As a pet parent, only a few things are scarier than watching your dog seize. Unfortunately, this scenario is not uncommon, with statistics showing that epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs. Certain breeds, such as Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens, Irish Wolfhounds, and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to develop epilepsy.

CBD has gained a lot of popularity as a potential adjunct treatment for dogs with epilepsy. Three placebo-controlled trials show promising results that CBD can reduce seizure frequency as an add-on to standard anti-seizure medication. However, more studies are needed before making any objective conclusions.

In this article, we review three studies supporting CBD oil for dogs with seizures. We will also discuss dosing and buying tips, while centering CBD as a promising treatment add-on.

Does CBD Help Dogs With Seizures? Three Clinical Trials

A CSU randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study including 26 client-owned dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy found that CBD supplementation of 2.5 mg/kg twice daily for 12 weeks, in addition to existing meds, produced a significant median 33% reduction in seizure frequency compared to the placebo group.

Plasma CBD concentrations correlated with seizure frequency reduction. "However, the proportion of dogs considered responders to treatment (≥ 50% decrease in seizure activity) was similar between groups."

The serum ALP levels rose in the CBD group of dogs. During the trial, the owners did not report other adverse behavioral effects.

Following the study, Colorado State University reported that "89% of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures."

In a University of Florida-led, 24-week randomized crossover study from 2022, 14 dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy were given CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract in amounts of 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. After 12 weeks of supplementation, mean seizure frequency decreased from 8.0 to 5.0.

Six of the 14 dogs achieved ≥50% seizure reduction, compared with the placebo group, in which none of the dogs improved.

Aside from a mild increase in alkaline phosphatase, the study found no significant routine bloodwork changes or side effects.

In 2023, a double-blinded, crossover, CSU follow-up study analyzed the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as an adjunct treatment for drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy. The study included 51 dogs who experienced a minimum of two seizures per month and were on at least one mainstream anti-seizure drug.

The dogs were divided into two groups: 12 dogs received 5 mg/kg/day, and 39 dogs received 9 mg/kg/day. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive CBD oil or a placebo for three months, then underwent a one-month washout period between oils.

The results showed that the 9 mg/kg/day CBD dose significantly reduced total seizure frequency and seizure days. Dogs receiving CBD had a 24.1% decrease in seizure days, while placebo dogs had a 5.8% increase.

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the dose matters when it comes to managing seizures with CBD, with higher doses being more effective.

As in the previous studies, the liver enzymes (ALP, to be more precise) rose at both 5 and 9 mg doses.

A 2025 systematic literature review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was published in the Preventive Veterinary Medicine journal. "All studies suggested a reduction in seizure frequency during CBD treatment, and all observed ataxia as an adverse effect of CBD treatment."

However, the trials were marked by "moderate to high risk of bias." As a result, "it is not possible to draw conclusions concerning the efficacy and potential adverse effects of CBD as a supplementary treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs."

The three RCTs also reported "increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in dogs treated with CBD."

Bottom line, CBD oil for dogs with seizures is an encouraging, add-on treatment. However, its effectiveness is highly dose-dependent, and the science backing its use is still unfinished.

What the Trials Agree On

In every trial, CBD oil for dogs with seizures was used as an add-on to meds and never on its own. Rather than being a standalone solution, CBD is most effective when combined with standard anti-seizure drugs.

It's also an agreed-upon conclusion that higher CBD doses are more effective when it comes to seizure management. Compared to other CBD uses, cannabinoids for seizures require more potent concentrations for optimal results.

However, in all trials, big-responder rates could not be separated from placebos. Also, in all analyzed trials, CBD supplementation increased liver enzymes.

The increase in liver enzymes makes monitoring non-negotiable. The need for monitoring is even more important during long-term CBD use and in dogs receiving other medications metabolized through the liver, as this puts extra pressure.

We also can't stress enough that CBD oil for dogs with seizures is not a magical cure. You need to have realistic expectations.

Adding CBD to the standard anti-epilepsy protocol does not mean zero seizure episodes. In the best-case scenario, you should expect fewer seizures.

CBD Dosage for Dogs With Seizures

The studied CBD dose for dogs with seizures is within the range of 2.5 mg per kg twice a day to 9 mg per kg per day. Obviously, this is much higher than the recommended wellness dosing, but studies have shown a dose-dependent efficacy, meaning higher doses of CBD are necessary for better seizure management.

Given the higher doses needed, it is critical to give the CBD product under veterinary supervision and with periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels.

When using CBD, the general rule of thumb is to practice a "start-low, go-slow" strategy. Start your dog on a lower dose and gradually increase the CBD amount. This helps your dog adjust to the supplement, reducing the risk of side effects.

Do not use any chart as a rulebook - CBD dosing for seizures is a vet decision, not a standard chart lookup.

Also, never increase the CBD dose without the vet's permission. CBD may interact with certain medications, which is why it is vital to consult the vet at all times.

Basically, if interested in CBD for your dog's seizures, start by talking to a veterinarian. If the vet approves, choose a COA-verified, high-strength CBD oil made exclusively for dogs (the Honest Paws Well CBD Oil meets these criteria).

Then you should start keeping a seizure diary. In the diary, you should note information such as duration and time of seizure, pre-seizure signs, seizure intensity, recovery phase, and potential triggers. Instead of a physical diary, you can use specialized mobile apps.

Finally, reassess the dog's seizure severity and response to treatment at 12 weeks. Based on the results, the vet will decide if the protocol is working or needs adjustments.

You should note that the FDA has not approved cannabis for any use in animals, and the agency cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of these products. This justifies the need for third-party testing guidance and reading the Certificate of Analysis. The COA will verify the product's CBD concentration and ensure proper dosing.

CBD With Phenobarbital, KBr & Other Seizure Meds

CBD should only be used in combination with first-line anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) - as an add-on rather than a replacement - that is the only studied protocol.

ASDs, such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide (KBr), and levetiracetam, remain the mainstay treatments for seizures. So, where does CBD oil fit in?

Well, according to the AKC Health Foundation, between 20% and 30% of dogs with epilepsy have a refractory or drug-resistant form (a type of epilepsy in which seizure control cannot be achieved despite the use of at least two ASDs).

Plus, all ASDs have drawbacks. For example, phenobarbital is associated with hepatotoxicity, potassium bromide has long titration periods (it takes too long to find the correct dose), and levetiracetam has a short half-life (requiring multiple daily doses).

When used as an adjunctive treatment for dogs with refractory epilepsy, CBD shows promising results. A 2025 Animals study showed that 61.5% of the dogs achieved a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency when CBD was used as an add-on to ASDs.

However, careful veterinary monitoring and guidance are still critical. The same study found that the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels significantly increased in dogs receiving CBD for seizure management. Many previous studies report the same finding.

Alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, is an enzyme produced by the liver. Monitoring the ALP levels in dogs taking CBD is imperative, especially if they are also taking other ASDs that are hepatically metabolized, such as phenobarbital.

To keep the ALP levels under control, the veterinarian will perform periodic biochemistry tests. The vet will also assess the dog for other CBD-related side effects, such as digestive upset and ataxia (loss of coordination).

In general, CBD adverse events are rare and transient (they tend to resolve once the dog gets used to CBD or the dose is adjusted). Elevated ALP is the only side effect that requires long-term monitoring.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Dog Seizures

Hemp oil does not contain cannabinoids to manage seizures, while CBD oil may reduce seizure frequency in dogs as it contains active cannabinoids with anti-epileptic properties.

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It is a nutritional oil, rich in omega fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health. Lacking active levels of cannabinoids, hemp oil has zero effect on seizures.

CBD oil is made by cold-pressing the entire cannabis plant (flowers, stalks, and leaves). It contains high levels of cannabidiol, which interacts with the dog's endocannabinoid system and may help with seizures.

All of the seizure trials reviewed in this article use CBD-rich extracts. Therefore, the terms hemp oil and CBD oil must not be used interchangeably, as the two are completely different.

To ensure you are buying CBD and not hemp oil, learn the label difference - always check the product's concentration (mg of CBD per ml of oil in the bottle) and read the COA (Certificate of Analysis).

How to Choose a CBD Oil for a Dog With Seizures

Choosing the right CBD for dogs is tough. Finding the best CBD oil for seizures is even more challenging, as the criteria are stricter, especially in terms of concentration (a verified amount of cannabidiol per ml of oil). This is because seizure management requires higher CBD doses than wellness support.

Here is a quick overview of what to look for when choosing a CBD oil for a dog with seizures.

	Batch COA with Actual CBD mg Verified Proof that an independent laboratory tests the product and has its CBD amount objectively verified.
	USDA Organic Made with organic, US-grown hemp when possible.
	Full-Spectrum Formulation A wide range of cannabinoids and entourage ingredients that boost effectiveness.
	High-Strength Concentration Dogs with seizures require higher doses, so a higher-strength product keeps dosing manageable.
	Made Exclusively for Dogs Human CBD can be sourced from marijuana and contain THC, which is toxic to pets.

Conclusion — A Partner in a Long Fight

CBD oil for dogs with seizures is a potentially effective add-on treatment. Its main role is to support a vet-crafted management strategy, rather than replace mainstream anti-seizure drugs.

However, CBD is still poorly understood, and the evidence supporting its use is limited. We need more studies and trials to learn its mechanisms and establish safe, long-term protocols.

If your dog has seizures, keep a diary and work closely with your trusted veterinarian. If dealing with cases of refractory epilepsy, you should request a neurologist referral.

As for CBD oil for dogs with seizures, it is a great partner in a long fight. Seizure control in dogs is a marathon, not a sprint.