Introduction
If your dog suffers from epilepsy, you know how heartbreaking and unpredictable seizures can be. A new study funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) offers hope: cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help reduce seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
This breakthrough research, conducted at Colorado State University, shows that CBD oil could be a promising supplement to traditional anti-seizure medications—potentially improving quality of life for dogs and their owners.
Key Points
- Dogs taking CBD oil had fewer seizure days than when taking a placebo.
- The study was double-blind and included 39 dogs of various breeds.
- CBD was generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects like vomiting and decreased appetite.
- Liver enzyme changes were noted, indicating a need for further safety research.
- A follow-up study is underway to determine optimal CBD dosing.
Challenge Background
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, often with no known cause. Despite the availability of anti-seizure medications, about one-third of affected dogs continue to experience seizures. These medications can also cause side effects like sedation and appetite changes, leaving owners searching for better options.
Previous research showed CBD’s potential to reduce seizures in humans and rodents, but its effectiveness and safety in dogs remained unclear, until now.
The Breakthrough
Researchers at Colorado State University conducted a clinical trial from 2017 to 2021, funded by CHF (Grant 02323). Thirty-nine dogs received either CBD oil or placebo oil for three months, followed by a one-month break, then switched to the other oil for another three months.
The results were clear: dogs had fewer seizure days while taking CBD oil. Side effects were minimal, though some dogs showed increased liver enzymes, especially ALT, which may signal liver stress when CBD is combined with other medications.
This study is the first of its kind to scientifically validate CBD’s potential in treating canine epilepsy.
Impact & Next Steps
This research opens the door to safer, more effective epilepsy treatments for dogs. CHF is now funding a follow-up study (Grant 02930) to refine CBD dosing and formulations.
If successful, CBD could become a widely recommended supplement for dogs with epilepsy, helping reduce seizures and improve daily life. Future studies will focus on long-term safety and how CBD interacts with other medications. Learn more about this important work at akcchf.org/epilepsy
