Club.
What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure
The first thing to remember when your dog is having a seizure is to stay calm. Do not try to move the dog unless they are in an unsafe area (for example, if they are laying on the edge of a dock over water or are near a fire). If you must move the dog, try to move them from their hind legs or hips.
You can soothe your dog while they are having a seizure but keep your hands away from their mouth as they may clamp down with their jaw.
A single seizure should not last more than 5 minutes. If it does, consult an emergency veterinarian. Typically, seizures only last a few minutes and the dog will resume their normal activity afterward.
If your dog is prone to seizures, your veterinarian may prescribe phenobarbital (PB) and potassium bromide (KBr or K-BroVet Potassium Bromide). However, these medications may have negative side effects and can cause further liver damage, which is why many pet parents are turning to holistic alternatives, including full spectrum hemp extract CBD for seizures in dogs.
Related: CBD vs Phenobarbital Video
What To Do After Your Dog Has a Seizure
Experiencing a seizure can be distressing for both you and your dog. Knowing how to comfort your pet during the post-seizure phase can make a significant difference in their recovery and overall well-being.
Remain Calm and Supportive
After a seizure, your dog may appear disoriented and exhausted. It’s crucial to stay calm and composed to help reassure your pet. Gently move them to a quiet, safe area using slow and steady movements. Placing towels under their head and rear can provide comfort and absorb any saliva or bodily fluids.
Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle or stress your dog further. Remember, they may still be disoriented and vulnerable during this time.
Manage Residual Symptoms
During the post-ictal phase, your dog may exhibit residual symptoms such as disorientation, temporary blindness, or difficulty walking. These symptoms can last for several hours after the seizure. It’s important to observe your dog closely and provide a calm environment to help them recover.
Unless it’s your dog’s first seizure or symptoms persist or worsen significantly, contacting your veterinarian immediately may not be necessary. Monitor your dog’s condition closely and seek professional advice if you have concerns about their recovery.
Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Environment
Reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety by creating a quiet environment. Close windows and doors to minimize external noises and maintain a cool, dimly lit space. Limiting sensory stimulation can help your dog feel secure and promote relaxation.
Allow your dog to rest undisturbed until they show signs of returning to their normal behavior. Providing a comforting presence and a serene atmosphere can aid in their recovery process after experiencing a seizure.
By following these steps, you can help your dog navigate the aftermath of a seizure with care and compassion. Each dog’s response to seizures may vary, so understanding their individual needs and providing gentle support is essential for their well-being.
Naturally Managing Seizures in Dogs
When exploring ways to manage seizures in dogs, many pet owners seek natural remedies that complement traditional treatments. These natural approaches can often be integrated into a holistic treatment plan to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs.
Acupuncture for Seizures in Dogs
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, has shown promise in managing canine epilepsy. This holistic therapy is believed to increase inhibitory neurotransmitters, which can help regulate abnormal brain activity associated with seizures. Holistic veterinarians often recommend regular acupuncture sessions, initially every two to four weeks for a series of five to eight treatments, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months.
Diet for Seizures in Dogs
Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health, and certain dietary changes may benefit dogs with seizures. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, some studies suggest that specific diets, such as ketogenic diets high in fat and low in carbohydrates, can induce ketosis. Ketosis may potentially reduce seizure frequency by altering the brain’s energy metabolism. Additionally, incorporating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into your dog’s diet through supplements or specialized home-prepared meals can provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
Natural Herbs for Seizures in Dogs
Natural herbs like milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw are often used to complement traditional seizure treatments. Milk thistle, for example, supports liver health, which can be affected by long-term use of anticonvulsant medications. Valerian root acts as a mild sedative, while oat straw helps calm stress and anxiety-related seizures. These herbs are available in various forms, including capsules and tinctures, and should be used under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian.
CBD Oil for Seizures in Dogs
CBD has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in managing seizures in dogs. Research, including studies conducted at Colorado State University, suggests that CBD may help reduce seizure frequency and severity. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including neuronal excitability. Our HEAL CBD oil for seizures in dogs is formulated specifically to support dogs experiencing seizures, providing a natural alternative that pet owners increasingly turn to for its potential benefits.
Benefits of CBD For Seizures in Dogs
CBD has been used by humans to help reduce seizures for years and has shown great success in both animals and people. In fact, in 2003, the U.S. government patented CBD as a neuroprotectant (despite the U.S. prohibition on cannabis). CBD has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties that may reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs.
Because of the rise of hemp-derived CBD for pets, the effects of CBD for seizures in dogs are being studied now more than ever. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) recently announced a major clinical trial to study CBD for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs. The foundation has funded multiple studies to help advance our understanding of the disease.
Research On CBD For Seizures in Dogs
Animal research indicates that the anti-seizure effects of CBD may result from reducing the excitability of neurons by acting on two receptor groups called GPR55 and TRPV1 receptors.
In a recent study, neurologist Stephanie McGrath assessed the short-term effect of CBD on seizure frequency in 16 dogs. Researchers randomly assigned a placebo or hemp-derived CBD to dogs in the trial for 12 weeks. Nine dogs received CBD while seven were given a placebo. All of the dogs in the study suffered from seizures.
Through the study, McGrath found that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures. Additionally, McGrath saw a significant association between the degree of seizure reduction and the amount of CBD concentration in the dog’s blood.
This was not the only study to find CBD for seizures in dogs to be a successful anti-epileptic supplement.
Another group of researchers conducted a similar experiment where three dogs who suffered epileptic seizures were given hemp-derived CBD for eight weeks. Researchers found a decrease in seizure intervals in two of the three dogs studied. The dogs were given varying amounts of CBD, and the dog who received the lowest number of mg of active CBD showed little to no improvement, while the dog who was administered 1700 mg showed the highest level of improvement.
CBD Dosage For Seizures in Dogs
If you’re wondering ‘How much CBD do I give my dog for seizures?’ The answer isn’t always straight forward. Your pet’s optimal CBD for dog seizures dose depends on several factors, and is unique to your pet. Contrary to popular belief, the question of how much CBD oil to give dogs with seizures has very little to do with the size and weight of your dog.
The first step to figuring out your pet’s optimal CBD oil for dog seizures dose is trial and error. We propose using this trial and error technique to assess your animal’s response and establish the most effective dose throughout the first several weeks.
According to our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Zac Pilossoph, “It’s all about low and slow. It’s about the gradual introduction of CBD and continuous monitoring over time. When you’re switching therapy options, whether it’s pharmaceutical to pharmaceutical, or pharmaceutical over to nutraceutical, it doesn’t matter. The process should be gradual. The process could range from weeks to months. Keep a journal so you have a daily log of what’s going on to show your veterinarian.”
Based on our experience, we have seen success with 35–50 mg of our HEAL: 1100 mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil For Dogs daily for most dogs. However, your dog may need more, or less, CBD oil for dog seizures.
Split the daily CBD dosage into several doses throughout the day (microdosing), to maintain bloodstream concentration. Microdosing helps maintain the CBD in the bloodstream, which aids in reducing seizures in dogs. CBD reaches a peak concentration at about 2 hours and is absent after approximately 6 to 8 hours. Additionally, CBD for dogs’ seizures can also be utilized situationally when your dog is experiencing an episode.
For the quickest and most complete absorption, lift your pet’s lip and apply the dosage directly onto their gums. It can also be mixed into food, and fatty foods can aid in the absorption of CBD, however the CBD will take longer (30-45 minutes) to enter the bloodstream as it passes through the digestive system, and may be less effective.
Related: CBD Dosage For Dogs
Mushrooms for Seizures in Dogs
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Reishi, is a popular traditional medicine for ailments in traditional Chinese medicine, and it has shown promise for its antiepileptic properties.
“Some studies conducted by a research team have revealed that Ganoderma lucidum spore has antiepileptic properties in in vivo and in vitro studies [24–27]. Ganoderma lucidum spore inhibits the expression of NF-κB in the brain of rats with epilepsy and the expression of N-Cadherin in hippocampal neurons, while enhancing neurotrophin-4 expression in hippocampal neurons [24]. The results from a recent research suggest that the antiepileptic effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore may also result from inhibition of the Ca2+ accumulated in epileptic hippocampal neurons and subsequent stimulation of CaMK IIα expression [28]. ”
Our MycoDog Clarity mushroom extract & adaptogen blend was designed to support your dog’s cognitive disorder, nervous system, mental and emotional health. A proprietary spagyric triple extraction of the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps, with Bacopa Monnieri and Ashwagandha, and trace minerals, preserved in organic vegetable glycerin.
Many pet parents are seeing amazing results using not only our HEAL CBD oil for their pet’s seizures, but also our MycoDog Clarity blend. We’ve combined these two powerhouse supplements together in our Senior Dog Duo, for more benefits and bigger savings.
Case Study: CBD for Daisy’s Seizures
Daisy, a 16-year-old chihuahua rescue, came to me with a history of seizures (among other serious issues). When Daisy started seizing, I remained calm, but my heart was breaking for her. She had powered through so many other issues and her happy, curious spirit remained. However, the seizures were pulling her away from spending her twilight years playing and resting peacefully. Thankfully, I found that CBD was able to stop Daisy’s seizures while they were happening, as well as helping to reduce future seizure frequency.
First things first, we safely weaned her off of Phenobarbital and other pharmaceutical medications. Next, we put her on a natural CBD oil for seizures in dogs regimen and switched her to a fresh and species appropriate raw diet. Daisy experienced a drastic reduction in the number and duration of her seizures within the very first week. Within the month, Daisy was seizure-free!
In Conclusion
Seizures are scary; we know. We have seen them firsthand. The ability to shorten a seizure, and therefore reduce the damage from a seizure, is an incredible finding in scientific research. In addition to CBD for dogs’ seizures, it is important to make sure your dig is eating a healthy, species-appropriate diet to prevent the types of liver disease, fluctuating blood sugar, anemia, and electrolyte issues that can cause seizures. We recommend a fresh/raw diet that has all the macro and micronutrients they will need, in the right proportions.