Cannabidiol therapy for epileptic seizures in animals

What are the symptoms of an epileptic seizure in an animal?

Before we start discussing the different effects of CBD , it seems essential to understand how epileptic seizures manifest in animals. During epileptic seizures, convulsions are very common since this condition affects the nervous system as well as the spinal cord. Neurons no longer function properly in your pet and seizures can occur at different frequencies. The intensity can also vary from one seizure to another .

Mild seizures cause symptoms of varying severity. However, they are not life-threatening. Your dog or cat usually has a fixed gaze, is breathing faster than usual, and has vivid eye movements.

On the other hand, severe seizures cause quite impressive symptoms: foaming at the mouth, violent spasms and sudden collapse . This is a very distressing situation for the owner who is a spectator of the seizure without being able to act immediately.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, take your pet directly to the veterinarian. If this is the first time this has happened, do not attempt to administer CBD oil without consulting a professional.

Managing a Pet Seizure

When a crisis occurs, CBD oil is absolutely ineffective in curing it. Moreover, there is no miracle treatment or cure to stop it completely. The goal of the therapy is purely preventative.

First, if you notice your pet having a seizure, stay calm and move them away from anything that could hurt them (sharp objects, table edges, electrical outlets, etc.). If the seizure lasts several minutes and your pet is “overheating,” you can cool them down by putting cold water on the tips of their paws.

Seizures usually last a few minutes and eventually pass on their own . Once calm has returned, it is essential to take your pet to a veterinarian to adjust the treatment and, why not, consider taking CBD.

The Use of CBD Against Animal Seizures

Some recent studies have shown the effectiveness of CBD in reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures in pets, particularly dogs.

Research after several clinical trials on dogs has shown that they respond to CBD in the same way as humans. And for good reason: we share the same endocannabinoid system.

However, there are no studies yet conducted on other animals. Therefore, CBD should never be used to treat a pet without first consulting an animal health professional.

Can CBD be used for epilepsy in dogs?

Epileptic seizures are often triggered by an episode of intense stress . CBD, especially in oil form, is a natural stress reliever that is soothing and calming for both dogs and humans. As scientific studies have already confirmed, dogs have cannabinoid receptors in their central nervous system, just like humans.

It's important to note that CBD does not treat canine epilepsy in any way, as it is not a cure. It simply helps reduce the severity of symptoms, namely the intensity and frequency of seizures in dogs.

Many dog owners are hesitant to give CBD to their pets because they fear the side effects. However, CBD is a completely natural substance that poses no health risks and does not produce any psychoactive effects, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Therefore, CBD can be used for therapeutic purposes to relieve your pet without any risk .

What are the side effects of CBD in pets?

CBD is a natural alternative that can provide relief to your dog without causing complications or life-threatening side effects.

Dogs tolerate this substance quite well, and it's considered a dietary supplement. However, it's important to know that these animals are more sensitive to CBD than humans, which is why it's important to follow the daily dose. Generally, products intended for animals contain a low level of CBD to avoid overdoses.

Overall, it can be said that, if the doses are respected, CBD is a safe food supplement that does not present any adverse effects if used properly and especially at low doses.

How to Use CBD to Combat Canine Epilepsy?

If you're new to CBD, it's recommended to do some research to fully understand its composition, mode of action, and benefits. For dogs, this substance is most commonly found in the form of oil, shampoo, spray, or even treats. Using it is therefore quite easy.

Once you've selected a product, check its ingredients and the usage instructions on the back of the package. It's also important to follow the prescribed dosages carefully. There's no point in starting with a large dose to get more results; this will only reduce the effectiveness of the CBD on your pet's body .

What dose of CBD for epilepsy in a dog?

There is no standard dose of CBD for dogs. It will depend on several factors such as size, breed, age, and the severity of symptoms. Generally, professional recommendations based on your dog's weight are as follows:

• 4 to 6 drops of CBD oil per day for an animal weighing less than 10 kilos.
• 8 to 12 drops of CBD oil per day for an animal weighing 10 to 25 kilos.
• 15 drops per day for an animal weighing more than 25 kilos.

As with humans, it is recommended to start with small doses and then gradually increase to the recommended dose. This will allow you to see how your dog's body adapts to the substance.

Please note that CBD is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause side effects if administered in high doses. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian.

What you need to know before starting a CBD treatment for an animal

First and foremost, note that CBD is not a substitute for medication. It cannot treat or cure epilepsy in animals.

If your pet is already under medical treatment, never give CBD without the veterinarian's approval as there may be interactions between the different molecules.

Generally speaking, before starting a CBD treatment, consult your veterinarian. They will tell you more about the effects of this substance. They will also help you determine the ideal dose to give your pet to relieve their symptoms as quickly as possible.