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Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil and Phenobarbital? Let’s Find Out

Dog owners have a wide range of options to consider when controlling seizures in their dogs.

The antiepileptic drug Phenobarbital is one of veterinarians’ most commonly prescribed antibiotics today.

Phenobarbital has potentially devastating side effects for pets even though it is widely used.

Phenobarbital helps keep seizures at bay, but it also causes serious liver damage, significantly affecting our pets’ quality of life.

A full-spectrum hemp extract with CBD can be used as an alternative to treat epilepsy.

It is an effective way to control seizures in dogs without harming their health, unlike pharmaceuticals like Phenobarbital.

So in this article, we will go through some very important answers to the questions like How does Phenobarbital work in dogs?

And as an alternative Does CBD oil interact with Phenobarbital in dogs?

Effects of Phenobarbital on dogs: Can I give my dog CBD oil and Phenobarbital?

So let’s get started!

How does Phenobarbital work in dogs?

As an antidepressant, Phenobarbital reduces the activity of the neurons within the dog’s brain.

Furthermore, Phenobarbital stimulates the brain’s natural neurotransmitters, which block nerve impulses, by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA.

After taking Phenobarbital, the dog feels more calm and relaxed.

Veterinary physicians may prescribe Phenobarbital, commonly called Luminal or Barbita, to dogs with epilepsy to control seizures.

When taken, the drug decreases and stabilizes brain neuron activity.

Additionally, it produces nerve stimulation by decreasing the neurotransmitter glutamate.

It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any type of medication or treatment for seizures.

The dosage of Phenobarbital will be determined by your veterinarian based on the weight and severity of seizures your dog experiences. Also, the absorption rate is very important.

You mustn’t miss a dose of this medication, which needs to be administered every 12 hours.

The dog should not be given two doses at once; skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

Your veterinarian will probably recommend blood tests every two to six months to monitor your dog’s liver function.

Phenobarbital can be harmful to your dog’s liver over time.

Effects of Phenobarbital on dogs

When administered at the right dosage, Phenobarbital is generally safe for dogs.

Although there may be some short- and long-term side effects, some may be serious.

In general, short-term side effects subside within a few weeks, but if your dog takes the drug over a long time, your veterinarian should monitor them for long-term effects.

Short-term side effects of therapy for dogs include anxiety, agitation, lethargy, and sedation.

When liver enzyme levels are elevated on bloodwork, thirst, urination, and appetite may increase.

If the dose is too high, incoordination may result.

Does CBD oil interact with Phenobarbital in dogs?

My research eventually led me to a few medical journals that provided the information and research I was seeking.

CBD and Phenobarbital were both mentioned in The Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics.

CBD proved to be both effective and potent in the results.

Furthermore, CBD and Phenobarbital were found to increase potency when mixed substantially.

Using CBD in combination with existing anti-seizure medications like Phenobarbital reduced seizures in dogs in a small study at Colorado State University this year.

Can too much CBD cause seizures in dogs

CBD is most commonly used to treat seizures in humans, but there is limited research on CBD’s use in pets. Many conditions can cause seizures in dogs.

Certain research has suggested that CBD may specifically reduce seizure frequency in dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy.

This benefit, however, is only observed in dogs who are also given traditional anti-seizure medications at the same time.

The 2018 farm bill made hemp-derived CBD legal in the US.

CBD has gained fame due to its ability to treat rare forms of epilepsy that cannot be treated using conventional seizure medications like Phenobarbital.

Recent studies at Colorado State University have demonstrated that CBD reduces seizures in dogs.

Combining it with Phenobarbital, a medication used to control seizures helped decrease seizure frequency.

But not all dogs responded to CBD.

Usually, CBD oil can reverse seizures in dogs by simply reducing the dose. It has relatively few side effects.

Further research is needed to understand whether CBD oil can help dogs with seizures fully, and you should always consult your vet if your dog is experiencing seizures.

These conditions can be extremely dangerous.

For this reason, always seek your veterinarian’s consent before stopping or switching your dog’s medication.

Below are some CBD oil products that can be given to dogs:

Best CBD for Dogs

1. Petly CBD Hemp CBD Oil for Large Dogs

This large dog dropper is formulated with 500 mg of organic phytocannabinoid-rich hemp and works with large dogs up to 50 pounds.

There are 30 droppers in each bottle of 16.6mg per dropper.

A combination of broad-spectrum hemp extract and MCT coconut oil is included in this natural product to support your dog’s health.

2. Innovet CBD Oil for Dogs

Unlike THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD oil, when derived from Industrial cannabis, does not possess psychoactive properties.

Having researched the uses of CBD oil for dogs, many people have expressed concern about the safety of the oil.

The industry standard is less than 0.3% THC in these Industrial Hemp Plants.

Scientists have confirmed that CBD Cannabinoids interact positively with the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system to benefit the endocannabinoid system and its receptors.

For this reason, CBD Oil for Dogs maintains a positive balance in the body, enabling it to maintain a healthy state.