Seizures are a neurological disorder that can be caused by various factors, including:
- Head injuries
- Tumors
- Strokes
- Underlying health conditions
- Electrolyte problems
& more.
One theory is that CBD affects the receptors that calm neurons that fire during a seizure. CBD can act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the neurotransmitters in our endocannabinoid system.
The CB1 receptor in your dog's brain has the biggest impact on your dog's seizures. Studies suggest that CBD may effect the endocannabinoid system and improve seizure control.
Our pets are our family, and it can be unbearable to see them in pain. Seizures in dogs can be worrisome and if you have a dog that suffers from seizures, you have probably exhausted online resources searching for answers and asked multiple vets for advice. If you’re like many dog-owners out there, you’re probably curious if CBD oil could help your fur-baby with seizures. This blog post will explore the potential benefits of CBD oil for dogs that are susceptible to seizures.
What are seizures?
Seizures are a neurological disorder that can be caused by various factors, including:
- Head injuries
- Tumors
- Strokes
- Underlying health conditions
- Electrolyte problems
- Topical flea and tick products
- Herbicides and pesticides
They are also known as “epileptic seizures” and are diagnosed in dogs when they have two or more unprovoked seizures. Seizures can cause a dog to experience a range of symptoms, including uncontrolled muscle movements, loss of consciousness, and barking or whimpering.
How can CBD oil work on seizures?
One theory is that CBD affects the receptors that calm the neurons fired during a seizure. As we know, our endocannabinoid systems have receptors throughout our brain and nervous system. The ‘cannabinoid’ receptors in the brain are CB1 receptors. “They act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters.
This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, or alertness.” (1) Our CB2 receptors are mostly found in our immune tissues and play a vital role in controlling and regulating our immune response and functionality. (1)
How can CBD oil work for seizures in dogs?
The CB1 receptor in your dog’s brain has the biggest impact on your dog’s seizures.
Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system is altered by seizures and epilepsy. Research shows that CBD improves seizure control in patients with specific epilepsy syndromes. Seizures can have profound effects on the endocannabinoid system. This is why CBD, through a process known as “external modulation,” can reduce and sometimes stop seizures from happening. (2)
A study in 2018 tested CBD oil on 3 different dogs with epileptic seizures for 8 weeks and found that 2 of the dogs showed a decrease in seizure intervals, while the 3rd dog showed no improvements.
Another study done in 2022 found that cannabidiol can have antiseizure effects in rodents and human patients. Doses used in canine studies were well tolerated, and efficacy in canine drug-refractory epilepsy has been assessed in 2 studies.
If you have your doubts about the effectiveness of CBD oil for seizures, in 2018 the FDA approved the drug Epidiolex as the first CBD oral solution specifically for the treatment of seizures.
Which CBD oil product should I choose for my dog?
When looking for a CBD oil product for your fur-baby, you want to make sure you select a product that is made with full spectrum hemp oil, preferably organic, tested for trace amounts of solvents and chemicals, and one that is not full of additives and preservatives.
Do adequate research to find a company that focuses on quality and purity of their product. A reputable company will always provide transparency to their customers with all their products. A good way to validate a company’s commitment to quality and transparency is through potency lab tests and other product-specific quality documentation.
Fetch products are made with certified organic ingredients, American grown hemp, non-GMO ingredients and are manufactured in a cGMP facility. Every product is third party lab tested to ensure it meets our vigorous quality standards. Extract Labs makes it easy for consumers to find all relevant lab reports and quality documents for any batch of any product on our batch database.
Our favorite CBD pet products include Fetch’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil and Fetch’s Calming Full Spectrum Hemp Bites, both of which are certified USDA Organic. Fetch CBD Oil can be given straight to your dog or mixed with their favorite food. Or if your dog is picky and prefers a tasty treat, Fetch Bites are the perfect alternative.
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Organic Fetch Calming Hemp Bites | CBD for Dogs
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Organic Fetch Tincture | CBD Oil For Pets
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Works Cited
1. Grinspoon, Peter. “The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious.” Harvard Health, 11 August 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569. Accessed 14 November 2022.
2. Helgeson, Kat. “Benefits Of CBD Oil For Dogs With Seizures.” Dogs Naturally, 12 April 2022, https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-seizures-in-dogs/. Accessed 14 November 2022.
3. Potschka, Heidrun, et al. “Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy.” Science Direct, 17 January 2019, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023322001289. Accessed 14 November 2022.
