Seizures occur when there are abnormal bursts of neurons in the brain. The main reasons behind dog seizures are injury, metabolic troubles, exposure to toxins, or illness. It may also be a response to some unwanted stimuli such as noise, abuse, etc.
Seizures in dogs can be subtle or severe. Subtle cases are characterized by a dazed appearance, twitching, continuous whining, heavy breathing and salivation, and rapid movement of the eyes. In some severe cases, the dog experiences uncontrollable fits and tremors. The pet may also lose consciousness.
How Can You Treat Dog Seizures?
Cannabis for dog seizures is gaining popularity. First, talk to your veterinarian as he will be able to recommend the most appropriate anti-seizure drugs after examining your dog.
Supplement the treatment with a practical and natural source like CBD oil. CBD or Cannabidiol is obtained from a plant called Cannabis sativa. It has no side effects and does not make animals high.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD oil is widely used to treat seizures in humans too. All mammals have a network of receptors to regulate the different functions of the body. The network is called the endocannabinoid system. When a seizure occurs, the homeostasis of the body is interrupted. The phytocannabinoids found in CBD oil (present abundantly in the hemp plant) can aid in restoring body balance.
The endocannabinoid system in mammals comprises two different types of receptors called the CB1 and CB2 receptors. When we administer cannabis for dog seizures, the CB1 receptors react with the CBD to calm the overactive neurons and bring the seizures under control. In other words, CBD oil restores homeostasis in the body.
Is CBD Oil Effective for Dog Seizures?
The calming effect of CBD is well-appreciated among pet parents. While the evidence is primarily anecdotal, cannabis for dog seizures is becoming a widely accepted treatment form.
A few years back, Colorado State University conducted a trial on seizure frequency in dogs. The study involved pet dogs with episodes of idiopathic epilepsy. CBD oil was administered to dogs from the treatment group for 12 weeks.
The CBD oil administered in the study was 100% natural and derived from the hemp plant. It contained 0.3 percent of THC, which is the psychoactive element of cannabis.
At the close of the research, the scientists confirmed that almost 89% of the dogs that were administered CBD oil showed a reduction of seizures. The promising results from the study have catalyzed many other studies about CBD oil and its benefits. It is expected that CBD supplements will soon turn into a solid alternative to the common anticonvulsant drugs.
How To Choose the Best CBD Oil for Dogs?
If you choose cannabis for dog seizures, the first step is to find the right product. To pick a high-quality CBD oil in the market, look for the following features.
- The oil must contain CBD sourced from sustainable hemp farmers. This ensures that there are no harmful toxins present in the product.
- The CBD oil must be tested by an accredited third party and labeled 100% safe for all types of dogs.
- If the product comes with additional instructions or precautions, read through them thoroughly.
- Find out the procedure through which the CBD was extracted to make the oil. Opt for products that use the CO2 extraction process to preserve the most critical therapeutic features of the hemp plant.
- Examine all ingredients and in case of any queries, consult your veterinarian.
- Find a brand that is willing to provide all related lab test results.
- Talk to a representative from the organization if you have any specific queries.
When you see your dog in pain, you may panic. But take ample time to do your research before you make a product decision.