Disclaimer: The information provided in our articles is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any CBD products for your dog’s health and well-being.
CBD can deliver for people with pain or anxiety, but the subject has reached frenzy status over its use on pets and, in particular, dogs.
We’re here to say studies have shown that canines with different maladies have been treated successfully using CBD oil. And we want to share with you the best of the best that help dogs with seizures.
Is CBD oil mythical or magical? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Although it was discovered in 1940 and reported as a structure in 1963, it is relatively new on the drug scene, and as such, government agencies and veterinarians are handling the topic with kid gloves. The effects of long-term use are not known, and as with many medications, it may affect the liver.
In a press release by The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2023, they state that the drug hasn’t been approved and that they’ll be working with Congress to consider all the options.
However, just because a certain medication is deemed to be safe for humans doesn’t mean it is for animals, and unique testing would need to be done.
The bottom line is that studies have been administered to dogs with canine epilepsy (or other ailments that produce seizures), ending in impressive results, but testing has not been exhaustive.
We’re here to give you the facts on the best CBD oils for dogs with seizures, so keep reading for information you can trust.
Product
Details
Top Pick
Honest Paws – Well
- Active Ingredient: CBD from Organic Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil 125 mg
- Net Content: 30 ml
Best Variety
Batch CBD Pet Oil
- Active Ingredient: Raw Hemp Extract 750 mg CBD
- Net Content: 30 ml
Best Taste
CBDfx Pet Oil
Best Premium
Holistapet CBD
- Active Ingredient: Broad spectrum Hemp 300 mg
- Net Content: 15 ml
Best Value
Medterra pet CBD oil
- Active Ingredient: CBD Hemp Extract 300 mg
- Net Content: 30 ml
Best Cost Effective
The Anxious Pet
- Active Ingredient: Full-spectrum cannabinoid oil 400 mg
- Net Content: 30 ml
Best Ingredients
Joy Organics
- Active Ingredient: Hemp extract 450 mg
- Net Content: 30 ml
Best CBD Oil for Dog Seizures
Important note: Always check with your vet before administering any type of new medicine into your dog’s life. You could learn the correct CBD dosage for Snoopy’s weight, make sure your dog’s health is right for it, and possibly get suggested brand favorites.
Now get your pooch and pull up a chair (and a doggie bed)… Your peace of mind could be within reach.
1. Honest Paws – Well
With over 1,200 ratings at 4.25 stars on their website, these high-quality CBD products have been given the thumbs up for the relief it has given to dogs. One reviewer actually said he’s no longer using phenobarbital for his dog’s seizures because of it.
Your furry one will appreciate its mild taste since some tinctures can be quite, well, icky. The company only uses premium, USA-grown hemp, and organic ingredients. Honest Paws has done its homework in knowing what makes dogs tick.
Discover Magazine listed Honest Paws CBD oil as one of the best for dogs with seizures based on quality, potency, and price.
Their product is also made to help dogs with seasonal allergies and skin issues while promoting overall wellness. They have Wellness Bites that combine CBD with barley which is easy on the stomach. Other natural ingredients include oats, coconut, and the all-time favorite, peanut butter. These bites will have your four (or three!) legged friend jonesing for more.
PROS
- There are pertinent educational FAQs on their site.
- Contains no artificial flavors
- They have a comprehensive loyalty rewards program
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- A longer period of time for the money-back guarantee would give customers a better chance to see if all goes well with the use of their product.
Honest Paws – Well
The price of “Honest Paws – Well” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Batch CBD Pet Oil
With the inventors being chemists/engineers, that fact alone can bring company trust. Made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Forbes, Discover, and LA Weekly give them high praises. They’ve also grabbed the attention of more power players.
They pride themselves on their team’s abilities with hemp/CBD and making it all work in one location (including their in-house chemists). Their top people are three lifelong friends.
With vegan options and no fillers or additives in their pet CBD product, you can be sure that quality, freshness, and choice of ingredients are at the top of their list of achievements.
PROS
- Flavored with bacon oil or wild Alaskan salmon oil (another tasty choice!)
- Third-party testing (cruelty-free)
- 4.9 rating
- Organic CBD oil
- Transparency – They offer lab tours any time.
CONS
- Low number of customer ratings on their website (around 80)
Batch CBD Pet Oil
The price of “Batch CBD Pet Oil ” varies, so check the latest price at
3. CBDfx Pet Oil
You could call them old-school since they’ve been around for almost a decade. Proving they’re highly concerned about quality and safety, CBDfx broad-spectrum CBD oil is tested eight times.
One of their veterinarians commented on how yummy this product is since he’s seen many dogs take it with ease. One of their ingredients, MCT oil, helps dogs absorb pet CBD more quickly, so you could say it works twice as hard to bring your dog relief.
Since dogs have fast metabolisms, the effects of this pet CBD can usually be felt in less than 90 minutes. Or even much sooner, depending on your dog. How’s that for speedy results?
PROS
- They have a fascinating blog with all things CBD topics.
- Downloadable lab reports for ingredients
- Thorough information on CBD for cats as well
- They offer CBD-infused tinctures, capsules, gummies, and dog treats
- 25% off your first order
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- The dropper’s measurement markings are almost non-existent, which may pose challenges in accurately administering the right CBD oil dosage.
CBDfx Pet Oil
The price of “CBDfx Pet Oil ” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Holistapet CBD
This is a company with a lot of heart. Through their HolistaPet Helps program, they donate to families who need assistance with their pets. They also give to nationwide shelters and provide care for unhoused pets.
One reviewer says that since this CBD oil for dogs is 100% natural (no additives or preservatives), she no longer uses anti-inflammatory meds for her dog, who has arthritis and anxiety. Several pet owners brag about how well it helps their dog’s inflammation, even in senior dogs.
And the taste must be delicious if you believe some of the reviews that dogs are gobbling it down.
PROS
- 25% off first order
- Products for cats and horses
- Offer hard and soft chews, capsules, oil/tincture, and even cat treats
- Also offer dog shampoo, leashes, collars, and more
- Numerous breed guides and entertaining blog articles
CONS
- Some products are pricey
- A couple of reviewers complained about slow shipping time
Holistapet CBD
The price of “Holistapet CBD” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Medterra pet CBD oil
Medterra products are carried by over 5,300 major retailers nationwide. Partnered with Baylor College of Medicine, they ran the first clinical study of its kind to demonstrate the benefits of CBD in pets.
Currently, they’re sponsoring research at Baylor to discover exactly how CBD oil works on joints. They might ask reviewers who say their dogs’ hips and joints have improved with the use of their pet CBD oil. And there’s no denying this:
Our dog suffers from food-triggered seizures, and the oil is working miracles.
PROS
- Affordable
- Offer beef and chicken flavors
- Almost 500 5-star reviews on website
- All certifications of analysis can be found on their site.
CONS
- Only three (3) short FAQ questions and answers on-site regarding pet products
Medterra pet CBD oil
The price of “Medterra pet CBD oil” varies, so check the latest price at
6. The Anxious Pet
The Anxious Pet works with veterinarians at top institutions across America to formulate their products and claim to be the most cost-effective product on the market (per active mg of CBD).
Their full-spectrum CBD oil only has one other ingredient – coconut oil. It works on a variety of issues:
- Promotes calmness and reduces anxiety and the behavior that may come with it
- Supports immune health and brain function
- Reduces inflammation and helps skin issues
- Helps seasonal allergies
It worked on Stevie, a pittie mix, who had severe separation anxiety and seizures and now has none of those harsh difficulties.
They’re the only company from this list that warned against using human CBD products on pets and gave the reasons why. Impressive. They are big on safety, accuracy, and transparency.
PROS
- Free shipping!
- Their FAQ section answered questions in detail.
- Certification of analysis listed on site
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Less than 40 reviews on site.
The Anxious Pet
The price of “ The Anxious Pet ” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Joy Organics
Made in Colorado, USA, Joy leads their business with “Compassion, integrity, and excellence.”
Their broad spectrum CBD oils (which is explained well on their site) are from hemp oil/extract. The only other ingredient is olive oil which makes it effective mentally and physically.
Their THC-free CBD oil formula is specially crafted to help dogs’ muscles and joints and help them to relax more. Not to mention, their 90-day guarantee may just be the best in the business.
PROS
- Regenerative farming practices
- Family-owned and run
- Phone number listed
- CBD pet tincture and CBD treats for safe and effective treatment
- Organic
- Website’s professionalism and friendliness balance well
- 90-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Seems to be geared towards people, although they stand behind their dog products, too. Also, since there’s no curcumin or turmeric listed as an ingredient in their tincture (which have incredible anti-seizure benefits), the products mostly help dogs relax. Less than 25 reviews, but those are from satisfied customers.
Joy Organics
The price of “Joy Organics ” varies, so check the latest price at
Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Dog Seizures: What to Look for
The buzz about CBD oil is understandable. But is it safe and effective for dogs that have seizures?
The cannabidiol world isn’t cut and dry, so here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best CBD oils for dogs.
The THC Content
You’ve probably heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is found in marijuana and its ability to make a person “high,” but the chemical is also in full-spectrum CBD oils. It’s usually at less than 0.3%. In contrast, marijuana can contain 12% THC or higher.
Since it’s almost impossible to know a product’s THC content without taking it to a chemist, even if it’s listed on the bottle, it’s imperative to ask a veterinarian. He or she may know CBD brands that are considered to be safe.
Quality
Since CBD will be ingested by your dog, your best friend, you’ll only want the highest quality of the best CBD oils available. Along with your vet’s recommendations, ask the employee (if you’re buying from a vapor shop) for their opinion and tell them it will be used as a dog seizure medication.
These people are often highly trained to know the quality of each product. It’s also in Scruffy’s best interest to buy only organic CBD since synthetics can alter the chemistry.
Check Potency and CBD Oil Dosage
Regarding dosage, it depends on your dog’s weight, age, health, and more. Since most CBD products are for human consumption, make sure you’re buying them specifically for dogs.
Reputable retailers are transparent with the buyer. Regarding potency, the bottle itself should list the ingredients and the mg to ml ratio. Note: It’s not wise to purchase dog CBD oil products from any convenience store aisle or Facebook ad since you may not know the truth about what you’re getting.
Source and Spectrum of CBD Oils for Dogs With Seizures
Companies that are on the up-and-up will often reveal from where their products are sourced. Products made in America are the wisest choice since it’s easier to find out what you’re buying.
- Full-spectrum CBD – This refers to the entire plant and consists of several dozens of cannabinoids (compounds within the cannabis plant), including THC (up to 0.3%). It’s not enough to deliver “a high” but enough to affect/treat ailments in dogs (and humans).
- Broad-spectrum CBD – In short, although it does contain some compounds of the cannabis plant, it is THC-free.
- CBD isolate is just refined CBD that contains no other cannabinoids.
It’s best to acquire a COA – Certificate of Analysis. Several of the companies listed in this article have a breakdown on their websites, and a few are extensive.
A certificate of analysis is a report from an accredited laboratory that details the chemical analysis of a substance. – Green Scientific Labs
Note: Be aware there could always be trace elements of THC in broad-spectrum CBD, whether the company is knowledgeable of it or not.
Extraction Process
Extracting CBD from the organic hemp plant or hemp seed oil can be done in several ways, and the most common is to use a liquid solvent like ethanol or alcohol to pull cannabinoids out of the plant. It’s non-toxic and easily evaporated.
Read Reviews and Do Research
Fortunately, we have a friend named “Google” that can give you loads of information on CBD oil. Do your research. Ask friends, scour reviews, and ask your vet who is allowed to give you pertinent advice on the subject.
Advantages of Using CBD Oil for Dogs Seizures
Discover the numerous advantages of utilizing the best CBD oils to manage seizures in dogs, including reduced seizure frequency, improved quality of life, and a natural, holistic approach to supporting their well-being.
Reduced Severity and Frequency of Seizures
In 2016, veterinary neurologist Dr. Stephanie McGrath took it upon herself to run a study on 16 participants/dogs with epilepsy. The results were eye-opening and showed that 89% of those dogs had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
In 2019, the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University administered the first clinical trial on the effects of CBD oil used for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. The dogs were additionally using anticonvulsant therapies but were tested against dogs that were not.
The results were promising. The dogs that were receiving both forms of therapy experienced a 33% reduction in seizure frequency over the dogs who received anticonvulsant drugs alone.
There have been studies on mice and human beings on the effects of CBD oil that show its anticonvulsant therapeutical powers. Researchers are hopeful to obtain certain proof that products with CBD oil treat seizures as well.
Increased Energy and Appetite
Pain, stress, medical conditions, and age can affect a dog’s appetite and energy. Studies have shown that an increased appetite (“the munchies”) can be shown in dogs taking CDB oil. Also, research has been conducted on aging dogs that showed CBD improved energy.
Lesser Side Effects
In extreme cases or a case of an overdose, dogs can:
- Vomit
- Have a drop in blood pressure
- Become dizzy, confused, or disoriented
- Have diarrhea, stomach cramps, or incontinence
- Go into a coma
- Have a seizure
- Have the efficacy of other medications they may be taking change. CBD alters liver enzyme production, which can affect the way a drug is metabolized (especially true for seizure meds).
To guard against these unwanted symptoms, use the right type of dogs’ CBD oil and start by giving your dog the smallest dosage possible. Make sure you give the medicine time before any increase. Watch your dog closely for any unnatural behavior(s), and if all is going well, do not increase the dosage – You’re in the sweet spot.
Absence of Psychoactive Effects
Since CBD is derived from hemp, it’s impossible for your dog to get high as a person might if they ingested cannabis. There is also no chance of addiction.
Improved Quality of Life
If your dog has:
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Bouts of nausea
- Sore joints or arthritis
- Stress
- Glaucoma or cataracts (Although it cannot cure blindness as of yet.)
- Aggression
- Muscle Spasms
- Inflammation
- Poor heart health
- Low appetite
…CBD oil might help these conditions.
Side Effects of Dog CBD Oil
Similar to most drugs, there is always the possibility of your dog having one or more of the following side effects while taking CBD oil:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth/Dehydration
- Lethargy or drowsiness
Just be sure to tell your vet any side effects or odd behavior you may notice.
Administering CBD Oil to Dogs
There are:
- Capsules
- Tinctures (oil)
- Edibles/Dog treats
- Topicals
You know your dog. Depending on its capability to ingest things, choose the easiest route. Follow the product’s directions, whether it be squirting CBD oil directly into the mouth, placing a pill in the back of the throat, or smoothing it into the skin. Take good care when administering since you don’t want to waste the product. You can also check out our complete guide on how to give CBD Oil to dogs.
Something to remember: Be extra careful if you have more than CBD product available to use. If you give Snoopy CBD dog treats, you won’t want to then give him a CBD capsule on the same day.
FAQs
Are Hemp and CBD the Same?
No, they are not. Their compositions are completely different. Hemp plant seeds don’t contain CBD. The CDC states that CBD can be derived from hemp plants or non-hemp plants. Hemp itself contains no more than 0.3% of THC but is part of the cannabis sativa plant.
What Are CBD Dog Treats?
CBD dog treats are crunchy or chewy that mimic regular dog treats in appearance but contain some form of CBD.
What Is CBD Oil? And How Does It Help With Seizures?
Cannabidiol/CBD is one of four prevalent ingredients in cannabis. It is manufactured in a laboratory as a compound.
CBD oil works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate pain relief and inflammation. – The Salt Lake Tribune
If you’re looking for an exact way or for the process that happens after your dog takes CBD oil, there’s not one, but there are hypotheses on how it works. Dogs Naturally Magazine says that CBD may affect the receptors that calm the neurons that fire during a seizure, but an investigation into it is ongoing.
What Does CBD Oil Do for Dogs?
The effects CBD oil has on dogs are similar to the way it affects people. It’s not a product made to heal but to help alleviate pain, seizures, and stress. It is also useful if your dog have cancer.
We do know this: Regular use of CBD oil has been proven to decrease both the severity and frequency of seizures in dogs.
What are the Types of Seizures?
A. Grand mal/Generalized – Most common. Can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. A dog may lose consciousness and convulse. The seizure happens in all parts of the brain.
B. Partial/Focal – Can last only a few seconds but can turn into a generalized seizure. Only one part of a dog’s body may convulse. The seizure happens in one section of the brain.
C. Psychomotor – These manifest into odd behaviors that may last a couple of minutes. They’re hard to detect, but dogs will display the same behavior every time.
D. Idiopathic epilepsy – When a seizure has an unknown reason or cannot be classified.
What Should Be the Ideal Dosage of CBD?
There isn’t one. As with humans, there are a number of factors that can contribute to arriving at the correct dosage for a dog which may include age, health, and weight.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Reduce Seizures?
This subject is so new (research is happening as we speak) there is no concrete information on how much time it takes for CBD to reduce seizures in dogs. However, CBD does work on the brain’s receptors.
Do Vets Recommend CBD Oil for Dogs?
Some do, and some don’t. There are those who aren’t confident of the benefits it can deliver, and there are those who will recommend it regularly. Try to either find a vet who agrees with what you’ve learned or talk to your own vet about the benefits of CBD if they aren’t believers.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, these facts have given you some food (bones) for thought. Currently, there’s a CBD study on every corner. People are salivating to know if it will help their dog’s quality of life. We say it’s worth trying if:
- You do your due diligence with research.
- You rely on your veterinarian’s instructions.
- Your dog’s quality of life is suffering.
- If you administer only half or the minimum of suggested doses initially to test its strength for your dog.
- You make sure your CBD is hemp-derived.
If you’re leaning towards administering CBD oil to your dog, you can be reassured by thousands of people who leave testimonials swearing by its ability to combat seizures in dogs. Now you and your dog can go live a life that may include the healing qualities of CBD oil from now on.
If you and your beloved pet are seeing a veterinarian who sells CBD, find another one. It’s simple: The product has not been through enough rigorous testing and is not regulated, as of yet, by the FDA. Simply put, CBD can be sold in some states, but no one can ensure the correct dosages and ingredients are in it without actual lab results.
Okay. Class is over.
