The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Posted by Michelle (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 04/29/2007 ★★★★★
dip the tip of your finger in honey given orally will bring any person, as well as dogs and cats, out of a diabetic and an epileptic seizure immediately.
Posted by Deb (Sherman Oaks, CA) on 04/10/2007 ★★★★★
A Homeopath I know feels that sometimes copper can cause seizures in animals. She said to try to find foods without copper (you have to look hard) and giving Homepathis Cuprum Met 3x for awhile has worked for many of the cases she has treated. I don't know if this is true I'm just passing it along. If you've tried everything else with no success this might be worth a try.
I definitely believe that the booster shots cause seizures in dogs. I had a Samoyed who received a rabies shot. She had gotten loose and was picked up by the dog warden. When I went to pick her up, they asked me if she had had her rabies vaccination. I said it had just expired about a month prior. They would not let me get her out unless she got her rabies shot, so I said ok. I had not gotten them their shots, because I had heard of the controversy of vaccinations and so I had held off so that I could do some research. But instead I had to let them administer it to her in order to get her out of the dog pound. About 2-3 weeks later she had her first seizure. I was scared to death because I had never seen anything like it. I started trying to figure out what could have caused it, and thinking over the recent events to try and come up with a reason for her to have had a seizure. The only thing I could figure is that she had just had the rabies shot. Since I am in the medical field, I went into work and looked up the rabies vaccination in the Physicians Desk Reference. Low and behold, right there in the "side effects" it states that it CAN CAUSE SEIZURES. After doing some research on the internet, I found other cases where dogs had had rabies shots and had started having seizures as well. Now, I know that in the US, dog owners are required by law to have rabies shots every year or two. So for those of you who don't know this, you can have what is called a "titer" drawn. It is a blood test to determine if your pet is still immune or not. If they are, they do not need the shot and you can use that for proof, if you ever have the authorities question you. When an animal is already immune to rabies, and they are given another shot, it overloads their nervous system, and that is what causes the seizures. I unfortunately had to learn this the hard way. My Samoyed has been dead now for 3 years. I still cry to this day over her. She was like one of my children and she should still be alive today. So I hope this helps others to prevent this from happening to their dearly loved pets.
Maybe next time try telling them the dog is up to date on shots, if they need proof, I tell them I give the dogs shots my self, I buy the needles and serum at Agway feed an grain store it's subcutaneous, which is just under the first layer of skin on the back of neck, any one can give them. but I don't really give any of my dogs any more shots, all my other pets died at the hands of vets.. Good luck
Posted by Evelina (Livonia, MI) on 05/11/2006 ★★★★★
I have an 11 year old dog that we found when she was about five months old. She started seizuring around the age of two. About once a week, occasionally more often. We installed an R.O. water filter system for ourselves and realized within a couple of months that our dog had stopped her seizures. The only difference was the water! She now seizures only about six times a year.
We did notice that she started seizuring after eating "bacon strip" dog treats, and other treats with food colorings, etc. We went back to plain dog biscuits and she's fine. She must be chemically sensitive. I shared this info with her vet who said she would pass this info along.
Added the charcoal already but will add garlic tonight. I grow my own so fortunately I have a bunch. Thank you for the info it is greatly appreciated. She is home and doing very well. Laying outside watching over her feathered friends. Definitely a bit more tired but she was pretty drugged up when we got her home last night. It also crossed my mind that she had her shots Sunday so the compost compiled with a weakened immune system probably put her over the edge.
So sorry to hear about your dog. Perhaps you can try giving your dog only filtered spring water, not tap water or even filtered tap water. This helped our dog when he had a seizure a few years ago. Right after he had the seizure, I researched remedies on Earth Clinic and found a few posts about tap water contaminants as a possible cause of seizures. Since he hadn't been vaccinated recently and I hadn't changed his food, it seemed possible that tap water was the culprit. I immediately went out and bought him bottled water and he's never had another seizure. He only drinks spring water. Please let us know!
Hi Deirdre I didn't get a notification that someone responded to my question. Just so happens I just went on and looked. I do give her filtered water.
I think my dog has severe anxiety since my other dog passed away. She is lost without her playmate. I bought this product called crystal star relax caps known to to help dogs with seizures she has been on them a week. I am probably going to take her to a holistic vet. Thanks
Posted by Phyllis (Tuscumbia, Alabama) on 12/28/2014 ★☆☆☆☆
WARNING!
Hello,
I have two Boston Terriers, George and his daughter Tina. It seems their seizures center around the new moon. Not every month by any means, but if it's going to happen they will both have a seizure on the new moon.
A few months ago Tina had at least one seizure three weeks straight. While I waited for a day off to take her to the vet I came on site here and was encouraged to find good suggestions on alternatives to phenobarbitol. I know it causes liver damage and I wasn't willing to go that route. As an herbalist the last thing I want to do to my dogs is give them drugs that don't always work and cause damage. So I talked to the vet and he assured me that Potassium Bromide is a safe alternative. I had already been using Bach's rescue Remedy with pretty good effect, but dosing is kind of tricky, too little isn't effective and too much becomes more stimulate than sedative.
Well, we put them both on Potassium Bromide and at first everything seemed fine. Then Tina started developing symptoms of Ataxia, at first I thought it was just too strong a dose so I started giving her a smaller dose. Every day it got worse, she was becoming more and more crippled in her back legs. it scared me enough to put her back on the RR. Sure enough she started improving right away. In about two weeks she was walking normally and being able to jump on the furniture again. The next new moon she had two seizures in two days and that scared me into going back to the PB. Eight days later she was blind in her left eye and quickly losing sight in her right eye. She's been back on the RR for about a month now and her vision has almost completely recovered.
I won't say absolutely do not use Potassium Bromide. My George hasn't had any problems. Except that, and I can't be completely sure missing a dose will cause them to be able to seize. Christmas Eve Tina seized before breakfast, and I was still upset when I fed them and forgot to give George his meds and he seized that afternoon.
So if you do plan to use PB watch your pet closely. Keep a constant check on hearing and eyesight and if you notice they have become clumsy when they usually aren't watch closely to make sure it doesn't continue to worsen. I wouldn't want anyone to have the tragedy I came so close to with my little girl.
Posted by Caryn (Schaumburg, Illinois) on 11/05/2015
WOW! A three week long seizure?! You mean seizures three weeks in a row, I'm sure. So sorry to hear your little ones are dealing with this. My precious Maltese, TuffPuppy's grand mals were caused by antibiotics that here body was incapable of tolerating. The introduction of phenobarbital is what actually did her in this last July 30,2015. She, OF COURSE, couldn't process that with a very compromised liver and kidney function. I still recall arguing and arguing with a VERY cold, unsympathetic and just plain unknowing vet (traditional vets are NOT taught other means than introduction of these very destructive drugs). TuffPuppy staggered around all the time and, well, I cannot even talk about it. When the "head pressing" started I knew the drugs had caused irreversible brain damage and there was no hope. I would give anything to go back a year in time and have the knowledge I've gained. My new Maltese is being raised holistically and her Vet (NO dog of mine will ever go to the vet that Tuffers went to) is a traditional Vet but with a very open mind to alternative treatment and he agreed to research and try non traditional approaches outside of extreme emergencies. YIPEE! I have to suggest to you two alternatives to potassium bromide and phenobarbital, both of which WILL ultimately cause organs to fail. One is COMMONLY used in Europe and it is a calcium supplement ampule and it does NOT cause the terrible side effects of PB or phenobarb. Magnesium is very effective as well. On the traditional end of things you have the option of Neurontin (generic name is gabapentin). One thing that, IMO, should be introduced in ALL cases involving powerful drugs is milk thistle, which helps to aid the liver in protecting this most vital organ from breakdown due to the toxicity of all drugs. I would always advise that your Vet agree to allow and work with a Vet trained holistically to enhance the prognosis o best outcome possible. Good luck to you and thank you for being so proactive as to look at websites such as this for your baby's welfare!
UPDATE: Doctors Greg Copas and Sarah Brandon, the vets who started Canna-Pet are now at www.cannaforpets.com Their new product name is Canna Companion. Diesel is now off of Keppra.
Hello, did you have any luck using the canna-pet hemp?
I have been giving my 91lb Rottweiler Charlotte's web cbd hemp extract oil for 3 weeks 25 to 30 drops every 4 to 5hrs. She gets 1 grandmal seizure ever 7 to 10 days. She also had bacteria in her urine. I have to test her urine again to see infection is gone. She had a seizure today.
My golden retriever Bruin has been experiencing grand-mal seizures for the last 3 years.. hes on Keppra 1500 mgs and Pheno 64.5 mgs x3 (twice every day) and he STILL has a bad episode of 5 or more seizures once a month. I researched CBD oil and I want to see if that would work for him. Anyone have any suggestions on the best brand to use? Are the canna supplements just as reliable?
Posted by Jacqueline (County Antrim) on 04/22/2016 ★★★★☆
My black lab George is also epileptic, he is 5 yrs old.I give him taurine supplements, vitamin c in ester c powder and 1 tablespoon of hemp oil per day. His seizures have reduced and his general condition is much improved. He is prescribed Pexion 400 mg 3 per day divided into two doses one morning and one evening.
The supplements I use are the best reviewed I have found in the UK and also affordable.
hi- I also have a 2.5 yr old female Rottweiler. Mid September she was treated for a mild UTI as she goes swimming in our lake ALOT! No biggie- she was on 10 days of antibiotics and two days after finishing she had her first ever gran mal seizure- it was a big and bad one. She was started on Keppra, and now her seizures are getting worse and worse- example: she has had 4 in 24 hrs. I have not excepted that fact the vet says she has epilepsy bc I feel as tho something is not adding up with UTI. She was also on trifexis which I have now stopped as of 9/15/16 but her seizures are worsening. I have ordered some CBD oil.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
I agree something is not adding up. What are you feeding your dog? Corn/grain based diets that have sweeteners and red food dyes have both been linked to UTIs and seizures in dogs.
Love hearing these stories. They were worried about the seizures our 4 year old baby was having so they had to start him on phenobarbital but I am giving him a hemp treat at night. Thinking about doing the CBS oil in the mornings too. Not sure what will be too much. He is 17 lbs.
Our male Corgi, from age 4, started having seizures regularly after accidently given two doses of Heartguard on the same day (am & pm). Found out later that Collies are very sensitive to Heartguard. Our Pemb Welsh Corgi was a white and tan. This mixture came about by inc the Collie breed. My vet never said a word about this. Later we ended up having to put our Corgi on Phen Barb and potassium bromide. After starting him on this nasty combo--his seizures all but stopped, but then he came down with Degenerative Myopathy (we tried everything in the book before PB and PB).
Hi, I just read your post, b/c I am concerned about my Jack russell/corgi cross boy, @ 11 yrs old. He has just started showing signs of degenerative myeopathy in past few mos, and now starting w/seizures (opposite, perhaps, of your pup?)
I just brought my boy to the vets, for bloodwork but am looking into getting cannibis oil to prevent seizures. Any thoughts out there?!
hi my 4 year old jack Russel just started having seizures she had 4 seizures in this Month, I heard about CBD oil just wondering which one and where to buy and how to use, really appreciate if someone could help.
Hi Claire, Glad to hear about your positive results with your Jack Russel. Which brand do you use because I am need of help for my husky? Thank you so much.
My overweight 6 year old min pin has seizures the vet put him on phenobarbital and that worries me because this breed is suceptible to liver and kidney disease! And it makes him lethargic. I have been told to put him on cbd oil, so I am gonna try it if possible. Or are there other options?
hi what type of CBD oil? As my chihuhua has been epileptic for 3 years the results of phenobarbital have made her very bloated and lethargic. I am at my wits end mentally and financially. Any recommendation regarding CBD oil such as type name dose would be appreciated.
Hi Lia Omg.. Same thing is happening to my dog. My one dog passed away and 2 months later my female Rottweiler started having seizures. Her 1st seizure started in May it was happening once a month. Now they are every 10 or 13 days. I think The rabbies vaccine increased it my stupid vet did more harm. She is being fed frozen raw meat patties since July they were other complications that occured that I think is to why they are happening more. I live in NJ I want to try to give her cannabis oil but not sure if it's legal for pets.I need to find out any luck with getting another dog to help stop your dogs seizures?
Obviously the human food is too high in salt, so for certain dogs its a no no (like mine). Too much salt can cause seizures in dogs, for some reason its never talked about. Watch treats and cheap dog food for salt amounts.
That is very encouraging!! I have a 6 year old St. Bernard. I have her on pheno and potassium chloride. Were you able to get your dog off the pheno? I heard once they start on it, you can't take them off. I am going to switch her diet to Natural Balance. I have had her on Purina for large breeds.
I have a 6lb. 3 year old Shih Tzu Molly she is a tiny girl. Molly seizures 1-3 times a day, they started after her rabies shot and Trifexis. I wanted to hear if your changes that you made helped long term. We have been through all the prescription meds with no results, just looking for a little hope.
Hi, I've been reading all of the comments on people who have dogs with epilepsy.
We have a beautiful Yorky cross Jack Russell who started having fits. We are fairly sure that it can coincide with when he goes through certain fields where crops are grown and the farmers have put fertilisers on the soil. The vet said it may be an allergy type reaction. But on asking other pet owners in the area they have also said their dogs have had fits using the same fields. I am going to try a natural remedy as the vets don't seem to have any answers.
I just wondered whether anyone else had experienced this with their dog and if there were any proven links with fertilisers and epilepsy? We are going to keep our little dog out of the fields for the summer now. Thanks, Sam
I have been feeding my dog Tuckers frozen raw patties pork/lamb with pumpkin and pork/bison/pumpkin since July she is having more seizures instead of 1x a month now its every 10days. So raw is not working I refuse to put her on meds. Her seizures started after my other dog passed away.Is your dog still seizure free?
I have found the same thing with my little dog when he starts to have a seizure. If I can get a teaspoon of honey into him (or peanut butter) I can stop the seizure from coming on. I also put an ice pack on his belly and move it to his shoulders as well to cool his belly. If he is outside and beginning to seizure, he will take himself into the dog wading pool to cool as well.
Can you tell me what Chinese herbs they put her on? I have a 12 year old Maltese chihuahua with heart murmur CHF. She is on Chinese herbs heart qui and tea pills but now if she gets to excited and runs we are assuming she has a seizure. She will stop, lay on her stomach then stiffen up and fall over. This last about 1 minute. 5 minutes later she is back up and normal. I feed her human grade food I buy from www.evermore.com that is supposed to be grass fed and organic. She also get treats that are organic chicken, honey and sea salt. The seizures just started maybe a month ago after she was running outside. Now anytime she runs it happens. Help
Wow. No way. My baby King has had 7 seizures in one morn. My vet gave him the same 3 weeks ago. He had 5 seizures yesterday morn. I never wanted to give him this med in the first place..i just wanted to fix him. But along with cbd oil this is pretty cool and will try:). Thank you
Posted by Glenn (Portland, Or) on 05/02/2011 ★★★★☆
I am using something I got online called pet alive eazesure, and am having very few seizures. I was using natural Doc Ackerman's epilepsy and seizure formula and also drops from petessences.com. And had no seizures, I was just trying the different brands but I am going back on the doc ackerman's because I don't think we had any other than the first week we started it. I have a pom-poo with other health issues so the vet didnt' want to give her meds unless really necessary. I would try either or both, they are herbal.
When she has a seizure we use rescue remedy spray and put a cold wet towel on her back and neck area, both things really help, you can rub the rescue remedy in their ears if you can't get it in their mouths.
Posted by Kay (Jacksonville, Fla, Usa) on 02/25/2011
Joanne,
My dog, a GS about 85 lbs, has been having extreme nervous episodes where she shakes, etc. I have found that Rescue Remedy calms her down immediately. It can be found in local health food stores. Hope this helps
I have been reading a lot about the ocular compression. My concern is that, is it safe? I'm always told to stay back from my dog until she is done and is confident enough in who I am for her to apprach me. In the fit of the seizure, are they aware if you get close to them? This is a new thing for us and are 1 1/2 year old collie mix. I'm concerned that because her mouth is open and her teeth are showing that she may bite because she is so confused and hurting? Any help and suggestions to this would be greatly appreciated. It's so hopeless of a feeling and would like to do what I can to help the process be a bit more gentle on her. Thank you- S
Hi Shelly from Houston.... I have a 6.5 yr old Jack Russell and she started having seizures when she was 5... She isn't on meds as the vet said to monitor them as she had them few of them, but recently she has been having them quite often... I have been thinking it is because of her food... so I am curious to know exactly what you do feed your dog? Not sure if I would give her uncooked chicken as I would worry she would get salmonella...
I have been feeding my dog raw food for quite a few years. I'm still having a hard time getting over the bone issue. I've given bones but never chicken legs. Could you give me some advice on the bones and what bones you feed?
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
RAW feeder friends of mine feed it all - neck bones, skulls, you name it. You might consider getting a meat grinder and grinding up the chicken leg bones. Most dogs that are weaned onto raw learn how to eat all the bones properly - but for those that are new to it the grinder works like a charm.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
A meat grinder will easily grind poultry bones and pork rib bones are fairly soft as well. I feed beef and pork neck bones when I can get them, but mainly I feed beef rib bones [Texas rib is the name of the cut] - I feed bones for the exercise and to keep the teeth clean. Avoid the huge knuckle bones, cooked pet store bones, soup marrow bones, leg bones/weight bearing bones.
Hi, I have a chihuahua mixed with jack Russell he's only 18monts old and he has seizures at least once a week. He's on meds but it seems like it's not working. Can you please help me on what I can do to ease them. It's hurts me so much to him go through this.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
It is very hard to give advice on this topic without a veterinary work up to rule out medical conditions. Things like hyperglycemia and pancreatic tumors can bring on seizures, as well as epilepsy, and they may or may not require medication. The best advice I can give is to read up - google 'canine seizures' and start reading the articles. Please learn which seizures are emergencies so you know if/when you need to go to the doggie emergency room.
That said, one of the easiest things you can do to stack the deck against causing seizures in your dog is to feed him top quality groceries. Certain red food dyes have been linked to seizures in dogs; chances are if you feed a supermarket brand dog food, or any brand sold in a grocery store it is a less than recommended diet. I had a friend who fed her small breed dog the Beneful dog food and he had seizures; when she changed diets to a 4 star diet [rated on dogfood advisor.com] the seizures stopped. What you feed your dog matters a LOT. Also be wary of any diet that contains the herb rosemary, as while typically a good herb with antimicrobial properties, in some dogs will cause seizures.
Posted by Suseeq (Sydney, Australia) on 07/05/2016
Give your dog a raw diet. Have heard plenty of people change to all raw with good results and also give zinc. I had a dog with the same problem. I I gave her half tablet zinc she was a cross kelpie border collie. But you will have to go less than that - just once per day.
Hi what fish oil do u use and how much do u give them? My mom's dog has this. So please can u tell me what fish oil and how much to give him? Thank u, Dean
Interested in finding out about the Norwegian Fish Oil....my dog has had idiopathic seizures for three years now...tried phenobarbitol and now using levetiracetam, monoamine and potassium bromide...seems like once her body gets used to the drugs the seizures start more frequently so just started her on Amanda Hemp Oil 600 today. Also someone said Honey?
I had problems with my Beagle having seizures; didn't want to put him on drugs so I read everything I could find and found if not neurological, seizures are often caused by preservatives used in commercial dog foods. I searched and tried many kinds. My Beagle responded immediately to Paul Newman's Organic dog food (yellow bag with red banner on front). This started when he was 3 and bless his baby heart he lived to be 18! I just lost him 11-3-17.
My dog, Ronin began having seizure at 8mo. old in December 2012. He was started on Phenobarb and until July his seizures were about once a month. In July he began going 4-14 days between seizures, and the frequency continued to increase. He had his first cluster seizure in October, and was loaded with PBr. He continued to have seizures ever 4-7 days. He recently began Keppra, and will be decreasing and discontinuing his PBr in the coming weeks. He went two weeks without a seizure, but had a post/pre ictal behavior episode after a week on Keppra, but no actual seizure. We currently feed him Grain-free Earthborn, and he is completely grain free, however we haven't confirmed it's grain related (he got into some friends grain dog food the day he had his seizure after started Keppra, but we're not sure if it was a coincidence yet). We continue to research, and have seen a few people say Rosemary may be their trigger... which our Earthborn dog food does have (and it seems most grain-free foods have! ). I have seen recent posts for nature's Balance and such... I was wondering what opinions were on dog foods for epi-pups?
I read the suggestion for magnesium for seizures for pet. I have a yellow lab who has a seizure about every other week and was going to try it. I needed to know kind of magnesium - there is chelate, chloride, citrate, glycinate, malate, oxide etc. etc. Most are for at least 500mg so i wanted to make sure i got the right one.
Posted by Jason (Waukesha, WI) on 02/05/2009 ★★★★★
I tried the suggestion from someone on the site to try diamond brand dog food from Tractor Supply. My 6 year old yellow lab Duckota has been seizure free for 7 mos. now. Thank you and the people on this site for putting this information on you web site. I would suggest this remedy before meds. Any one who wants to try this remember to slowly introduce the new food don't just switch up all at once it can upset your animal. Thanks again.
I have tried the raw food diet and the magnesium with my 2 year old Border Collie "Sadie" to no avail. She went from having 2-3 seizures a day to clustering where she had to be taken to the vet to be issued high doses of phenobarbital to get her out of them. Even with this she would have petite seizures for 2 days afterwards and be a haze for another week. She has grand mal seizure episodes 1-2 times a month. She has been prescribed phenobarbital and potassium bromide twice a day and she still was having seizures. My vet pretty much told me Sadie would eventually have cluster seizures she can't come out of and would probably die from brain damage or would have to be put down.
I found a website on line http://www.gentlecarepet.com I wrote into the lady at the website and her name is Pearl - she recommended several products that detox and calm her nerves. In two months she had one seizure and the seizure formula took her right out of it. If you are struggling with a pet that has seizures or any other problems please check this web site out. It is all natural and it really works - please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss anything. Pearl contacts every person and will recommend what you need for your unique situation.
Posted by Valerie (St Petersburg, Fl) on 08/29/2011
I have read about your success with this holistic medicine for your dog. My dog had started his seizures in 2007 when he was 4 and one half years old. We put him on kbr and he was seizure free for almost 3 years. He is a wolf hybrid and weighs about 80 lbs. Then last Aug, the seizures came back with a vengeance. I have been dealing with Dr. Dodds in CA and sending his bloodwork to her. He is hypothyroid and is on soloxine, was on zonisamide, but Dr. Dodds does not like this drug, so he is on keppra now. He went 6 weeks without a seizure, then we doubled his dose and he went 9 weeks. Then had one 5 weeks ago, now yesterday at 10AM, 6 hours after his medicine was given and again at 4AM today, right after his meds were given.
He will be 9 on Thanksgiving. He is our special boy and we dont want to lose him. I belong to the guardian angel website and they have helped a lot with support. Can you help me?
I have no money or a car. My Springer is on penobarb. Vets are greedy and only care about making money. No money no service. Vets will let your dog die before they even take a partial payment. I know treatments cost money. But the vet couldn't even wait for his money. So I pray and read websites like this one. I found that penobarb will slowly destroy your dog with side effects. Commercial dog food is expensive, poison and causes weight gain.
You need natural raw or cooked dog food high in vitamins protein and nutrition. Try TAURINE.
I wish I knew more to help your dog and my dog. I still do not have all the answers. Its the worst thing I ever felt to see my dog have a seizure and can do absolutely nothing to help.
Hello. I have seen ur post on natural remedies for your epileptic dog. I know u posted this back in 2008 but I currently have a chihuahua who is suffering from terrible cluster seizures and I am terrified she will die from it soon. I would prefer to stag away from conventional medication. Any information u can provide me would be amazing. Thank u
Hello, please see the posts on the Earth Clinic pet epilepsy page about how people changed their dogs' water source from tap water to filtered water and the dogs had no more seizures.
Posted by Lara (Springfield, MO) on 10/22/2008 ★★★★☆
Dog Epilepsy
I found out from my vet that any kind of pork product can induce seizures, even in dogs that aren't epileptic. I stopped giving my dog ham bones (he used to get a lot) and pork and he has not had near as many seizures. Also, I only give him spring water because tap water has chlorine, which is another seizure trigger.
Another trigger that some people may not think of is exposure to fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Even if you do not use these products in your own yard, your neighbors could be spraying them.
As far as the vaccination issue goes, my dog also had his first seizure about one week after his rabies booster.
Posted by Veronica (San Antonio, Texas) on 06/08/2008
Specifically, BHA, short for Butylated Hydroxyanisole, and BHT, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, are both artificial preservatives added to oils to slow down deterioration. BHA and BHT (as well as ethoxyquin) are used in numerous pet food brands, including both "premium-grade" brands like Science Diet (even their prescription diet product line) and lower-grade brands like Alpo and Pedigree, to replace vitamin E, which is removed during oil processing. Studies have shown that BHA and BHT promote liver disease and other medical problems.
My beagle started seizures in summer of 2007. He was a stray, so I do not know his background. We had a titer done for rabies and he tested negative, so he got ONE rabies shot and that's all he will have. No other booster shots, so that could not have been the trigger for his seizures. Seizures started two years after we brought him home. I cook my own dogfood (brown rice, greens, chicken). Sometimes they get raw, so I don't think food is the trigger. We had an expensive medical blood test done and no underlying medical issue to trigger seizures. His seizures were not severe enough to put him on Phenobarbitol and I would not have wanted it anyway. He had a seizure about once a month. His first two seizures were severe enough. He would fall over the day after. I searched alternative remedies and found Native Remedies Co on the internet. I give him EaseSure. He had two mild seizures after I started him on that and in September his seizures stopped. He had NO seizures for 9 months and he had a mild one again last week. Only a few seconds and shook it righ off. Went to play right after! Ingredients in EaseSure is Passionflower, Skullcap, Hyoscyamus (30C), Belladonna (30C), Cuprum metallicum. He gets 8 drops in the morning and evening. I am happy using the product. Also, when he goes into seizure I give him Rescue Remedy. I also have him on enzymes, vitamins and minerals.
Taurine an amino acid has proven to help some dogs. Capsule form is best as tablets contain fillers. The dose is 500mg per 25lb once or twice daily. Taurine is a long lasting anti-convulsant and I believe is considered very safe. Magnesium Taurinate supplies both Taurine and Magnesium but I'm not sure of quantity.
Another, very important factor is vaccine damage. Vaccines can cause encephalytis (sorry if not spelt correctly) swelling of the brain, this can lead to seizures. If it were my dog I would give no more vaccines, flea or tick treatments. They can all affect the brain.
Posted by Linda (Littleton, NC) on 11/16/2007 ★★★★★
My Dalmatian, soon to be 16, started having violent, lengthy seizures, generally but not always while sleeping, as well as chronic head and facial tics. A friend suggested using a dog food with a lower or no corn. Another, familiar with human epilepsy, suggested magnesium. The magnesium may have helped a little, but did not stop either symptom and I discontinued its use. I have been feeding exclusively Purina One, with the addition of a small amount of fish - salmon, tuna or halibut - and a small amount of olive oil daily for about six' months and the violent seizures seem to have stopped. Occasionally she gets a taste of meat or vegetables. In the last month, I have noticed the head and facial tics gradually diminish and disappear. Thanks for your website. It's a relief to know that others have seen similar conditions and come up with a variety of solutions.
You must be logged in to this post! Please sign in:
Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy
