My dog had a seizure. Are there natural ways to help control them?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Scooby Doo. You should have him evaluated by your veterinarian. Seizures have many causes and without knowing more, this question is very difficult to answer. Idiopathic or unknown causes of seizures often called epilepsy, is treatable in many cases. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of the seizures. Other causes include infection, internal organ disease, heart disease, toxin exposure, among others. It's important to screen dogs who are having seizures for a cause. This is often done with detailed history taking and a physical examination. Then a minimum database is performed which could include fecal/blood/urine tests and maybe some x-rays. Once a problem is identified, it can be addressed but most seizure cases end up being epilepsy. 2 seizures one month apart are frequent enough to start anti-convulsant drug treatment. You should also ask your veterinarian about using MCT Oil (from coconuts). This has been found to help some dogs with their seizures. One concern with this oil though is stressing the pancreas and causing pancreatitis, so caution must be used. Good luck

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do not think that you are being selfish at all. You care about him which is good. It is common for dogs with epilepsy to eventually need more medications added to their anti-seizure medication protocols. There are several anti-seizure medications that can be considered including phenobarbital, potassium bromide, Keppra, zonisamide, among many others. I would encourage you to discuss with your veterinarian about other anti-seizure medications. Often times dogs with epilepsy respond favorably to other medications. Good luck and have a great day!

No there is nothing over the counter you can give her. I recommend keeping a diary of the episodes and taking her in for an exam and bloodwork. She could have epilepsy or another problem. If the seizures are more frequent than monthly then they will recommend anti seizure medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ciquita.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend contacting his veterinarian. He will likely need to start another medication to control his seizures. Phenobarbital, potassium bromide and zonisamide are common choices. However, your veterinarian will know his medical history and which would be the best choice. Being able to have his seizures better controlled will improve his quality of life. I hope this information helps!

I'm sorry to hear that Mali is having this issue. I do not know the answer to your question as I do not know the ingredients of the herbal supplement you are giving. This would be a question for your vet since they have her medical history. My opinion is that she should be on a known anticonvulsant medication like phenobarbital if you want any chance at the seizures being controlled. I have never seen an herbal supplement control seizures. I think it was just coincidence that she had no seizures while taking the supplement.

Generally dogs that have seizures more frequently than once monthly I recommend giving anti seizure medication to prevent the seizures. If they didn't find a specific reason for the seizures they may be due to epilepsy. I would get a video of one of the seizures and keep a calendar of the frequency to share with your veterinarian. You can discuss starting medication with your veterinarian now regardless of the frequency or feel free to ask for a referral to a veterinary neurologist. The specialist can do advanced testing to see if they can find the cause of the seizures and get Mika on medication if they feel it is needed. You are correct to be concerned so keep tract of them and discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mika.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Frannie. When seizure frequency reaches every 4-6 weeks, I will commonly start anti-seizure medications. Every time a dog has a seizure, they become more likely to have another one. I would discuss starting her on a proven medication with her veterinarian. There are a variety of them such as phenobarbital, zonisamide, potassium bromide, levitiracetam, etc depending on her case specifics and medical history. There is even a prescription diet that can be fed in addition to medications to help decrease seizure activity. I hope this information helps!