While you may believe seizures are common among humans, some unfortunate dogs also have to undergo these severe and jerky disease episodes. Dog parents can realize the helplessness and confusion of witnessing their furry friend endure that terrible epileptic episode.
It feels even worse when you have no idea how to help your dog and calm him down. Although you may have tried administering your veterinarian’s prescribed medications to your pet, it would not have been as effective in controlling the disease. One emerging alternative to this problem is CBD oil.
Now the question is, how does CBD oil stop seizures? Researchers have been studying the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating seizures among rodents for the past few years. Fortunately, It has been proven quite effective in significantly reducing rodent seizure episodes. It seems promising that the oil will also treat such conditions in dogs.
What Is It?
CBD, an abbreviation of Cannabidiol, is extracted from the Cannabis plant. It is one of the several cannabinoids present in the hemp extracts of the Cannabis plant. When this extract is combined with oils like coconut and hemp seed, the product obtained is CBD oil. Unlike cannabis’s second byproduct, THC, hemp extracts do not produce the “high” effect and can help treat medical conditions like anxiety, inflammation, IBD, chronic pain, and many more.
What Causes This Condition in Dogs?
Muscle cramps or an involuntary shaking of hands and legs are the clear signs that your furry friend is having a seizure. Although some episodes end as soon as they start, some may last for quite a while. This situation is frightening for both the furry babies and their parents. Seizures do not produce any warning signs and, in the worst cases, can even be lethal for the dog. The causes differ according to the pet’s health condition. Here are a few common ones:
- Brain cancer
- Severe injury to the head
- Epilepsy
- Liver and Kidney diseases
- Fluctuating blood sugar levels
- Electrolyte issues
- Contact with pesticides
Epilepsy is the most common among these causes. Dogs suffering from this medical condition experience sudden, involuntary outbursts of neurons in their brains. Although this disease has no cure to date, this medicinal drug can help remarkably reduce the symptoms, suffering, and frequency of epileptic episodes in your dog.
How Do You Know Your Furball Is Having a Seizure?
Knowing the symptoms of seizures is very important so you can be well prepared when your dog has one. Though these episodes are painless, you must be aware of their symptoms. Read the given list to find some noticeable signs of a dog seizure.
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Involuntary muscle twitching
- Unconsciousness
- Fainting
- Stiffening of the body
- Intense jerking
- Foam oozing out from the mouth
- Legs paddling
- Loss of bladder control
Some other subtle symptoms may be difficult to notice. These include frenzied barking and facial quivering. Many scientific journals and research papers, including the National Library of Medicine, Frontiers in Neurology, and BMJ journals, have published their studies about how does CBD oil stop seizures and its symptoms. This has increased the product’s usage among pet parents.
How Does It Stop Seizures in Dogs?
CBD is a well-known homeostasis regulator. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system and returns the unstable homeostasis back to normal. It has the potential to soothe the sudden neuron firings in the brain and treat seizures effectively.
The Bottom Line
Cannabidiol is a very promising compound that can help your dog suffering from seizures. Consistent research has been carried out about the amazing health benefits of this extract. It shouldn’t be a surprise that CBD oil will replace many epilepsy prescriptions in the market within a few years due to its natural soothing and healing properties.