CBD for Dog Seizures: What the Clinical Trials Actually Show

When your dog has a seizure, the world stops. The thrashing, the confusion, the helplessness you feel watching it happen — no pet parent forgets it. And when seizures keep coming despite medication after medication, the desperation to find something that works grows with every episode.

Here is what most CBD companies will not tell you: the vast majority of pet CBD products have never been tested in a clinical trial. They rely on anecdote, extrapolation from human studies, or the hope that “natural” equals “effective.”

ABSC Organics took a different path. We submitted our CBD oil to three published clinical trials at Colorado State University, led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), one of the world’s leading veterinary neurologists. The epilepsy trial, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), showed that 89% of dogs receiving CBD experienced a reduction in seizure frequency.

This is a comprehensive, clinically grounded resource covering the science, the evidence, the limitations, and practical guidance for working with your veterinarian to give your dog the best possible outcome.

Understanding Canine Epilepsy and Seizures in Dogs

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, affecting an estimated 0.5% to 5% of the general canine population. A seizure occurs when neurons in the brain fire abnormally and excessively, creating an electrical storm that disrupts normal function. Epilepsy is defined as recurrent, unprovoked seizures — typically two or more episodes separated by at least 24 hours.

The condition most commonly appears in dogs between six months and six years of age. Certain breeds carry higher genetic predisposition, including Belgian Tervurens, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Bernese Mountain Dogs — though any dog of any breed can develop epilepsy.

How a Seizure Affects Your Dog’s Brain

Normal brain function depends on a precise balance between excitatory signals (driven by glutamate) and inhibitory signals (driven by GABA). In a seizure, this balance collapses. Excitatory neurons fire uncontrollably, recruiting neighboring neurons into the cascade. Depending on where this electrical storm begins and how far it spreads, the seizure can range from a subtle facial twitch to full-body convulsions.

Each seizure carries real consequences. Prolonged or repeated seizures can cause neuronal damage, increase brain inflammation, and lower the seizure threshold, making future seizures more likely. Effective seizure management is not just about comfort — it is about long-term neurological protection.

Types of Seizures in Dogs: Recognizing What You Are Seeing

Not all seizures look the same, and understanding the type of seizure your dog experiences helps your veterinarian determine the best treatment approach. It also helps you communicate accurately during emergency situations.

Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures

Grand mal seizures involve the entire brain: loss of consciousness, stiffening of all four limbs (tonic phase), rhythmic paddling or jerking (clonic phase), jaw clenching, excessive salivation, and possible involuntary urination or defecation. They typically last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. While terrifying to witness, a single grand mal seizure under two minutes is rarely life-threatening on its own.

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures originate in one area of the brain and are frequently missed because signs can be subtle: twitching of one side of the face, “fly-biting” (snapping at invisible objects), sudden behavioral changes, repetitive head turning, or excessive licking at nothing. A focal seizure can generalize, spreading to involve the entire brain and evolving into a grand mal seizure. Many dogs that appear to have grand mal seizures actually begin with a brief focal phase that goes unnoticed.

Cluster Seizures

Cluster seizures are a veterinary emergency. Defined as two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, cluster seizures indicate that the brain’s seizure threshold has been severely compromised. Dogs experiencing cluster seizures are at significantly higher risk for status epilepticus and require immediate veterinary intervention.

Approximately 30% to 40% of epileptic dogs will experience cluster seizures at some point. Certain breeds, including German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Boxers, appear more prone to clustering.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency. It is defined as a continuous seizure lasting more than five minutes, or two or more seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. Without immediate veterinary treatment, status epilepticus can cause permanent brain damage, hyperthermia, organ failure, and death.

If your dog seizes continuously for more than three minutes, or has multiple seizures without returning to normal between them, transport to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Do not wait. Time is critical.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs: Idiopathic, Structural, and Reactive Epilepsy

Identifying the underlying cause of seizures is essential for choosing the right treatment strategy. Veterinary neurologists classify canine seizures into three broad categories based on their origin.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs, accounting for an estimated 60% to 70% of all canine epilepsy cases. “Idiopathic” means the cause is unknown — there is no identifiable structural brain abnormality, no toxin exposure, no metabolic disorder. The brain simply has an inherently lower seizure threshold, likely due to genetic factors.

Diagnosis is made by exclusion: if MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, blood work, and other diagnostics come back normal, the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy. This was the population studied in the CSU clinical trial — dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that continued to seize despite conventional anticonvulsant medications.

Structural Epilepsy

Structural epilepsy results from identifiable brain pathology: brain tumors (the most common cause of new-onset seizures in dogs over 5), encephalitis, head trauma, congenital malformations, or stroke. It is typically diagnosed via MRI and may require treatment of the underlying cause alongside seizure management.

Reactive Seizures

Reactive seizures are provoked by factors outside the brain — toxin ingestion (xylitol, chocolate, pesticides), metabolic disorders (liver disease, kidney failure, hypoglycemia), electrolyte imbalances, or hyperthermia. Once the provocative factor is corrected, seizures typically stop.

Common Seizure Triggers

Even in dogs with diagnosed epilepsy, certain factors can lower the seizure threshold and provoke episodes: stress and excitement (thunderstorms, fireworks), sleep disruption (many seizures occur during sleep or upon waking), missed medication doses, hormonal changes in intact females, sudden dietary changes, and exposure to environmental contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.

How CBD Works for Seizures: The Anticonvulsant Mechanism Explained

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects — it will not make your dog “high.” But the absence of psychoactivity does not mean the absence of pharmacological action. CBD is a remarkably complex molecule that interacts with multiple receptor systems in the brain, and researchers have identified several distinct anticonvulsant mechanisms.

CBD Does Not Work Through the Endocannabinoid System (At Least Not Directly)

This is a critical distinction most pet CBD marketing gets wrong. THC produces its effects by binding CB1 receptors. CBD has very low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, its anticonvulsant properties operate through entirely different molecular targets.

TRPV1 Receptor Desensitization

TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 1) channels are calcium-permeable ion channels in the nervous system. CBD initially activates these channels, but with sustained exposure, it desensitizes them — reducing extracellular calcium influx into neurons and decreasing the excessive neurotransmission that drives seizure activity. Research using TRPV1 knockout mice confirmed that CBD’s anticonvulsant effect was significantly diminished without these receptors (Gray & Whalley, 2020, Epileptic Disorders).

GPR55 Antagonism

GPR55 (G protein-coupled receptor 55) is a significant player in neuronal excitability. When activated, it triggers intracellular calcium release, increasing excitatory currents. CBD acts as an antagonist at GPR55, blocking activation and reducing calcium release at excitatory synapses. Studies using GPR55 knockout animals confirmed this mechanism contributes meaningfully to seizure control.

Calcium Channel Modulation and Adenosine Reuptake

CBD also modulates T-type calcium channels (Ca_v3.x), helping interrupt the synchronized electrical discharges that characterize seizure activity. Additionally, CBD inhibits adenosine reuptake by blocking the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1), effectively increasing adenosine signaling — a naturally occurring neuromodulator with powerful anticonvulsant properties.

Glutamate Reduction and Serotonin Activation

Through its combined effects on TRPV1, GPR55, and calcium channels, CBD reduces glutamate release at excitatory synapses, addressing the fundamental excitation-inhibition imbalance underlying seizures. CBD also activates serotonin 5-HT_1A receptors, which may explain why some owners report shorter post-ictal recovery periods alongside fewer seizures.

This multi-target, “multimodal” approach is an advantage. Rather than acting on a single molecular pathway like most conventional anticonvulsants, CBD modulates multiple systems simultaneously — which may explain why it provides additional seizure control in dogs that have not responded to single-target medications.

The Colorado State University Clinical Trial: What the Data Actually Shows

Claims about CBD and seizures are everywhere. What separates credible evidence from marketing noise is the study design, the methodology, and the transparency of the results — including the limitations. Here is a thorough examination of the CSU epilepsy trial.

Study Design and Methodology

The study, led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), was a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial — the gold standard in clinical research design. It was published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), Volume 254, Issue 11, in June 2019.

Key methodological details:

• Population: Dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy — meaning they continued to have seizures despite being on conventional anticonvulsant medications (phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide)
• Randomization: Dogs were randomly assigned to either the CBD treatment group or the placebo group
• Blinding: Both the dog owners and the CSU veterinary staff were blinded — no one knew which dogs received CBD and which received placebo until the study was complete
• Duration: 12 weeks of treatment
• Dosing: CBD oil administered at 2.5 mg/kg twice daily (5 mg/kg total daily dose)
• Add-on design: All dogs remained on their existing anticonvulsant medications throughout the study. CBD was tested as an adjunct (add-on) therapy, not a replacement
• CBD product: ABSC Organics’ CBD oil was used in the trial

The Results: The 89% Statistic in Context

The headline finding — and the one most commonly cited — is that 89% of dogs in the CBD group experienced a reduction in seizure frequency. This is a real, significant finding. But responsible reporting requires presenting the complete picture.

What the data showed:

• 89% of CBD-treated dogs showed some degree of seizure frequency reduction compared to baseline
• The median reduction in seizure frequency was 33% in the CBD group compared to the placebo group
• After exclusions (2 dogs withdrew due to ataxia), the final analysis included 9 dogs in the CBD group and 7 in the placebo group
• Plasma CBD concentrations correlated with seizure reduction — dogs with higher CBD blood levels experienced greater seizure control

Important nuances:

• The proportion of dogs classified as “responders” (50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency) was similar between the CBD and placebo groups
• The sample size was small (16 dogs total in the final analysis), which limits the statistical power of the findings
• This was a pilot study designed to establish preliminary evidence and guide future research

What Dr. McGrath Concluded

Dr. McGrath described the results as “encouraging” and emphasized the correlation between plasma CBD levels and seizure frequency. She noted that the dosing used in the trial (2.5 mg/kg twice daily) may not have been sufficient to achieve the 50% responder threshold in most dogs, and that higher doses warrant investigation.

“We saw a correlation between how high the levels of CBD were in these dogs with how great the seizure reduction was. This is really important, because this gives us the confidence to go ahead and do a larger trial.”

— Dr. Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), Colorado State University

This correlation between blood CBD concentration and clinical response is pharmacologically significant. It suggests that CBD’s effect on seizures is dose-dependent, and that optimizing dosing — potentially at levels higher than those used in the initial trial — could yield greater seizure reduction.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation Follow-Up

Based on the promising results of this initial trial, the AKC Canine Health Foundation partnered with CSU to fund a larger follow-up study focusing specifically on drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs — the approximately 30% of epileptic dogs that do not achieve adequate seizure control with any available medication. ABSC Organics was selected as the exclusive CBD oil supplier for this expanded research program.

How ABSC’s Three CSU Trials Fit Together

The epilepsy trial was one of three published clinical studies conducted at Colorado State University using ABSC Organics CBD oil:

1. Epilepsy Trial (JAVMA, 2019): 89% of dogs showed reduced seizure frequency; median 33% reduction
2. Osteoarthritis Trial: Dogs demonstrated measurable improvement in mobility and pain scores using objective gait analysis and force plate measurements
3. Pharmacokinetics and Safety Study: Established that oral oil delivery provides the highest systemic absorption and most favorable pharmacokinetic profile compared to capsules or topical application; confirmed CBD is well-tolerated with no adverse clinical signs at standard dosing

Together, these trials provide a scientific foundation no other pet CBD brand can match: proof of efficacy, safety, and that oral oil delivery actually achieves meaningful blood levels.

Epidiolex and the Veterinary CBD Landscape: What FDA Approval Means (and Doesn’t Mean)

Any honest discussion of CBD for seizures must address Epidiolex — the first and only FDA-approved CBD medication. Understanding what Epidiolex is and how it relates to veterinary CBD use provides important context for pet owners.

What Epidiolex Is

Epidiolex (cannabidiol) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA in June 2018 for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in humans aged one year and older. In clinical trials, it demonstrated a 36% to 41% reduction in total seizure frequency at doses of 10–20 mg/kg/day, compared to 14% in the placebo group.

How This Relates to Veterinary Use

Currently, no CBD product has been approved by the FDA for use in animals. However, in January 2025, the FDA published a Request for Information seeking data on cannabis-derived products in veterinary practice — a signal that regulatory frameworks may be evolving. Veterinarians can prescribe approved human drugs for animals in an “extralabel” manner, but Epidiolex costs $1,300–$2,500 per month, making it prohibitively expensive for veterinary use.

The Scientific Connection

What matters most for pet owners is this: Epidiolex and ABSC’s CBD oil share the same active molecule — cannabidiol. The anticonvulsant mechanisms are identical. The difference lies in pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing standards, regulatory approval, and the extensive (and expensive) human clinical trial process required for FDA approval.

The CSU clinical trial using ABSC’s CBD oil demonstrated results in the same range as Epidiolex’s human trials: a median 33% reduction in seizure frequency in dogs, compared to Epidiolex’s 36–41% reduction in humans. While direct comparisons between species and study designs should be made cautiously, the consistency of the data is notable.

Why USDA Organic Purity Matters for Dogs with Seizures

For a healthy dog taking CBD for general wellness, product purity is important. For a dog with epilepsy, it is critical. Here is why.

Contaminants That Lower Seizure Thresholds

In epileptic dogs, the seizure threshold is already abnormally low. Contaminants can lower it further: heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) directly increase neuronal excitability; organophosphate pesticides disrupt GABAergic inhibition and promote seizure activity; mycotoxins from mold contamination are neurotoxic; and residual solvents (hexane, butane) from cheap CBD extraction can be neurotoxic.

Hemp is a bioaccumulator — it pulls contaminants from soil with remarkable efficiency. Hemp grown in contaminated soil or treated with pesticides can concentrate those toxins in the final product.

What USDA Organic Certification Guarantees

ABSC Organics is USDA Organic certified — not “made with organic ingredients” but fully certified by the USDA. This means no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, irradiation, or genetic engineering, with regular third-party soil and product testing and complete seed-to-product traceability.

For a seizure dog, every dose of CBD should reduce seizure risk — not increase it through contaminant exposure. That is why we publish our Certificate of Analysis for every batch: third-party lab verification of cannabinoid content, heavy metals, pesticides, microbial analysis, and residual solvents.

The CSU pharmacokinetics study confirmed that oral CBD oil provides the highest systemic absorption. But this applies to pure oil — contaminants can interfere with absorption and introduce unpredictable variables. For seizure management, where consistent blood levels are essential, product purity is a therapeutic necessity.

CBD Dosing Guide for Canine Seizure Management

Important: Dosing CBD for seizure management is different from dosing for anxiety, pain, or general wellness. Seizure control typically requires higher doses administered more consistently than other applications. Always work with your veterinarian when using CBD for seizure management, especially if your dog is on other anticonvulsant medications.

Understanding the Dosing Difference

The CSU trial used 2.5 mg/kg twice daily (5 mg/kg total daily dose), producing the 89% response rate and median 33% seizure reduction. The study found a dose-response correlation: higher plasma CBD levels meant greater seizure reduction, suggesting doses above 2.5 mg/kg twice daily may produce even better results. For context, anxiety dosing is typically 1–2 mg/kg daily; seizure management may require 2 to 5 times that amount, consistent with Epidiolex dosing (5–20 mg/kg/day). Visit our CBD Dosage Guide for general guidelines.

Weight-Based Seizure Dosing Table

Dosing based on 2.5–5 mg/kg twice daily range, consistent with published clinical trial protocols. Individual dogs may require dose adjustments based on response, body condition, and concurrent medications. Always consult your veterinarian.

Seizure Dosing Protocol: Start Low, Scale Deliberately

1. Week 1–2: Begin at the “Starting Dose” from the table above (approximately 2 mg/kg twice daily). Administer consistently every 12 hours with food to maximize absorption.
2. Week 3–4: If seizures have not decreased and no adverse effects are observed, increase to 2.5 mg/kg twice daily (the dose used in the CSU trial).
3. Week 5–8: If seizure control remains insufficient and your veterinarian approves, gradually increase toward 5 mg/kg twice daily. Increase by no more than 0.5–1 mg/kg per week.
4. Week 8+: Evaluate response. If meaningful seizure reduction has been achieved, maintain that dose. If not, consult your veterinarian about further dose escalation or treatment modification.

Critical reminders: Administer at the same times every day — irregular dosing can trigger breakthrough seizures. Give with food (the CSU pharmacokinetics study confirmed enhanced absorption with meals). Keep a seizure diary recording date, time, duration, severity, and triggers. A CBD subscription ensures you never run out — a gap in dosing can undo weeks of progress, and subscriptions save 15%.

Using CBD Alongside Conventional Anticonvulsant Medications

CBD for seizure management should almost always be used as an adjunct (add-on) therapy alongside conventional anticonvulsant medications, not as a replacement. This is exactly how it was studied in the CSU trial — all dogs remained on their existing seizure medications. CBD was tested as an additional layer of control, not a standalone treatment.

First-Line Anticonvulsants in Veterinary Medicine

Phenobarbital

The most commonly prescribed first-line anticonvulsant, effective in 60–80% of dogs as monotherapy. It enhances GABA-mediated inhibition but carries significant side effects: sedation, weight gain, excessive thirst, hepatotoxicity with long-term use, and potential for tolerance requiring dose escalation.

Potassium Bromide (KBr)

Often used as an add-on to phenobarbital or as a first-line alternative in dogs with liver disease. It stabilizes neuronal membranes but has a very long half-life (25–46 days) and carries risk of pancreatitis and gastrointestinal upset.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)

An increasingly popular second-line option with fewer hepatic concerns, working through synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). Requires three-times-daily dosing unless using extended-release formulation.

Zonisamide

A sulfonamide anticonvulsant blocking sodium and T-type calcium channels. Favorable side-effect profile with twice-daily dosing, though rarely associated with hepatotoxicity.

Where CBD Fits in the Treatment Hierarchy

Based on the current evidence, CBD’s role in canine seizure management is best understood as:

1. Adjunct therapy for dogs with inadequate seizure control on conventional medications — this is the population where clinical evidence exists
2. Potential option for dogs that cannot tolerate conventional medications — dogs with liver disease or severe side effects from phenobarbital may benefit from a treatment with a different safety profile
3. Complementary support for overall neurological health — CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties may provide benefits beyond direct seizure control

CBD should not replace conventional anticonvulsants without veterinary guidance. Abruptly discontinuing phenobarbital or potassium bromide can cause life-threatening rebound seizures and status epilepticus. Any medication changes must be gradual and supervised by a veterinarian.

Drug Interactions and Liver Enzyme Monitoring: What You Need to Know

CBD is metabolized by the liver through the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system, the same system that metabolizes many conventional medications. This creates potential drug-drug interactions that every pet owner using CBD for seizure management must understand.

The Cytochrome P450 System

CBD is both a substrate of CYP450 enzymes (metabolized by them) and an inhibitor of certain isoforms (potentially slowing metabolism of other drugs). In theory, this could increase blood levels of concurrently administered drugs. In practice, research has provided reassuring data.

What the Research Shows About Specific Interactions

A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research specifically evaluated the drug-drug interaction between CBD and phenobarbital in healthy dogs. The key findings:

• No significant differences in serum phenobarbital concentrations were observed when CBD was administered concurrently
• No significant differences in serum potassium bromide concentrations were observed
• No significant differences in serum zonisamide concentrations were observed
• While there were some variations in CBD pharmacokinetic variables in dogs receiving CBD alongside phenobarbital compared to CBD alone, these were not statistically significant

This is encouraging data suggesting that CBD does not meaningfully alter the blood levels of the most commonly used veterinary anticonvulsants. However, individual variation exists, and monitoring remains essential.

ALP Elevation: Understanding the Liver Enzyme Finding

The most consistent laboratory finding in CBD studies — including the CSU epilepsy trial — is elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a liver enzyme. This was observed in approximately one-third of dogs receiving CBD.

Important context: ALP elevation was mild and clinically not significant in the CSU trial, with no evidence of hepatotoxicity — fasting and post-prandial bile acid tests remained normal. ALP can be elevated by many factors (phenobarbital use itself, Cushing’s disease, bone growth in young dogs), and the elevation with CBD appears to reflect enzyme induction rather than liver cell damage.

Recommended monitoring protocol:

1. Obtain baseline bloodwork (complete blood count, chemistry panel including liver enzymes) before starting CBD
2. Recheck bloodwork at 2 weeks after starting CBD or after any dose increase
3. If values are stable, recheck at 3 months, then every 6 months ongoing
4. If ALP is significantly elevated (more than 2–3x the upper limit of normal), discuss with your veterinarian whether bile acid testing is warranted
5. If your dog is on phenobarbital, ALP monitoring is already part of the standard care protocol — CBD adds another reason to stay diligent with scheduled bloodwork

Emergency Seizure Protocol: What to Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure

Even with optimal medical management, breakthrough seizures can occur. Knowing what to do during a seizure can prevent injuries, reduce post-seizure complications, and potentially save your dog’s life.

During the Seizure

1. Stay calm and note the time immediately — seizure duration determines urgency.
2. Clear the area of furniture, sharp objects, and stairs.
3. Do NOT put anything in your dog’s mouth or restrain them. Dogs cannot swallow their tongues, and restraining a seizing dog risks injury to both of you.
4. Dim lights and reduce noise — excessive stimulation can prolong seizure activity.
5. If prescribed, administer rectal diazepam (Valium) following your veterinarian’s exact instructions.

After the Seizure (Post-Ictal Phase)

Most dogs experience a post-ictal phase — confusion, disorientation, temporary blindness, pacing, or exhaustion lasting minutes to hours. Speak softly, offer water without forcing it, keep your dog in a safe confined space until recovered, and record everything: time, duration, appearance (video if possible), potential triggers, and recovery time. Share this log with your veterinarian.

When to Go to the Emergency Vet IMMEDIATELY

• Seizure lasting more than 3 minutes
• Two or more seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
• Dog does not regain consciousness or normal behavior between seizures
• First-ever seizure (especially in a dog under 1 year or over 5 years)
• Seizure accompanied by vomiting, difficulty breathing, or high body temperature
• Known or suspected toxin ingestion

When to See a Veterinary Neurologist

Your general practice veterinarian is your first line of defense for seizure management, and many epileptic dogs are managed well in primary care. However, certain situations warrant referral to a board-certified veterinary neurologist — a specialist with years of additional training beyond veterinary school, specifically in diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.

Consider a neurologist referral when seizures are not controlled despite two or more medications at therapeutic doses, seizures are worsening over time, cluster seizures or status epilepticus have occurred, the first seizure occurs before 6 months or after 6 years of age, neurological abnormalities are present between seizures, advanced diagnostics (MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis) are needed, or you want a comprehensive multi-drug protocol that may include CBD.

A veterinary neurologist, like Dr. Stephanie McGrath who led the CSU clinical trials, can provide the most sophisticated evaluation of your dog’s seizure disorder. Find a board-certified veterinary neurologist through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) directory.

Frequently Asked Questions: CBD Oil for Dogs with Seizures

Recommended ABSC Organics Products for Dogs with Seizures

Every ABSC Organics CBD oil is the same clinically tested, USDA Organic, veterinarian-formulated product used in the CSU trials. The only difference is concentration, matched to your dog’s size and dosing needs.

Why Subscriptions Matter for Seizure Dogs

For most CBD applications, running out for a few days is inconvenient. For seizure dogs, running out of CBD can mean breakthrough seizures. Once steady-state blood levels drop, the seizure threshold can lower rapidly. Our subscription program ensures automatic delivery before you run out, with a 15% discount on every order. You can adjust, pause, or cancel at any time.

What Pet Parents Are Saying

“Our German Shepherd was having 3-4 seizures a month on phenobarbital alone. Within six weeks of adding ABSC CBD oil, the seizures dropped to one or none a month. Our neurologist was genuinely surprised at the improvement. It has given us our dog back.”

— Verified ABSC Customer

“After our Border Collie’s seizures became resistant to Keppra, our vet suggested trying CBD. We were skeptical, but the research from CSU convinced us to try ABSC specifically. Three months in, her seizures went from weekly to maybe once every five or six weeks. We keep detailed logs, so we know it is not wishful thinking.”

— Verified ABSC Customer

“The peace of mind from knowing this is the actual brand used in clinical trials — not some knockoff claiming to be similar — means everything when you are dealing with something as serious as seizures.”

— Verified ABSC Customer

Moving Forward: Building a Seizure Management Plan

Managing seizures is a long-term commitment requiring patience, consistency, and a strong veterinary partnership. CBD is not a magic bullet — but based on published clinical evidence, it is a scientifically validated tool that can meaningfully reduce seizure frequency in the majority of dogs when used alongside conventional treatments.

A practical roadmap:

1. Get a proper diagnosis. Work with your veterinarian to determine the type and cause of your dog’s seizures. Consider a veterinary neurologist if seizures are poorly controlled.
2. Establish baseline seizure documentation. Track frequency, duration, severity, and potential triggers for at least 2–4 weeks before adding CBD, so you have objective data to compare against.
3. Discuss CBD with your veterinarian. Share the CSU clinical trial data if they are unfamiliar with it. A collaborative approach yields the best outcomes.
4. Start CBD at the appropriate dose using the dosing guidelines and seizure-specific table above. Use a USDA Organic, lab-tested product with published clinical evidence.
5. Monitor and adjust. Continue tracking seizures. Schedule follow-up bloodwork. Communicate regularly with your veterinarian about your dog’s response.
6. Be patient. Seizure management is a marathon, not a sprint. Allow 8–12 weeks to properly evaluate CBD’s effect.

Your dog depends on you to demand evidence, work with qualified professionals, and choose products backed by real science. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page, review our clinical research, or contact us directly.

Clinical References

1. McGrath S, Bartner LR, Rao S, Packer RA, Gustafson DL. 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. 2019;254(11):1301-1308. doi:10.2460/javma.254.11.1301
2. McGrath S, Bartner LR, Rao S, Kogan LR, Hellyer PW. A report of adverse effects associated with the administration of cannabidiol in healthy dogs. Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 2018;52:34-38.
3. Gaston TE, Friedman D. Pharmacology of cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior. 2017;70:313-318.
4. Gray RA, Whalley BJ. The proposed mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy. Epileptic Disorders. 2020;22(S1):S10-S15. doi:10.1684/epd.2020.1135
5. Vail DM, et al. Drug-drug interaction between cannabidiol and phenobarbital in healthy dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 2022;83(1). doi:10.2460/ajvr.21.08.0120
6. Garcia GA, et al. Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2022;9:939966. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.939966
7. Devinsky O, et al. Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376(21):2011-2020.
8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Use of cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol, in veterinary practice; Request for information. Federal Register. 2025;90(10):4641-4643.