Can CBD Be Used to Treat Seizures in Dogs?
CBD – also known as cannabidiol – has become a favorite supplement among humans over the past couple years. CBD’s range of treatments include relief from anxiety, depression, heart disease, acne, and even cancer.
But what about CBD for our four-legged friends? Recent studies have suggested that CBD can be just as effective in treating common ailments – such as anxiety, pain, and inflammation – in dogs as it can for humans. And when it comes to treating seizures in dogs, CBD may be the new answer.
Canine epilepsy is the single most common cause of frequent seizures in dogs. But the medication that treats epilepsy – including phenobarbital, potassium bromide, diazepam, and similar anticonvulsant drugs – can come with some serious side effects. In fact, even with these medications, as many as 30% of epileptic dogs still experience seizures. Before we tackle how CBD can help dogs suffering from seizures, let’s first dive into the symptoms and causes of seizures in dogs.
Prior to having a seizure, some dogs might look confused or dazed. After a seizure, they could be disoriented, wobbly, or even temporarily blind. The symptoms of seizures include:
- Collapsing
- Jerking
- Stiffening
- Muscle twitching
- Loss of consciousness
- Chomping
- Drooling
- Tongue chewing
- Foaming at the mouth
Seizures can be caused by:
- Ingesting poison
- Too high or too low blood sugar
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Electrolyte problems
- Anemia
- Strokes
- Head injuries
- Brain cancer
- Epilepsy
CBD is an extract of cannabis (marijuana) but does not contain the ingredient (THC – or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) that causes the “high” sensations. It is the main ingredient in the majority of cannabis pet products and is commonly associated with pain relief. THC has a psychoactive effect that binds with the brain’s receptors, known as endocannabinoids. CBD interacts with these receptors as well. Endocannabinoids are found in the body, with the highest concentration being in the brain, nervous system, and spinal column.
When it comes to treating seizures in dogs, it’s all about the endocannabinoid receptors. There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are location in the nervous system and brain. CB2 receptions are found in the immune system. CB1 receptors have the highest impact on seizure treatment for your dog. According to studies, the endocannabinoid system is altered by seizures and epilepsy. CBD can improve the control of seizures in dogs with certain epilepsy symptoms.
Because seizures effect the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help mitigate, if not stop, these effects through a process called “external modulation.” While the exact way CBD reduces seizures and affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is unknown, some research points to the idea that CBD can affect the receptors that help calm the neurons that fire during a seizure. However, these studies are inconclusive.
All in all, though, CBD can have a very positive effect for dogs who suffer from seizures. The only side effect, if there are any at all, is mild drowsiness. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding CBD, or any supplement for that matter, to your dog’s diet.
Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com