Natural Seizure Remedies in Dogs - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention (2024)

FAQs

Is there a natural treatment for seizures in dogs? ›

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.

Other Vitamins for Dogs With Seizures — Some pet owners have found vitamins such as B Complex and milk thistle (important to use if your pet is taking antiepileptic medication that can affect liver health) to be helpful as well.

Reducing stress and limiting changes to your dog's environment can help to prevent seizures, as stress is known to 'trigger' seizures. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, keeping an eye on their blood sugar and getting them checked regularly by your daytime vet will also come in handy.

Honey, maple syrup, or sugar water will help dogs only if they are having seizures due to low blood sugar levels.

Nearly 1-in-3 people with epilepsy use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. The most common herbs include: ginseng, St. John's wort, melatonin, gingko biloba, garlic and black cohosh.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency is a recognised cause of intractable seizures and most reported cases of this condition are in neonates (1,2). Very few adult cases of pyridoxine deficiency related seizures have been reported in the English literature (3–7).

PTZ-induced convulsive seizure was used as a model in this study. Effect of ginger for 3 seizure threshold endpoints (myoclonic, generalized clonic and tonic extension phase) was observed. Ginger exert anticonvulsant properties and increased seizure threshold for each endpoint in ginger treatment group.

Preliminary clinical research suggests that curcumin might inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2 and enhance CYP2A6. In summary, research on induced seizures in animals suggests that turmeric or its constituent, curcumin, might have antiseizure effects.

Can magnesium help with seizures in dogs? ›

A magnesium supplement for dogs shouldn't be necessary if your canine is healthy. However, a supplement can benefit dogs with certain severe or chronic health conditions, including diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. Malnourished dogs may also be given magnesium supplements to help with recovery.

Seizures can be caused by metabolic disorders like low blood sugar or low blood calcium, liver disease, liver shunts, kidney disease and others. These seizures are called reactive seizures. The brain is normal, and if the metabolic disorder can be corrected, the seizures go away.

The evidence is clear and growing: coconut oil benefits dog seizures and treats epilepsy. The key factor is the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in extremely high quantities in coconut oil.

Veterinary Cost

Typically, however, dogs will do well with simple diagnostics, simple drugs and simple monitoring that may run as low as $200 to $500 a year--more for larger dogs who require larger doses of medication.

What causes seizures? There are many causes of seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, and toxins.

A low glycemic index diet focuses on foods with a low glycemic index, meaning they affect blood glucose levels slowly, if at all. Although it's not understood why, low blood glucose levels control seizures in some people. Foods on this diet include meat, cheese, and most high-fiber vegetables.

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, you the best way to prevent having seizures is by following your doctor's advice and taking your medicines as prescribed. Don't skip doses, or stop taking your medicine without first checking with your doctor. Ask your doctor for advice on how to avoid triggers.

AEDs are the most commonly used treatment for epilepsy. They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain. They do not cure epilepsy, but can stop seizures happening.

The first step is usually prescription medication. However, some people may also benefit from alternative therapies such as acupuncture or biofeedback. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding triggers like lack of sleep and excessive alcohol consumption may also help prevent seizures.