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Canine idiopathic epilepsy, defined as recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause, is the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs.
Twenty to thirty percent of affected dogs continue to experience seizures despite treatment with currently available anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). In addition, side effects from these drugs, such as increased appetite, sedation, restlessness, or anxiety, often decrease the quality of life for affected dogs and their owners. For these reasons and more, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) launched its Epilepsy Research Initiative in January 2017 to focus efforts on this devastating condition and improve the understanding of and treatment for epilepsy in dogs.
Can food help dogs with seizures?
Some dogs are considered drug-resistant, so anti-epileptic drugs don’t achieve the desired level of seizure control. Fortunately, there is some evidence that dietary therapy may help manage the frequency and severity of seizures.
Several studies suggest that dietary management and supplementation can help support the effectiveness of anti-epileptic medications in dogs. For example:
When your dog starts having seizures, it can make you feel lost and helpless. There isn’t much you can do for your dog during an actual seizure, and it’s often terrifying to see them in such a state. Sometimes, even strong medications from a veterinarian can’t stop seizures from happening.
Although it may seem like an unusual source, coconut oil is being formally looked at in studies as a potential treatment for dogs with idiopathic seizures. In a controlled, randomized, double-blind study using 21 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, a diet that included coconut oil was found to significantly reduce the amount of seizures the dogs experienced.
The best CBD oil for dogs is a high quality formula free of impurities. If you plan to add this to your dogs diet, check the oil you are using carefully to make sure that it was made in the USA, and tested for quality. Although CBD oil is great for seizures, an oil that has a lot of impurities in it may not be as helpful.
These supplements are generally harmless to try on your pet, but if you’re serious about controlling seizures, coconut oil and CBD oil should be in his bowl every day. Both of these supplements have been conclusively linked to the reduction of seizures, and both of them can be used together without ill effects. Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, speak to your veterinarian about your planned changes. Most veterinarians will be supportive of your choices for a healthier pets, and may be able to give you suggestions in terms of dosage and tolerances for your particular pet.
Coconut can’t be used as the only fat source for your dog, due to the fact that it lacks essential omega 3 fatty acids, but it can be a useful supplement to help potentially reduce the number of seizures he has.
Dog Seizure Diet
Watching your pet suffer a seizure can make you feel helpless. We asked three veterinarians to weigh in on natural remedies that show promise.
Epilepsy and dog seizures can be frightening and frustrating illnesses for pet parents. If your dog has seizures, youâre not alone: canine seizures are common ailments seen in at least one percent of all dogs. But knowing canine seizures are common doesnât make the experience any less stressful for you and your pup. The good news is that there are many safe, natural, holistic treatment options that can prevent or reduce seizures in dogs. But first â what are seizures, and what causes them in dogs?
A seizure, also known as a convulsion or a fit, is a neurological condition. Seizures are a sudden involuntary physical response to excessive electrical activity in the brain. When a dog suffers from chronic or recurring seizures, itâs called canine epilepsy. One problem in treating epilepsy in dogs is that it is often difficult for veterinarians to determine the cause.
âThe causes for seizures are often unknown. Most dogs are diagnosed with canine epilepsy. However, many events can lower a dogâs seizure threshold,â says Dr. Angie Krause, a veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Vet. âFor some dogs, events like visitors, travel, storms, and loud noises can trigger stress. This can, in turn, cause seizures.â
There are three basic types of triggers that can alter a seizure threshold: extracranial (problems outside of the brain), intracranial (problems with the brain itself), and idiopathic (meaning unknown reason). Low blood sugar, allergic reactions, environmental toxins, certain medications, head trauma, meningitis, brain tumors, and liver disease can all cause seizures.
If your dog experiences a seizure and your vet suspects epilepsy, they will perform a complete evaluation, including a blood panel, to root out potential causes. If nothing is discovered after thoroughly evaluating your dog, a veterinarian will typically diagnose your dog with idiopathic epilepsy.Related article
What you need to know about seizures and dogs (and canine epilepsy) so youâre prepared and your pup is cared for.
When a diagnosis for epilepsy in dogs is made, traditional veterinarians will often prescribe anticonvulsant medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide for treatment of the symptoms. Unfortunately, there have been numerous reported side effects of phenobarbital treatment in dogs. Unpleasant side effects include negative personality changes like anxiety, agitation, nervousness, pacing, and whining, in addition to physical side effects like lethargy, incontinence, and vomiting.
The role of a holistic veterinarian is to provide options to treat dog seizures that can either complement (or, in some cases, replace) traditional treatment. Holistic veterinarians will look for natural alternative approaches to treating epilepsy in your dog with fewer side effects and can work alongside your regular veterinarian. Following is an overview of holistic approaches to treating epilepsy in your dog.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into specific points in the body, is often used to remedy canine epilepsy. Studies show that the positive benefits of acupuncture on canine epilepsy are likely a result of increasing inhibitory neurotransmitters. Donât worry: thereâs no pain when the needles are placed. In fact, most animals become relaxed during the process. Veterinarian Dr. Ronald Koh of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine recommends an acupuncture treatment every two to four weeks for five to eight sessions, followed by treatment every three to six months for maintenance.
While nutritionâs exact role in canine seizures is unknown, case studies show a correlation between food and epilepsy. Depending on your dogâs specific needs, a diet change could effectively lessen their convulsions. âThere are some prescription diets that are proven to reduce seizures by inducing ketosis,â says Dr. Krause. A ketogenic diet (high in fat, low in carbohydrates) is rich in medium-chain triacylglycerols. By using fats instead of carbohydrates for energy, this special diet can trigger the body to enter a state of ketosis, potentially reducing a dogâs seizure frequency.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also beneficial supplements for dogs suffering from seizures. Working with a veterinarian nutritionist, you can create specialized home-prepared meals that could eliminate the allergens that cause seizures. Talk with your veterinarian about the best options for your dogâs needs.
Dr. Jenny Taylor, founder of Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center, adds, âA variety of vitamins and nutritional supplements have been highly effective in decreasing seizures in dogs naturally. In my practice, we regularly recommend the following for our epileptic patients: DMG (n, n dimethyl-glycine); Choline; taurine; L-tryptophan; magnesium; melatonin; phosphatidylserine; and antioxidants such as vitamins C, A and B complex.â Always discuss nutraceuticals and dosages with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog.
In both capsule and tincture form, many natural over-the-counter Western herbs â including milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw â are used to treat seizures. Milk thistle is often recommended by holistic veterinarians to be used in conjunction with phenobarbital. Because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, this herb helps to treat liver problems which are a side effect of the medication. Valerian root, a mild sedative, and oat straw, a calming herb, can aid dogs suffering from seizures triggered by stress and anxiety. Always discuss herbs/supplements and dosages with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog.
âI highly recommend using CBD in conjunction with anticonvulsant medications,â says Dr. Angie. âFor some dogs who are beginning to experience seizures, CBD could possibly be enough to prevent future seizures. For dogs who are already using anticonvulsant medications, the addition of CBD may help lengthen the interval between seizures and lessen the severity.â According to a groundbreaking double-blinded study by Colorado State University, 89% of dogs who received CBD in a clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures. But Dr. Angie cautions, âItâs important to never stop anticonvulsant medications without talking to your veterinarian.âRelated article
Another option for natural seizure prevention is Rescue Remedy Pet. These drops combine the flower essence of Rock Rose, Clematis, Impatiens, Cherry Plum and Star of Bethlehem for an overall calming effect.