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We have a dog that has idiopathic epilepsy and has been on Zanicimide for years. Dr. Jennifer Rammelmeier here in our area recently also recommended homeopathics as an alternative which we are planning on exploring, especially as our Zorra ages.

The article below from Natural Awakenings Magazine details some of these alternative therapies for use in treating seizures.

Preventing Seizures – Natural Dog Remedies Can Out-Do Drugs.

Canine Seizure | Treatments and Remedies for Dog Seizures and Hot Spots

How to Keep  Safe During A Dog Seizure

Each and every kind of dog can experience attacks. Like other human conditions, epilepsy has different stages that can predict the occurrence of the seizure. There are a lot of possible things that can happen during canine seizures and it is always important to take note of some precautionary measures whenever your dog is experiencing a seizure. If it is your first time to find out that your dog has epilepsy, then it is highly suggested that you take a short read on epilepsy in dogs and get some advice from your veterinarian. You can also join some organizations that cater to owners or pet lovers who would like to learn more about epilepsy in dogs.

As aforementioned, there are a lot of safety measures to be taken whenever a pet is experiencing an attack. If you are not aware, loud and sharp noises can worsen or increase the duration of  dog  seizures. It is always important to keep your animal as quiet and as calm as you can.

You should also make your surroundings peaceful and quite to avoid distractions. If you have other dogs at home, it is very possible that they will interrupt or attack the dog that is experiencing the seizure. It is important that you take away other dogs from the scene to avoid this kind of disturbance.  Pet health problems usually last for about 10 minutes or more if it is extremely severe but around 1-3 minutes if mild. If you would like to keep your dog safe, staying with it during the seizure will ease your worries. Apart from that, the dog itself will feel safer if there is a sight of its owner or master. Also, never forget to take note of the duration of the seizure whenever it occurs. It will help the veterinarian diagnose the condition and will also help in deciding on what treatment measures to take.

Treating the problems is not an overnight thing. There are a lot of steps to consider before being able to fully prevent dogs from having seizures. There are a lot of medications for epilepsy in dogs that are already sold in the market. However, keeping your animal safe during a seizure should always be an important thing to remember. Through this, you are also helping your pet  to cope up with the situation when a dogs attack or seizure is occurring.  Here’s to great pet health!

Seizures In Dogs: The 5 Most Important Natural Remedies

If your dog has epilepsy, then you really should be looking at some of the alternative remedies for treating seizures. Conventional treatment typically consists of 2 veterinary drugs, Phenobarbital and Potassium bromide, which both have numerous side effects. This article will cover the types of seizures in dogs, causes, and the most important natural remedies.

A seizure is defined as abnormal muscle activity, as a result of uncontrolled messages from the brain. There is a sudden, brief change in how your dog’s brain is working. When the brain cells are not working properly, your dog has the physical changes called a seizure.

Dog seizures are classified as either grand mal seizures, or localized. Grand mal seizures affect your dog’s entire body. Generally the legs are extended and paddling and the head is rigid and extended. They may go through cycles of being stiff then relaxed. Some dogs may lose bowel/bladder control, and if the seizure occurs at night, this is all you may see in the morning. Localized seizures affect only certain areas of your dog’s body. Typically you may see their head shake or their jaw chatter.

In the majority of cases the cause of the seizure is unknown, and it is then called epilepsy. Some of the other possible causes include: cancer (i.e. brain tumor), infections, brain trauma, poisoning, low blood sugar, hypothyroidism. Your veterinarian can discuss a variety of diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, CT scan, MRI, Spinal fluid tap.

The age at which the seizure starts will give you a fairly good idea as to the underlying cause. For pets less than 1 year old, most are caused by brain infections (i.e. meningitis); some dogs though will develop epilepsy as puppies. For pets between the ages of 1-5, the most common diagnosis and seizure cause is epilepsy. If your pet has his first seizure over the age of 5, the most common cause is a brain tumor.

There are reports that show a link between diet and seizures in dogs. One human study showed a marked reduction in seizure activity with patients on the Atkins diet. Every seizuring pet should at least try a commercial hypoallergenic diet for 12 weeks. Most alternative practitioners are strongly advising a holistic diet, naturally preserved, free of grains, and primarily animal protein.

There is one acupressure point that can be particularly helpful. GV26 is the most important one, as it can help stop a seizure. It is where the nose meets the upper lip (immediately below the nostrils). This is a key one for CPR, as it can trigger your pet to breathe, and for seizures. Hold the point for 1 minute during a seizure.

Essential Fatty Acids may potentially decrease brain inflammation. Here you want to have high doses and therapeutic levels of the the EFA’s; the dose being 1000mg per 10lbs of body weight daily. That equates to 1 tablespoon of flax oil per 50lbs daily.

There are 2 homeopathic remedies that have been reported to be helpful by some holistic practitioners. Belladona can be given twice daily in addition to the conventional medication; the dose being one 30C tab per 30lbs twice daily. Aconite is useful for sudden conditions ( such as during a seizure), dosing it at one 30C tab per 30lbs every 15 minutes.

Choline is used for certain human nerve disorders; it helps make a nerve chemical called acetylcholine. A specific choline product that can help seizures in dogs is called Cholidin. It can be given with conventional medication, at a dose of 1-2 pills daily for a small dog, and 2-4 pills given daily for a large dog.

You should now have a good understanding of seizures in dogs, and the classification of grand mal or localized. Most causes of seizures are unknown; they are then called epilepsy. If you have a seizuring dog, I encourage you to try some of the holistic options in conjunction with your veterinarian. You may be able to decrease the frequency of the seizures, or lower the amount of conventional medication.

Author Resource:- Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a NEW Free Ebook, Dog Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your dog’s health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Your FREE Dog Health Secrets Book is here.

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Natural Remedies for Seizures in Dogs

There are two types of seizures that affect dogs: grand mal seizures and focal motor seizures. A grand mal seizure is a severe seizure that causes your dog to have uncontrollable body movements, excessive salivation, and sometimes vomiting and uncontrollable urination. Drowsiness and difficulty walking and seeing characterize the first 24 hours following a seizure of this kind. A focal motor seizure, which is brief, causes a part of your dog’s body, such as an eye or cheek, to subtly twitch. Several natural remedies can help control your dog’s seizures.

Herbal Remedies

The herb skullcap treats a large number of nervous conditions including epilepsy. Used in equal parts with the herbs oatstraw and valerian, skullcap reduces the frequency and intensity of canine seizures. It does not cause drowsiness or interfere with your dog’s motor coordination or reflexes so he can lead a relatively normal life while using skullcap. It is available through herb retailers or health food stores as a dried herb or as a tincture prepared from the leaves, stems, and flowers. Be aware that excessive use of skullcap may cause liver damage, and it must never be given to a pregnant dog as it can induce miscarriage.

Flower Essences

Flower essences work on an energetic level and result in positive changes to your dog’s mental and emotional well-being. Renewed energy helps short-circuit the occurrence or recurrence of health issues such as seizures. Various types of flowers, plants, trees, and bushes make up flower essence extracts, which are available at health food stores and some pet stores. You can give flower essences to your dog is several ways. Put a few drops in her mouth, or add a drop to her nose and let her lick it off. Put 2 to 3 drops in her drinking water. Rub the essence on a non-irritated section of your dog’s skin, or add the essence to water, put in a spray bottle, and spray it near your dog. Flower essences have no side effects.

Vitamins and Supplements

Give your dog daily vitamins and supplements that are beneficial to his nervous system. Vitamin B plays an important role in brain function, and fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, reduce inflammation and degeneration of brain tissue. The amino acids L-taurine and L-tyrosine work to increase resistance to seizures. The amino acid L-tryptohpan soothes the brain, making it beneficial for dogs with seizures.