Can CBD Really Help Your Dog With Seizures? What Science Actually Says

If you’ve been desperately searching for solutions to help your furry friend who suffers from seizures, you’ve probably come across CBD oil as a potential treatment. With all the buzz around CBD these days, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction As a pet parent myself, I know how heartbreaking it is to watch your dog go through seizures and feel helpless. So let’s dig into what we actually know about CBD for dog seizures based on real research, not just internet hype

What Exactly Is Canine Epilepsy?

Before we dive into CBD, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs, affecting up to 5% of all canines. It’s basically a neurological disorder where your dog experiences seizures without any identifiable cause (that’s what “idiopathic” means).

The really frustrating part? Even with traditional anti-seizure medications

• Up to 30% of dogs with epilepsy continue having seizures despite treatment
• Most medications come with some pretty nasty side effects like sedation and appetite changes
• These drugs can affect your dog’s quality of life significantly

No wonder we’re all looking for alternatives!

CBD 101: What Is It and How Does It Work?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (that other famous cannabis compound), CBD doesn’t make your dog “high” It’s non-psychoactive but does interact with receptors in the brain.

Some key points about CBD:

• It’s extracted from cannabis (marijuana) plants
• Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects
• It interacts with receptors in the brain, which explains its potential therapeutic effects
• It’s being studied for various medical applications, including seizure control

The Scientific Evidence: What Research Actually Shows

Here’s where things get interesting. There’s been significant research into CBD for dog seizures in recent years, particularly through the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF).

The Groundbreaking Clinical Trial

From 2017 to 2021, a major clinical trial was conducted at Colorado State University, with Dr. Stephanie McGrath as the principal investigator. This study, funded by the AKCCHF, was designed to answer whether CBD could help dogs with epilepsy.

The study was well-designed:

• 39 dogs with epilepsy completed the trial
• Dogs represented mixed breeds and 14 different purebreds
• It was a crossover study (dogs received either CBD or placebo, then switched)
• It was “double-blinded” (neither owners nor vets knew which treatment dogs were receiving)

The Results Were Promising

The findings, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2023, showed:

• Dogs taking CBD oil had significantly fewer seizure days compared to when they took a placebo
• CBD was generally well-tolerated by most dogs
• The most common side effects were vomiting and decreased appetite
• Some dogs showed elevated liver enzyme levels, which needs further investigation

This research is really important because it’s one of the first large-scale, published studies examining CBD’s effects on seizure activity in dogs. Before this, we mostly had anecdotal evidence (basically, pet owners saying “it worked for my dog!”).

Current Challenges with CBD for Dogs

Despite the promising research, there are still some significant hurdles:

1. Lack of Regulation

One of the biggest concerns is that many CBD products for pets are completely unregulated. A 2020 study of CBD product quality found that:

• Only 10 out of 29 products were accurately labeled regarding CBD content
• Two products contained unacceptable levels of heavy metals
• Many products claimed to have a Certificate of Analysis but didn’t meet standards

As Dr. Wong from Southeast Veterinary Neurology puts it: “Many of the CBD products that are out there are not regulated, which means that what it says on the label is not necessarily what’s in the bottle.”

2. Legal Gray Areas

The legal environment around CBD for pets is confusing:

• There are currently no cannabis-based drugs approved by the FDA for use in animals
• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that “under current federal and state law, veterinarians may not administer, dispense, prescribe, or recommend cannabis or its products for animals”
• This puts vets in a difficult position when clients ask about CBD

3. We’re Still Learning About Dosing

The optimal dosage of CBD for dogs with epilepsy isn’t fully established yet. The AKCCHF is currently funding a continuation study to compare different doses and formulations to determine the most effective approach.

What This Means for Your Dog

If you’re considering CBD for your dog’s seizures, here’s what I think you should know:

1. Talk to your vet – Even if they can’t legally prescribe CBD, they should be informed about what treatments your dog is receiving

2. Be cautious about product selection – If you do decide to try CBD:

   • Look for companies that provide third-party testing results
   • Verify CBD concentration and check for contaminants
   • Start with low doses and monitor your dog closely

3. Keep realistic expectations – CBD might help reduce seizures, but it’s unlikely to eliminate them completely

4. Monitor for side effects – Watch for:

   • Vomiting or decreased appetite
   • Changes in behavior
   • If your dog is on other medications, be especially vigilant as interactions are possible

5. Regular blood work – If your dog is taking CBD long-term, regular blood tests to check liver enzymes are recommended

Owner Tips from the Experts

Based on the research, here are some practical tips if you’re considering CBD:

• Start slow with CBD and carefully monitor your dog’s response
• Request regular blood work to check liver enzyme levels
• Keep a detailed seizure log to track patterns and share with your vet
• Stay informed by following updates from trusted sources like the AKCCHF

The Future of CBD for Canine Epilepsy

The good news is that research is ongoing. The AKCCHF is now funding a study to refine the dosing schedule for treating canine epilepsy with CBD. Researchers are comparing different doses and formulations to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects.

This continued research is super important. As Dr. McGrath explains, “If CBD does prove to be an effective anticonvulsant, this would affect thousands of dogs worldwide.”

How You Can Help Advance Research

If you want to support this important research:

1. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to the AKCCHF Epilepsy Initiative
2. Participate in active research studies if your dog qualifies
3. Share accurate information about CBD research with other pet owners

As Dr. Diane Brown, CEO of the AKCCHF, says: “Working together, we can accomplish so much more for our dogs.”

Final Thoughts: Is CBD Right for Your Dog?

The honest truth is that while research is promising, we still don’t have all the answers about CBD for dog seizures. The science is evolving rapidly, and what we know today might change tomorrow.

For some dog owners, the potential benefits of CBD might outweigh the uncertainties, especially if traditional medications aren’t working well or are causing severe side effects. For others, waiting for more conclusive research makes more sense.

What’s most important is making an informed decision in partnership with your veterinarian and keeping up with new research as it emerges.

I believe that advances in technology, science, and medicine are happening faster every year, so we’ll have more definitive answers soon. In the meantime, if your dog suffers from seizures, know that researchers are working hard to find better treatments that could improve your pet’s quality of life.

Have you tried CBD for your dog’s seizures? What was your experience? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your pet.

Yes, there is promising evidence that CBD can be good for dogs with seizures, but it should be used with caution and under veterinary supervision, especially when added to conventional anti-seizure medications. Studies, like those supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF), have shown that CBD can significantly reduce seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy.

While many veterinarians support and advise on the use of CBD for dogs due to its potential to help with pain, anxiety, and seizures, they often cannot legally prescribe or recommend it directly due to federal regulations.