Pet Seizures: Prescription Drugs Vs. CBD 

Deciding on what to give your pet for seizures can be a tricky one. Prescription drugs work great but what are the long term effects? Does CBD even work for pets? Or does your pet rarely ever have seizures that they might not need medication.

Prescription Drugs

There are a few different prescription drugs that are given to pets for seizures such as Phenobarbital, levetiracetam, and diazepam. They might all work great against the seizures but for how long, will they still have seizures, and with what

Dog Seizure Medication

side effects? The American Kennel Club says that these drugs can negatively affect the liver which is the worst side effect. Since liver damage/failure is such a high risk with these medications your pet will need to get their blood tested every 6 months.  It can also increase appetite, anxiety, anemia, and thirst. In my own experience with this medication, it does not stop the seizures completely. However, having 1 seizure every few months is better than having 6 in 24 hours like with one of my dogs. 

CBD

CBD Dog Treats

Using CBD for dogs seizures is a relatively new thing so there aren’t many known facts of long term effects from it. Some people have said that using CBD for their pets has helped the seizures more than other medications. Many people haven’t tried it simply because there isn’t enough testing and information about it. However, since CBD is natural and comes from a plant, it is healthier compared to other medications. CBD might be the better option if it works for your pet.

Before making a decision you should always talk to your vet first. The overall choice is yours, but they might have some helpful advice. As pet parents, these decisions can be tricky but we always do whatever we can for them to have a long, healthy, and happy life.

My dogs Zeus and Hades!

Sources

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-for-dog-seizures/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/phenobarbital-for-dogs-with-seizures/