If you've ever witnessed your dog have a seizure, you know how unsettling and helpless it can feel. These episodes can appear suddenly and without warning, often leaving pet parents scrambling for answers. What triggered it? Is it serious? And more importantly, what can you do to help?

Seizures in dogs are more common than many people realize, and they can range from mild twitching to full-body convulsions. While they can stem from various underlying conditions, there is growing interest in natural alternatives like CBD for seizures in dogs. In this blog, we'll explore what causes seizures in dogs, which breeds are most at risk, the types of seizures you might encounter, and how CBD for dog seizures is becoming a go-to wellness supplement.

What Happens During a Dog Seizure?

Imagine your dog's brain as a complex electrical system, constantly sending signals to control everything from wagging their tail to taking a walk. A seizure happens when the brain has a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity. This "electrical storm" disrupts normal brain function, leading to those dramatic physical changes we recognize as a seizure.

Seizures can look different from dog to dog, and even from one seizure to the next in the same dog. Some common signs include:

• Stiffening of the body: Your dog might become rigid and fall over.

• Uncontrollable twitching or jerking: Their legs might paddle, their jaw might snap, and their head might move erratically.

• Loss of consciousness: They might seem unaware of their surroundings and not respond to your voice.

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth: This can happen due to the intense muscle activity.

• Loss of bowel or bladder control: This is also a result of the body losing its normal functions during the seizure.

• Vocalization: They might whine, cry, or bark during the seizure.

Seizures usually don't last very long, typically a few seconds to a few minutes. After the seizure, your dog might seem confused, disoriented, tired, or even temporarily blind. This post-ictal phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Why Do Dogs Have Seizures?

Veterinarians classify the causes of seizures into three broad categories based on their origin:

1. Structural Seizures

These result from a physical abnormality within the brain itself. Causes include:

• Brain tumors

• Head trauma

• Strokes

• Brain malformations or cysts

These types of seizures are often diagnosed through imaging and usually require treatment that addresses the primary brain disorder.

2. Idiopathic Epilepsy

This form of epilepsy has no identifiable cause but is often hereditary. It's the most common type of seizure disorder in otherwise healthy dogs and usually emerges between 6 months and 6 years of age. While "idiopathic" means unknown cause, a genetic link is strongly suspected in many breeds.

3. Reactive Seizures

These seizures are triggered by something outside the brain that temporarily disrupts normal brain function. Common triggers include:

• Exposure to toxins or poisons

• Liver or kidney disease

• Blood sugar imbalances

• Severe infections

• Heatstroke or dehydration

Reactive seizures often resolve once the underlying issue is treated, but recurring triggers can lead to long-term damage.

Health Conditions That May Contribute to Seizures

Beyond the broad categories above, other medical issues can play a role in triggering seizures:

• Kidney failure: Buildup of toxins in the bloodstream can affect the brain

• Liver disease: Inability to filter out toxins effectively

• Anemia: Reduced oxygen flow to the brain

• Encephalitis: Brain inflammation from infection or autoimmune disease

• Electrolyte imbalances: Low calcium or sodium levels

All of these conditions need to be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine whether they are contributing to a pet's seizures.

Types of Seizures in Dogs

Understanding the type of seizure your dog is having can help inform diagnosis and treatment. The main categories are:

Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures

These are the most commonly recognized seizures and involve the entire brain. Symptoms include collapse, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. They typically last between a few seconds to a few minutes.

Focal (Partial) Seizures

These affect only one part of the brain and may appear as isolated twitching, repetitive movements, or unusual behaviors like staring into space. These seizures may go unnoticed unless you're specifically looking for them.

Myoclonic Seizures

Characterized by brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles. These are often triggered by environmental factors like flashing lights or loud noises.

It's not uncommon for focal seizures to evolve into generalized seizures over time. Early diagnosis can help slow this progression.

The Conventional Approach: How Vets Typically Manage Seizures

When your dog is diagnosed with recurring seizures, your veterinarian will likely recommend medication to help control them. The goal of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is usually to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. Some commonly prescribed AEDs for dogs include phenobarbital, levetiracetam (Keppra), and potassium bromide.

While these medications can be effective for many dogs, they also come with potential side effects, such as sedation, increased thirst and appetite, liver problems, and changes in behavior. Finding the right medication and the correct dosage can sometimes involve a period of trial and error, and regular blood tests are often needed to monitor the drug levels and your dog's overall health.

CBD and dog seizures:  How CBD May Help as Dog Seizure Supplement   

As pet parents look for holistic options, CBD for seizures in dogs has become one of the most promising natural therapies. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

What the Science says about CBD and dog seizures

A groundbreaking 2017 study found that 89% of dogs receiving CBD had fewer seizures. The research also noted that higher levels of CBD in the blood were associated with better outcomes.

Additional studies from Japan and other research institutions have confirmed these findings, supporting CBD as a valuable and one of the best supplements for dogs with seizures.

CBD for Seizures: How It Works

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and neural stability. By enhancing ECS function, CBD may:

• Reduce the frequency and severity of seizures

• Calm overactive neural pathways

• Support overall neurological health

CBD also shows promise in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are known to contribute to epileptic activity in the brain.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

CBD is widely considered safe for dogs when administered in appropriate dosages. Because it may affect how the liver processes certain medications, it's essential to speak with your vet if your dog is already on anti-seizure drugs like phenobarbital or potassium bromide. CBD may enhance or reduce the effectiveness of some medications, depending on dosage and timing.

Tips for Introducing CBD for seizures in dogs

If you're considering CBD for dog seizures, keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract: Contains all the beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant.

• Check for Third-Party Testing: Look for products that are lab-tested for safety, potency, and purity.

• Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose and gradually increase based on your dog's response.

• Monitor Closely: Keep a seizure diary to track frequency, duration, and severity over time.

• Talk to Your Vet: Especially important if your dog is on other medications.

Conclusion:

Watching your dog experience seizures can be one of the most distressing parts of pet ownership, but you are not powerless. Understanding the root causes, identifying the type of seizure, and exploring natural treatment options like CBD for seizures in dogs can make a significant difference in their quality of life.

While CBD isn't a cure, it's an effective, research-supported supplement that has helped thousands of dogs live more stable and comfortable lives. Combined with veterinary care and attentive monitoring, it can offer your pet a better path forward.

Ready to explore CBD for your dog?

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