7 Best CBD Oils & Treats For Dogs With Seizures 2023
Reviewed by Dr. Drew Sutton, MD
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Pet parents always want their fur babies to be happy and healthy. The most common neurological problem affecting dogs is epilepsy[1] and seeing your dog having a seizure can be scary. Recently, cannabidiol[2] from the hemp plant was approved for treating epilepsy in humans and holds promise for treating seizures in dogs too.
Could hemp oil for dogs help keep your dog’s seizures under control? What is the best CBD oil for dog seizures? Let us jump right in.
Best CBD Oils & Treats For Dog With Seizures (September. 2023)
- Honest Paws Calm Oil – Editor’s Choice
- Honest Paws Calm Bites – Best CBD Treat
- Holistapet – Best Organic
- Spruce CBD – Best Value
- Petly CBD – THC Free
- Fab CBD Dog Treat – Best Value Treats
- Medterra – Best Variety
Do CBD Oil Treat Seizures in Dogs?
CBD oil, known also as cannabidiol, is extracted from the hemp plant. The hemp and marijuana plants belong to the cannabis plant family[3], but hemp contains less Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component with psychoactive properties. CBD received FDA approval[4] for treating special forms of epilepsy in humans and could help dogs too.
About 1 in 20 dogs[5] will experience seizures. Many pet parents with dogs experiencing repeated seizures are always on the lookout for ways to improve their condition. Studies on treating dogs with epilepsy with CBD oil have been promising.
A CBD clinical trial[6] at Colorado State University (CSU) showed encouraging results for treating seizures. Of the nine dogs that received CBD, 89% had better seizure control. These results mean that CBD oil needs more scientific research for dog seizures. Hence, CSU is carrying out another clinical trial to determine the proper dosage of CBD oil to treat epilepsy in dogs.
7 Best CBD Oils & Treats For Dogs With Seizures 2023
Honest Paws Oil
Honest Paws Oil offers one of the best quality CBD oil. You can choose from five full-spectrum CBD oil blends depending on your pet’s condition.
- Full-spectrum
- Affordable prices
- Independent testing
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- Colorado-grown hemp
- Soy, gluten, corn, and dairy-free
- The oil might get messy
- Finding the right dosage may be tough
With over 40000 satisfied customers, Honest Paws Oil is one of the best CBD brands. They use hemp grown in Colorado to produce their CBD oil. After production, testing at independent labs confirms the quality and purity of the CBD oil you are buying from Honest Paws Oil.
You have access to four CBD oil potency levels from Honest Paws Oil including 125mg, 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg. It is completely organic and contains no dairy, gluten, soy, and corn-free. Honest Paws Oil offers specific CBD blends for specific situations such as pain, mobility problems, or general wellness.
Honest Paws Oil is moderately priced too. Want to save extra bucks on your Honest Paws Oil? You can save 15% when you subscribe to Honest Paws Oil’s auto-refill service.
Honest Paws Treat
Honest Paws Treat has got a lot of benefits of Honest Paws oil without the trouble of finding the right dose. It makes giving your pet the right dose super easy, with no messes.
- Full-spectrum
- Easy dosing
- Third-party tested
- 100% organic
- No dairy, gluten, or soy
- Might be tough to chew
Honest Paws Treat contains full spectrum CBD goodness in each treat. It eliminates the trouble of finding the right dosage with CBD oil. Honest Paws Treat is a lot less messy than the CBD oil version.
Additional Honest Paws Treat ingredients such as glucosamine[7], organic oats, and turmeric offer more benefits to your pet. Honest Paws Treats contain full-spectrum CBD from Colorado-grown hemp. Tests for purity and quality at independent labs confirm their safety. Each treat contains full spectrum CBD so that your pet gets maximum benefits out of them.
However, you should note that treats can be tough to chew for some pets. If you are not satisfied with your CBD treats, Honest Paws Treat will give you back every penny within 30 days of purchase. Trying it out is risk-free. While the price is relatively moderate, you can save even more by subscribing for auto-refill.
Holistapet
Holistapet offers various flavors and strengths so you can find one that best suits your pet. Their strict extraction and purification process gives your pet a safe premium quality blend.
- 30 days return policy
- Independent lab testing
- All-natural
- CO2 extraction
- Expensive
- May cause loose stool
At Holistapet, helping your pet get the best out of CBD use is their aim. To make things easier, they offer a wide variety of CBD products so that you can choose the one that works best for your canine friend. Holistapet offers CBD oils, capsules, pellets, and treats.
The hemp source greatly determines the product quality you are getting. Holistapet partners with trusted American farms to get organically grown hemp. CO2 extraction used in separating CBD from the hemp plant is non-toxic and effective.
Dog owners are concerned about possible contaminants their pets may be exposed to. That is why Holistapet offers third-party testing to check for contaminants and ensure product quality. You can choose from multiple CBD flavors to get the one that best suits your pet’s tastes. Their 30 days return policy has got you covered in case you are not impressed.
Spruce CBD
Since breaking into the CBD market in 2018, Spruce CBD has made a mark by consistently producing great quality CBD products. They use organic American-grown hemp to produce excellent quality products.
- Full-spectrum
- Ethanol extracted
- 100% organic
- American grown hemp
- Excellent customer service
- A subscription is compulsory to get free shipping
- Relatively new brand
Relative newcomer, Spruce CBD, is making its mark in the CBD world by producing top-quality CBD products for humans and their pets since 2018. Spruce CBD’s attention to producing top-quality CBD begins at the farms. They source their hemp directly from family-run hemp farms in America where hemp is grown without using pesticides.
Spruce CBD makes getting CBD products for your dogs a little easier by making their products affordable. Organic coconut oil, serving as the carrier oil, may be easier for your canine friend to consume due to its mild taste. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) such as coconut oil may also increase the bioavailability[8] of the CBD supplement.
Spruce CBD also offers a 15% discount when you subscribe. Even on your first time buying Spruce CBD oils for your dog, you will not have to pay for shipping as long as you subscribe. Spruce CBD will ship out your order to you within 2 to 4 days.
Petly CBD
Petly CBD offers a unique phytocannabinoid-rich broad-spectrum hemp formula. Their special THC-free blend is free of additives and is completely organic.
- Uses organically grown hemp
- GMO, preservatives, and gluten-free
- THC free
- 30 days return policy
- Only one flavor is available
- Free shipping restricted by order price
After NanoCBD discovered the benefits of CBD for human health, they formed a sister company, Petly CBD, to provide the same benefits for their pets and yours. Petly CBD uses a unique phytocannabinoid-rich broad-spectrum hemp formula to create its products from 100% organically grown hemp. The brand creates its broad-spectrum CBD blend using vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO hemp free of additives and preservatives.
Petly CBD uses ethanol extraction which improves the bioavailability of their product. The Petly purification process completely rids their CBD oil of THC while the third-party testing of Petly CBD products ensures that you are getting a high-quality CBD product free of contaminants.
Three potencies of Petly CBD are available; 125mg, 250mg, or 500mg. These options allow you to choose the specific CBD concentration for your pet’s needs.
FAB CBD Dog Treat
FAB CBD dog treats offer flavorful CBD dog treats at an affordable price. They are made using organically grown hemp free from contaminants.
- Wide variety of flavors
- Third-party testing
- Friendly website
- Affordable price
- 30 days refund
- Bundle purchase discounts
- Conditional free shipping
- Treats bagged by weight
The FAB CBD dog treats are a crunchy snack that your pet may enjoy. They come in three flavors; salmon, chicken, and peanut butter apple. They are made using non-GMO hemp grown in Colorado farms without pesticides and other possible contaminants. Third-party tests confirm that your FAB CBD dog treats are pure and potent.
Each pack of reasonably priced FAB CBD dog treats contains fifty treats. CBD reward programs and customer discounts can help you save some bucks on your order.
If your pet has some sensitivities, you may be happy to hear that the FAB CBD dog treats do not contain common allergens such as soy, milk, wheat, or rice.
Medterra
Medterra offers various flavors and strengths of CBD products for your dog. They are third-party tested for product quality and safety.
- Multiple flavors and strengths
- THC free
- Non-GMO hemp
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- Expensive
Medterra is committed to giving your pets the best treatment. That is why their CBD product line meets strict standards of product quality and purity. Laboratory testing by independent parties ensures that each product made meets these standards.
Production begins with hemp grown under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. During processing, Medterra removes all THC, so you will be getting THC-free products for your pet. Medium-chain triglycerides used as carrier oils for Medterra CBD oil make it easier for your dog to consume.
You can pick between three flavors including beef, chicken, and unflavored. Depending on your pet’s size and needs, Medterra CBD oil comes in three strengths: 150mg, 500mg, and 750mg.
When you subscribe, you have access to the Medterra free shipping offer. It takes only a few days for Medterra to ship your order. Your purchase is also covered by a 30-day return policy.
Seizures in Dogs: Symptoms & Causes
Seizures are signs of excessive neuronal firing in your dog’s brain[9]. When the exact cause of repeated dog seizures is unknown it is called idiopathic epilepsy. Seizures can also occur as a response to toxins, head injury, liver disease, cancer, or brain damage. Seizures signs and symptoms in your dog’s body may be classified into three stages[10]:
- Aura – Here, your dog may show some unusual behaviors such as whining, restlessness, and salivating.
- Ictal phase – The symptoms of this phase can vary and may include staring aimlessly, licking lips, mild shaking, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, and erratic muscle movement.
- Postictal – The postictal phase is the final phase right after the main seizure and symptoms may include restlessness, disorientation, confusion, pacing, or salivation.
If your dog’s seizures occur frequently, consider documenting the events in a journal or video when the next happens. That way you can describe the seizure activity to your vet at your next appointment so that your dog gets the right treatment to calm its nervous system.
How To Choose The Best CBD for Dogs With Seizures/Epilepsy?
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing the right dog CBD oil brand. The perfect brand would fit nicely into your budget and provide your pet with excellent quality. While expensive does not always mean better quality, being too fixated on price might rob you of better quality pet CBD products. Therefore, do not be afraid to spend a little more on a product that checks all other items on your perfect pet CBD brand checklist.
Third-Party Testing
Just because a CBD brand promises top-quality CBD oil does not always mean that they are telling the truth. Third-party testing will help you confirm that the product contains exactly what it says it does. Independent labs will also test for possible contaminants in your pet’s CBD products. Seeing the third-party testing seal on the CBD product’s website will help put your mind at ease.
Hemp Source
Where the CBD brand gets their hemp plants to affect their CBD product’s quality. Organic, GMO-free hemp is the first choice. The brand’s website will tell you all you need to know about how their hemp is grown. Hemp sourced outside the US may affect the quality of the CBD products you get.
Type of Extract
There are three basic types of CBD oil extracts you will find on the market:
- Isolates – Isolates contain cannabidiol only.
- Broad Spectrum – Broad-spectrum CBD oils contain cannabidiol and other phytocannabinoids. The other cannabinoids and terpenes provide an entourage effect[11].
- Full-spectrum – Full-spectrum CBD is processed the least to preserve even more cannabinoids.
Benefits Of Using CBD for Dog With Seizures
Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system[12] through which CBD oils work. It is through its effects on your dog’s endocannabinoid system that your dog gets to enjoy the numerous possible health benefits of using CBD oil. Benefits of CBD for dogs’ seizures include:
Reduce Seizure Frequency
CBD may calm your pet’s overactive neurons for seizure reduction. A small study[13] on dogs with epilepsy showed that CBD can help make dog seizures less frequent. However, discuss using CBD with your vet first because you cannot truly predict how CBD will interact with their other medication.
Calm Anxiety
Some pet owners[14] consider giving CBD to their dogs who get anxious from loud sounds such as a thunderstorm or fireworks. While some pet owners swear by it, studies[15] are yet to support this claim.
Pain Relief
One of the popular applications of CBD is to relieve pain. If your dog is struggling with pain[16], CBD oil may help as a pain reliever.
Risk & Potential Side Effects
CBD oil for dogs has been shown[17] to help manage epileptic seizures but still needs to be handled cautiously. A study[18] on CBD oil for dogs showed no significant changes in their serum parameters. So, CBD oil may be safe for your dog.
Your dog may present mild side effects from taking CBD such as diarrhea and vomiting. Stop the supplement immediately and consult your vet if your dog’s adverse effects persist.
Cannabis toxicosis[19] where your dog behaves like they are on sedatives may occur from THC exposure. This risk is higher from lower-quality supplements. Stick to proper dosing recommendations and use high-quality CBD products for your pet to prevent adverse effects. Hurry to your vet if your dog looks like they are having cannabis toxicosis.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dog With Seizures
Getting the right CBD oil dosage is crucial if you want them to get the benefits. However, there is no universal dose of CBD oil for dog seizures. As a rule of thumb starting with lower doses and working your way up to meet your pet’s needs works well. Your dog’s breed and size will determine how much CBD they need before seeing results.
Brands may recommend how much your dog can take according to its body weight. Following the brand’s instructions is best. Your vet can also help you figure out the right CBD dose. Taking too much CBD can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
The Bottom Line
The clinical tria[20] by Colorado State University confirms that CBD can help treat dog seizures. CBD calms anxious dogs and helps relieve pain too. Side effects from using CBD for your dog are usually mild such as loose stool or vomiting. Finding the right dosage to reduce seizures might be tricky but you can start low and work your way up while sticking to the brand’s recommendations.
In choosing the right CBD for dog seizures, there are some factors pet owners need to consider. These factors include price, extract type, hemp source, and third-party testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Factors such as price, hemp source, third-party testing, and extract type are important to consider before choosing CBD for your pet.
Studies[21] using CBD for dogs show that it is not harmful. They may cause mild symptoms such as loose stool and vomiting.
CBD may calm overactive neurons to reduce the frequency of dog seizures. They also help with pet anxiety and pain.
Your dog may experience loose stool as a side effect of CBD. They may also experience other side effects such as drowsiness, especially when given too much.
CBD affects your dog’s endocannabinoid system to give them its benefits. It binds to the endocannabinoid receptors[22] present in your dog’s brain, immune system, nervous system, and glands.
+ 22 sources
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
- Akcchf.org. (2015). AKC Canine Health Foundation | Understanding Canine Epilepsy. [online] Available at: https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html
- Office of the Commissioner (2020). FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,year%20of%20age%20and%20older.
- Hudak, J. (2018). The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer. [online] Brookings. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/
- Office of the Commissioner (2020). FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,year%20of%20age%20and%20older.
- DeBiasio, T. (2019). Dog Seizure Signs. [online] Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. Available at: https://metro-vet.com/dog-seizure-signs/
- Guiden, M. (2019). [online] Colostate.edu. Available at: https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/results-from-cbd-clinical-trial-to-assess-efficacy-on-seizure-frequency-in-dogs-encouraging/
- Bhathal, A., Spryszak, M., Louizos, C. and Frankel, G. (2017). Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open Veterinary Journal, [online] 7(1), p.36. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356289/
- Vaughn, D., Kulpa, J. and Paulionis, L. (2020). Preliminary Investigation of the Safety of Escalating Cannabinoid Doses in Healthy Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, [online] 7. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029731/
- DeBiasio, T. (2019). Dog Seizure Signs. [online] Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. Available at: https://metro-vet.com/dog-seizure-signs/
- vca_corporate. (2021). Seizures in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
- Ferber, S.G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., Shbiro, L. and Weller, A. (2020). The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, [online] 18(2), pp.87–96. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
- Silver, R.J. (2019). The Endocannabinoid System of Animals. Animals, [online] 9(9), p.686. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
- McGrath, S., Bartner, L.R., Rao, S., Packer, R.A. and Gustafson, D.L. (2019). Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, [online] 254(11), pp.1301–1308. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185/
- Wallace, J.E., Kogan, L.R., Carr, E.C.J. and Hellyer, P.W. (2020). Motivations and expectations for using cannabis products to treat pain in humans and dogs: a mixed methods study. Journal of Cannabis Research, [online] 2(1). Available at: https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-00045-x#citeas
- Morris, E.M., Kitts-Morgan, S.E., Spangler, D.M., McLeod, K.R., Costa, J.H.C. and Harmon, D.L. (2020). The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, [online] 7. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7537661/#__ffn_sectitle
- Gamble, L.-J., Boesch, J.M., Frye, C.W., Schwark, W.S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., Brown, H., Berthelsen, E.S. and Wakshlag, J.J. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, [online] 5. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
- Guiden, M. (2019). [online] Colostate.edu. Available at: https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/results-from-cbd-clinical-trial-to-assess-efficacy-on-seizure-frequency-in-dogs-encouraging/
- Deabold, K.A., Schwark, W.S., Wolf, L. and Wakshlag, J.J. (2019). Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals, [online] 9(10), p.832. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826847/
- De Briyne, N., Holmes, D., Sandler, I., Stiles, E., Szymanski, D., Moody, S., Neumann, S. and Anadón, A. (2021). Cannabis, Cannabidiol Oils and Tetrahydrocannabinol—What Do Veterinarians Need to Know? Animals, [online] 11(3), p.892. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/3/892/htm#B9-animals-11-00892
- Guiden, M. (2019). [online] Colostate.edu. Available at: https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/results-from-cbd-clinical-trial-to-assess-efficacy-on-seizure-frequency-in-dogs-encouraging/
- Deabold, K.A., Schwark, W.S., Wolf, L. and Wakshlag, J.J. (2019). Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals, [online] 9(10), p.832. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826847/
- Saradhadevi Varadharaj, PhD., FAHA (2020). Understanding the endocannabinoid system in cats and dogs. [online] IVC Journal. Available at: https://ivcjournal.com/endocannabinoid-system-cats-dogs/
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