You’re probably here because you’ve heard that CBD has been shown to have positive results in human patients with epilepsy, so you’re curious about CBD for dog seizures.
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common type of seizures in dogs, but it has no identifiable cause. It affects up to 5% of canines, making it the most prevalent neurological condition seen in dogs. Even with anti-seizure medications, most dogs with epilepsy will continue having seizures, and all prescriptions have the potential for serious side effects. It’s no wonder that pet parents are asking, “Can CBD help my dog with seizures?”
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the cannabis plant (marijuana), but unlike its more well-known counterpart, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause psychoactive effects. It does, however, interact with receptors in the brain, explaining its potential for therapeutic effects. Although research is still limited, many scientists are optimistic that CBD could offer new treatment options for a variety of pet ailments, including seizures in dogs.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence Supporting CBD for Dog Seizures?
Despite the fact that there is considerable anecdotal support for the use of CBD for dog seizures, scientific research is ongoing. Only a handful of studies have been published, which limits true scientific data. While the results have shown promise, further investigation is needed to determine appropriate dosages and understand potential long-term effects.
Fortunately, efforts to expand scientific research are underway. A clinical trial conducted at Colorado State University from 2017 to 2021 aimed to determine whether CBD could reduce seizures in a large group of dogs without causing adverse side effects. The findings were published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2023, showing that dogs receiving CBD oil had significantly fewer seizure days compared to when they were administered a placebo.
This research highlights the potential for CBD to significantly transform the lives of dogs suffering from this challenging condition and their owners. Researchers are now exploring different doses and formulations to identify the most effective dosage that maximizes benefits while minimizing side effects.
Is CBD Safe for Dog Seizures?
The aforementioned study indicated that CBD oil was generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being vomiting and reduced appetite. However, elevated liver enzyme levels were also observed, indicating the need for additional research.
It is important to note that there are no cannabis-based drugs or products approved by the FDA for use in animals at this time. The legal environment can be confusing, but generally, cannabis products are still not legal for veterinary use, and therefore remain unregulated.
“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,” states Dr. Carrera-Justiz from University of Florida.
Not knowing the exact ingredients or quantities of those ingredients should raise concerns among pet parents, especially since THC can be toxic to dogs. In a 2020 study of quality and labeling, only 10 of 29 products were accurately labeled with regard to CBD, and two products showed unacceptable levels of heavy metals, despite many claiming to have a Certificate of Analysis.
Why Is CBD So Popular?
Cannabis products are exploding in popularity and profitability. Demand has outpaced research as the public is progressively gaining access to these products, and veterinarians are being inundated with questions and expectations about CBD products for pets.
“I used to get a question on this once or twice a year; now I get a question on this once or twice a day,” says Dr. Wong, veterinary neurologist at Southeast Veterinary Neurology.
Many people seem to have unfailing positive views of cannabis products, believing them to be scientifically proven safe and effective for all kinds of ailments, whether the evidence exists or not. This is most likely because people consider cannabis to be “natural.”
Dr. Wong corroborates, “A lot of people come to me and say, ‘I don’t want to give drugs. I want to give something natural.’ But CBD is a drug. It’s a chemical that you’re taking into your body to hopefully cause a positive effect. Basically, that’s what a drug is. It’s just that CBD has been marketed as not being one.”
Can CBD Help a Dog with Seizures?
“The honest truth is that we still don’t have enough information to recommend CBD for dog seizures. Currently the AVMA stance on CBD is that we shouldn’t be prescribing it,” concludes Dr. Wong.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “under current federal and state law, veterinarians may not administer, dispense, prescribe, or recommend cannabis or its products for animals.”
“It’s tough because when I speak to clients, who are often desperate, I’m always concerned that I’m coming off as this anti-CBD guy, and I’m not. But the reality is that we just don’t have all the answers yet, and in order for me to make the best recommendation for a particular patient, I need to know that it’s both safe and effective,” explains Dr. Wong.
All things considered, advances in technology, science, and medicine are happening faster every year, so rest assured that we will have the answers we need very soon. In the meantime, if you need help managing your dog’s seizures, the experts at Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN) are available every day of the year.