CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential to help humans with a variety of ailments, from pain relief to anxiety, but did you know that it can also be used to help dogs with seizures? Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, including epilepsy, brain tumors, hypoglycemia, and kidney disease. While conventional medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, can help to manage seizures, many pet owners are now turning to CBD as an alternative or complementary treatment option. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the research says about the potential benefits of CBD in the treatment of seizures in dogs and whether it is a safe and effective option.
Why Studies on CBD & Dog Seizures Matter
Many of the CBD products on the market lack studies and regulations, and are therefore untested and unregulated. If pet owners are concerned about using these products, Dr. McGrath acknowledged that the lack of regulation was a serious issue. It’s unsettling to not be aware of the precise components and amounts of those components in a product, especially in light of the fact that THC can be toxic to dogs in certain doses. Hopefully, this market will change in the future. ”.
The AKCCHF has funded additional research to better understand canine epilepsy in addition to the CBD trial. To advance our understanding of the disease, the foundation has funded numerous studies.
To address the unmet medical requirements for dogs with epilepsy, the AKC Canine Health Foundation launched its most recent epilepsy research initiative in 2017.” Dr Brown explained. “Grants provided by CHF have already led to the discovery of genes linked to canine epilepsy risk factors and the development of a novel treatment for canine epileptic patients in the emergency room. Breeders will use genetic tests to breed away from mutations when they become available for certain types of epilepsy. ”.
We are funding research in these fields because there is still a lot to learn about how epilepsy is inherited, the impact of genes and epigenetics, the role of nutrition, the impact of changes in the bacterial population of the intestinal tract, and other potential risk factors. Therefore, even though it is too soon to predict results, you can see the true need for more research. In order to address this important disease in dogs, CHF is committed to finding and funding the best research available and seeking solutions that go beyond genetics alone. ”.
Researchers are still trying to figure out why some dogs still get seizures despite taking medication. CBD has shown anticonvulsant effects in preliminary in vitro studies, and researchers like Dr McGrath expects CBD to provide more effective epilepsy control with fewer side effects.
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Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oil may provide a treatment alternative for a number of illnesses, including canine epilepsy, but no comprehensive studies have supported these claims.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the cannabis plant (marijuana). CBD does not result in a “high,” unlike the plant’s main active compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Instead, it is linked to pain relief and is the primary component in many cannabis-infused products for pets.
The most frequent cause of recurrent seizures in dogs is canine epilepsy. Unfortunately, some dogs may experience serious side effects from drugs used to treat epilepsy like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, diazepam, and other anticonvulsants. Up to 30% of dogs with epilepsy still experience seizures despite taking medication.
Earlier this month, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) revealed details of a significant clinical trial to examine CBD as a treatment for canine drug-resistant epilepsy. We talked with Dr. The AKC Canine Health Foundation’s president and CEO, Diane Brown, and Dr. To learn more, contact Stephanie McGrath, a veterinary neurologist at Colorado State University and the project’s principal investigator.
The CBD study conducted by the AKCCHF may be the first large-scale study to be published that looks at how CBD affects canine seizure activity. “This clinical trial is important for several reasons,” Dr. McGrath shared. “In general, the science supporting the use of CBD in veterinary medicine is deficient.” Numerous anecdotes exist, but there are very few, if any, well-done research studies.
Because we are constantly looking for an efficient anticonvulsant drug to treat canine epilepsy, the epilepsy study is crucial work. The medications we currently have often have unpleasant side effects or do not function well enough to control the seizures. As a result, if CBD turns out to be a successful anticonvulsant, thousands of dogs would be affected globally. ”.
She said, “In a controlled research setting, the study is testing CBD on epileptic dogs. After a 4-week washout period, the study’s canine participants are then randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or CBD oil for 12 weeks, followed by another 12 weeks of the opposite treatment. The owners and researchers are kept in the dark about which medication is administered during each study half. ”.
The research will also look into any potential CBD side effects. According to Dr. McGrath, the scientists conduct routine blood work, provide the owners with weekly questionnaires, and examine the study’s dogs every four weeks.
How does CBD work to reduce seizures?
The endocannabinoid system, a network of numerous receptors that controls bodily processes, is present in all mammals. The body produces endocannabinoids as needed to maintain homeostasis, a stable internal environment. These internal mechanisms are unable to keep the body in homeostasis when a condition like epilepsy is present. Adding hemp’s abundant phytocannabinoids to your diet can help you achieve balance.
There are two different kinds of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, which are primarily present in the brain, nervous system, glands, and organs; and CB2 receptors, which are primarily present in the regulatory cells of the immune system. While CBD supplements are advantageous for both types, their capacity to reduce seizures and calm overactive neurons results from their interactions with CB1 receptors. CBD supplements can restore homeostasis when a disease or injury has damaged the nervous system.
FAQ
How long does it take for CBD oil to help with seizures in dogs?
The acute effects of CBD oil on the nervous system can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour to take hold. How Long Does CBD Take to Work for Dog Seizures? However, you might need to exercise more patience for up to two weeks in order to manage seizures effectively.
Can CBD relax seizures in dogs?
There is evidence from other species, including human patients, that CBD may have anticonvulsant effects in dogs.
What is the best treatment for seizures in dogs?
Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are the two drugs that are most frequently utilized to treat seizures in canines. Other anticonvulsants are being studied, and newer anticonvulsants like zonisamide (Zonegran®) and levetiracetam (Keppra®) are gaining popularity.
Does CBD get rid of seizures?
Does CBD help seizures? The short answer is yes. In some people and animals, CBD can help prevent some types of seizures. People taking CBD to treat Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex have significantly fewer seizures, according to clinical trials.