Seizures can be an overwhelming experience for pets and pet parents alike. If you are considering an alternative treatment to help soothe your pet, CBD oil for dog seizures is a natural treatment method you could explore.
The hemp plant is full of various compounds that could have been shown to have therapeutic effects in both humans and animals. This article will explore CBD oil as an alternative to managing your dog’s health.
Symptoms of Dog Seizures
When your dog’s brain functionality is temporarily disrupted, it goes into a seizure. A typical episode could last about 5 minutes, after which your dog will resume activities as usual. If your dog is prone to seizures, managing this condition is critical to maintain their health and quality of life.
The most common symptoms of seizures are:
- Convulsing
- Jerking
- Drooling
- Stiffening
- Collapsing
- Loss of consciousness
CBD Oil for Dog Seizures
Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the common types of neurological conditions found in pets worldwide. Studies around the effectiveness of CBD oil in animals are in their nascent stages. But initial studies have shown significant positive results.
A study conducted at Colorado State University by Dr. Stephanie McGrath found that 89% of dogs who received CBD during the trial showed reduced seizure frequency. In addition, these dogs received consistent treatment for over 12 weeks. They also found a correlation between high levels of CBD in the dogs’ bloodstream to seizure reduction.
When determining dosage, consider age, weight, metabolism, activity levels, and underlying health conditions.
Type of CBD Oil to Use
When you are looking to buy CBD oil, especially for seizures, opt for a full-spectrum product. This variety of oil contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant. It will also include THC, but the concentration level will be less than 0.3%. This quantity of THC can safely be administered to pets.
These compounds work together to offer recipients an ‘entourage effect,’ meaning they work best when administered together.
Administration of CBD Oil for Dogs
The best way to include CBD oil in your dog’s diet would be to administer them in a sublingual fashion. For example, you could place a few drops of the oil near the gums of your dog. Using this approach, the oil gets absorbed in the bloodstream quicker than when consumed orally with food.
Once absorbed, CBD can stay in your dog’s bloodstream for about 4 to 6 hours. The study mentioned above, showed that with CBD in the body, your dog could effectively have reduced seizures. Thus, instead of giving the complete dosage in one setting, opt for micro-doses. In an interval of 4 to 6 hours, keep giving the oil orally through the gums.
CBD oil for dog seizures has shown significant results in managing symptoms. If you are concerned about side effects or your dog’s reaction to the new treatment, start slow with low doses. See and track your dog’s response. Then, gradually increase the doses according to your dog’s health.
Most importantly, stay consistent. CBD oil is not a miracle cure but a supplement that could help manage symptoms and offer your dog an improved quality of life.