Could cannabidiol help dogs have fewer seizures? Interest in CBD for canine epilepsy has surged as families look for safer options to complement standard medications. Below, you’ll find what current studies show, how to use CBD cautiously with your veterinarian, and practical steps to track progress and safety.

Quick takeaways

  • Early clinical trials suggest CBD may reduce seizure frequency in some dogs when added to standard antiseizure meds.
  • Safety profile is generally favorable; mild elevation of liver enzymes (especially ALP) is the most reported lab change.
  • Work with your vet: start low, increase gradually, and monitor with bloodwork and a seizure log.
  • Choose THC-free, third-party-tested products with a clear Certificate of Analysis (COA).
  • CBD is not a cure and won’t replace emergency care for prolonged or cluster seizures.

What the science says about CBD for canine epilepsy

Peer-reviewed pet CBD research is still developing, but several small randomized, placebo-controlled studies have reported meaningful seizure reductions in subsets of dogs given CBD oil alongside conventional drugs.

  • In a blinded clinical trial, dogs receiving CBD oil had lower seizure frequency than those on placebo, with good overall tolerance. Mild, reversible increases in liver enzymes were noted in some patients.
  • Other pilot studies and owner surveys echo potential benefits, while also highlighting variability in response and the need for product quality control.

Limitations include small sample sizes, different CBD formulations, and dosing variability. Still, the trend supports CBD as a possible adjunct for dog seizures under veterinary supervision.

How CBD might offer neurological support

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other pathways that modulate neuronal excitability, inflammation, and neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate. This multi-target action may offer neurological support that helps stabilize overactive circuits implicated in epilepsy.

This article is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.

Is CBD right for your dog? Benefits and risks

Potential benefits include fewer seizures, reduced severity, and improved quality of life. Some guardians also report calmer behavior and better sleep. Risks are usually mild but can include:

  • Sleepiness or sedation, soft stools, or decreased appetite
  • Mild increases in liver enzymes (especially ALP) on bloodwork
  • Drug–drug interactions via liver enzymes (CYP450), which may alter levels of medications such as phenobarbital, zonisamide, or levetiracetam
  • THC exposure if using untested or mislabeled products; dogs are sensitive to THC

The decision comes down to seizure control needs, current therapies, lab trends, and your ability to monitor closely with your vet.

How to use CBD for canine epilepsy safely: a step-by-step guide

  1. Talk with your veterinarian
    • Share a recent seizure log, current meds, doses, and any side effects.
    • Ask about potential interactions and whether baseline bloodwork is needed.
  2. Select a high-quality product
    • Choose a pet-dedicated CBD oil or chew with a third-party COA verifying CBD content, contaminants, and THC levels.
    • Prefer THC-free (non-detectable) or very low THC; avoid products without transparent testing.
  3. Start low and go slow
    • Common starting range: 0.25–0.5 mg CBD per kg body weight, twice daily.
    • Increase gradually every 1–2 weeks if needed, with vet guidance. Some studies used around 2–2.5 mg/kg twice daily.
  4. Track results
    • Use a seizure diary to record date, duration, severity, triggers, and any side effects.
    • Look for changes in frequency or cluster patterns over 4–8 weeks.
  5. Monitor safety
    • Recheck bloodwork (liver enzymes) 4–6 weeks after starting and after dose changes, or as advised.
    • Report sedation, ataxia, or appetite changes to your vet promptly.
  6. Reassess and adjust
    • Optimize dose, form (oil vs chew), or timing with your vet. Continue other prescribed antiseizure medications unless your vet advises changes.

Example dose calculation

A 55 lb (25 kg) dog starting at 0.5 mg/kg twice daily would get about 12.5 mg CBD per dose. If your oil is 20 mg/mL, that’s roughly 0.6 mL per dose, given morning and evening. Adjust only with veterinary guidance.

Real-life story: Milo’s progress on adjunct CBD

Milo, a 4-year-old Border Collie, had idiopathic epilepsy with monthly clusters despite phenobarbital and levetiracetam. After discussing risks and goals with the vet, Milo started CBD at 0.5 mg/kg twice daily, titrating to 2 mg/kg over six weeks.

Over 10 weeks, his family’s seizure log showed a 40% reduction in frequency and shorter events. Bloodwork revealed a mild ALP increase without clinical signs, so dosing stayed steady with close monitoring. While not seizure-free, Milo had fewer cluster days and better recovery—meaningful quality-of-life gains for the whole household.

Choosing a high-quality CBD for dogs

  • Certificate of Analysis: Matches the batch; lists CBD/THC amounts; screens for pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, microbes.
  • Formulation: Oil/tincture allows precise dosing; chews are convenient but may vary per piece.
  • Extract type: Broad-spectrum or isolate with non-detectable THC is often preferred for seizure-prone dogs.
  • Carrier oil: MCT or fish oil can improve absorption and palatability.
  • Brand standards: Transparent sourcing, veterinary guidance, lot tracking, and quality seals (e.g., NASC).
  • Storage: Keep in original dropper bottle, away from heat/light; shake before use.

Legal and regulatory notes (USA)

The FDA has not approved CBD to treat animal diseases. Product quality varies widely, and state laws about discussing or recommending CBD can differ. Most veterinarians can advise on risks and monitoring but may not be able to prescribe or dispense CBD. Check your state’s regulations.

When to seek urgent veterinary care

  • A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
  • Two or more seizures within 24 hours (clusters)
  • Trauma during a seizure, extreme sedation, or trouble walking afterward
  • Vomiting, poor appetite, jaundice, or other concerning changes after starting any new supplement

Ask your vet for a written seizure action plan. Some dogs benefit from at-home rescue medications for cluster control.

FAQs

Will CBD stop my dog’s seizures completely?

CBD is not a cure. In studies, some dogs had fewer seizures, some had no change. The goal is often reduction in frequency, severity, or clustering—alongside prescribed medications.

Can I use CBD with phenobarbital or levetiracetam?

Often, yes—but only with veterinary oversight. CBD can interact with liver enzymes that metabolize drugs. Your vet may recommend baseline and follow-up bloodwork to monitor levels and liver values.

How long until I see results?

Many families reassess at 4–8 weeks. Use a seizure log to detect trends. If there’s no improvement by 8–12 weeks at a vet-guided dose, your vet may suggest adjustments or discontinuation.

Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?

No. Hemp seed oil contains negligible CBD. Look for products labeled with specific CBD milligrams per mL or per chew and verified by a COA.

Which is better for epilepsy: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate?

Evidence is mixed. For seizure-prone dogs, THC-free (broad-spectrum or isolate) is often preferred to avoid THC exposure. Choose a product with a COA and discuss with your vet.

Conclusion

The bottom line: CBD for canine epilepsy shows promising evidence for reducing seizure frequency in some dogs when used as an adjunct to standard therapies. Its safety profile is generally favorable with proper monitoring and high-quality products. Partner with your veterinarian, start low, track outcomes, and make data-driven decisions for your dog’s care.