10 Natural Remedies for Dogs With Seizures

This article covers the best natural remedies for seizures and epilepsy in dogs. We highlight the most effective supplements and discuss dietary modifications that you can implement to improve the condition. We also focus on natural techniques like acupuncture and acupressure that help improve the functioning of the nervous system and prevent seizures from occurring.

If your dog has epilepsy and seizures, you won’t hesitate to do anything to help him.

Seizure medications are effective short-term, but their long-term use is associated with dangerous side effects — and that’s enough to make some parents concerned about giving these meds to their pups.

Due to this fact, natural remedies may be a good option to improve your dog’s health and relieve seizures, at least to some extent.

Any method is considered natural if it exclusively involves naturally occurring substances. The major benefit of these methods is that they’re safer than medications and can be practiced at home.

Here’s the list of the 11 best natural remedies for seizures and epilepsy in dogs.

Natural Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

There are several natural remedies and supplements designed to curb seizures in dogs. Some of the most common solutions include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice where a professional inserts thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific parts of the body.

Most acupuncture points are situated along 15 channels, forming a network carrying blood and energy through the entire body. When a needle is inserted, it produces a physiological response, including pain relief, improved immune and nervous function, increased microcirculation, reduced inflammation, and relief from seizures (1).

Sometimes, you can notice improvements after just one session, but more severe cases may require a longer treatment.

Ketogenic Diet

While we still have a lot to learn about the impact of food on epilepsy, certain diets seem to reduce their occurrence and intensity.

You can try a ketogenic diet to reduce your dog’s seizures by inducing ketosis. It’s a state where the body uses ketones instead of carbohydrates for energy — reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures (2).

Ketogenic diets involve mostly animal-derived products, such as meats, organs, bones, broth, fish, and animal fats.

MCT Oil

Keto diets may not be perfect for dogs as they lack several nutrients that your dog needs. But understanding how ketosis can help with seizures has created an alternative solution — medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

When your body metabolizes MCT, it also produces ketones for energy. Researchers believe that adding MCT oil to a dog’s diet can be an effective long-term remedy for seizures and epilepsy.

Two studies from 2015 and 2020 from the UK’s Veterinary College analyzed the impact of MCTs on seizures in dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy. Both studies showed that the majority of dogs had their seizures reduced by 50% thanks to the supplementation (3).

Omega-3s

Dog parents and veterinarians recommend adding omega-3 fatty acids to a dog’s diet. Omega-3s come with remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and may help increase a patient’s seizure threshold, as noted by several studies (4).

You can buy omega-3 supplements in capsules, sprays, or oils.

Nutraceuticals

According to Jenny Taylor, founder of Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center, “a variety of vitamins and nutritional supplements have been highly effective in reducing seizures in dogs naturally. In my practice, we regularly recommend the following for our epileptic patients: DMG (n, n dimethyl-glycine); Choline; L-tryptophan; magnesium; melatonin; phosphatidylserine; and antioxidants such as vitamins C, A, and B complex,” she says.

Always consult your doctor before adding nutraceuticals to your dog’s routine. Doing so will help you find the right products and dosages to maximize the effectiveness of the supplementation.

Herbs

Chinese herbs can work alone or synergistically with other natural remedies for seizures and epilepsy in dogs, such as acupuncture or acupressure.

Chinese herbal formulas have an excellent safety profile with minimal side effects. The adverse reactions usually involve stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Sometimes, a patient may also feel temporarily worse before experiencing improvements.

Again, consult your vet about the benefits of Chinese herbs before you give them to your dog.

Homeopathic Remedies

Some scientific evidence points to homeopathic remedies as very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.

A study conducted in 2007 examined Belladonna 200C in 10 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. After being treated with the remedy for 2-7 months, zero dogs showed recurring seizure episodes for the 2-7 months of follow-up (5).

Dogs with head shaking syndrome took 3 to 4 drops of Cocculus 6C weekly for 3 months. Seizure events dropped down to 2 or 3 during the first 2 weeks and became “occasional” in the following two weeks. However, seizures returned after the treatment was stopped.

Melatonin

In dogs that experience night seizures, giving melatonin can help (6). Melatonin is a naturally-occurring sleep hormone released by the brain. Its concentrations increase in the evening and decrease in the morning. Supplements with melatonin may help reduce night seizures and ensure a longer-lasting deep sleep stage.

Honey

If you have a hypoglycemic dog, a teaspoon of honey once or twice a day may be useful for reducing the severity and frequency of seizures (7). With diabetic dogs, you need to mind veterinary care to control their blood sugar levels.

CBD for Seizures in Dogs

CBD is one of the main active ingredients in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause intoxication, meaning it’s safe to use in dogs.

CBD has a good scientific backup when it comes to fighting seizures in humans, but it can also be an effective remedy for dogs with epilepsy.

All mammals, including dogs, have endocannabinoid systems (ECS) that regulate a vast range of biological functions, such as mood, memory, sleep, pain perception, appetite, convulsions, neuroprotection, fertility, etc.

The ECS has two types of receptors:

• CB1 – mostly located in the brain and central nervous system

• CB2 – mainly in the immune system

The CB1 receptors are the most important when it comes to using CBD for dog seizures. Studies show that the ECS receptors are altered in seizure patients (8).

CBD modulates the activity of both cannabinoid receptors, further acting on the GPR55 receptor, which is engaged in seizure activity.

It’s through this mechanism that CBD can succeed where conventional pharmacology fails.

CBD appears to calm the neurons that fire during a seizure. It’s also a potent neuroprotectant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent, hence it’s one of the best treatment for epileptic seizures.

Best CBD Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

CBD is safe and well-tolerated by dogs, even at high doses. However, the safety of CBD supplements for seizures and epilepsy is another story.

The hemp market is under-regulated, meaning there are no manufacturing, labeling, and lab-testing standards in place.

We have many great brands on the CBD scene, but fly-by-night companies are no rarity, either.

Here’s my recommendation of the two leading brands that make safe and effective CBD oil for dogs. Both companies provide batch-specific certificates of analysis (CoAs) regarding the potency and purity of their products.

1. Royal CBD

Royal CBD is one of the most respected CBD brands in the USA. It was established in 2018 by a group of researchers and hemp activists and has since then grown to an impressive size. Today, Royal CBD offers premium CBD supplements for both humans and pets alike.

The Royal CBD pet line features two products:

• CBD Pet Oil
• CBD Dog Treats

The oil comes in a 30-mL bottle and provides 500 mg of CBD in a delicious bacon flavor. It’s a potent extract that you can give to dogs of different sizes. At 15 mg per serving, it should do a good job of easing your dog’s seizures.

These top dog treats come in three variants. I recommend the Calming version for dogs with seizures. It comes with 5 mg of CBD supported by l-theanine and chamomile, two natural compounds that can soothe your dog’s nervous system.

2. Gold Bee

Gold Bee is a true maverick on the CBD scene. The company infuses its CBD supplements with superfoods, such as organic MCT oil or raw honey from Brazillian rainforests. It uses terpene-rich strains for extraction, ensuring a potent entourage effect and making lower doses of CBD more efficient.

The Gold Bee pet selection includes:

• CBD Pet Oil
• CBD Goofy Bones

The oil is slightly more potent than Royal CBD, packing 600 mg of full-spectrum CBD per bottle. It comes in a peanut-butter flavor, making it a good pick even for fussy dogs.

The Gold Bee Goofy Bones offer an enjoyable alternative for dogs who don’t like the texture of CBD oil. These are soft chews, so even smaller dogs with more delicate teeth can easily eat them. The peanut butter and apple flavor are there to ensure no crumble will remain on the floor.

The treats contain 10 mg of CBD per treat and are infused with l-theanine, chamomile, and hempseed powder to enhance the calming effects of the main ingredient.

Are Natural Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs Effective?

Every animal has a different seizure threshold.

A high threshold means that the dog will probably not experience seizures at all, and if they do, they will be rare and mild. A low threshold indicates the opposite.

The most success is seen in dogs whose seizure threshold is high.

Some dogs are genetically predisposed to developing epilepsy. In such scenarios, veterinarians will usually recommend medication in order to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Natural remedies can be effective for epilepsy, but they’re better utilized as preventative measures rather than major treatments. The root cause should always be investigated by a veterinarian before prescribing natural remedies.

Cost of Natural Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

Most supplements for seizures and epilepsy, such as essential fatty acids, CBD oil, and homeopathic products, can cost anywhere between $20-$200 per bottle or package.

Once again, we recommend visiting a veterinarian before you try a natural remedy for epilepsy because the disease may have different underlying causes, such as thyroid problems or cancer.

A dog with a seizure should always go a thorough examination to determine where the problem lies.

Things to Consider Before Giving Your Dog Natural Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy

The aforementioned natural remedies for seizures and epilepsy in dogs might come in handy, but it’s important that the underlying cause of a dog’s seizures is the main driving factor in assessing their risk level.

If your dog is experiencing long or frequent seizures, you should immediately take them to a veterinarian. Natural remedies are meant to help reduce the frequency and strength of seizures, not cure them.

How to Prevent Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

Seizure prevention doesn’t have to be difficult. Use the following steps to keep seizures and epilepsy at bay.

Nutrition

Cutting out toxic and seizure-inducing foods from your dog’s diet should be your first priority. Similarly, you should also look for any allergies in your pet, as seizures may stem from a physical response to allergens.

Homeopathy

Many natural plants can calm the nervous system and reduce the frequency of convulsions. Though they’re not cited in scientific journals as the most effective remedies for epilepsy, they can be useful preventative measures.

In the end, a dog that eats healthy food moves a lot, and takes natural supplements to support the communication between neurons, is less likely to suffer from epilepsy.

Veterinarian’s Advice

Whether your dog’s seizures are episodic or regular, you should take them to a medical professional and run a series of tests to find out if they have epilepsy.

Temperature Control

Uncomfortable heat may cause dogs to pant heavily, increasing the risk of seizures. Pet owners should avoid overheating their pets by all means. Never leave your dog in cramped, hot spaces or outside without access to water.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disease involving chronic seizures. You may also stumble upon the term idiopathic epilepsy if your dog has seizures. This is epilepsy without a determined cause, but it can be caused by stress, weather, or other environmental factors.

Some breeds are genetically burdened with idiopathic epilepsy, including:

• Australian Shepherds
• Beagles
• Belgian Tervurens
• Border Collies
• Collies
• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers

Types of Seizures in Dogs

• Generalized seizures (or grand mal seizures) – it’s the most common type of seizure involving both sides of the brain at once. They last for a few seconds or several minutes, causing convulsions and loss of consciousness.

• Focal seizures – this type of seizure affects only one part of the brain. Your dog will experience abnormal movement in a single limb or one side of the body if it has focal seizures.

• Cluster seizures – a cluster seizure involves several seizures within a short time (2 or more seizures within 24 hours).

• Status epilepticus – a serious condition that causes seizures to last more than 5 minutes or involves two attacks very close together.

How Are Dogs Diagnosed with Seizures?

If you suspect your dog is having seizures, it’s important to appoint a checkup with the vet immediately.

The vet will look at the dog’s medical history, run a complete physical examination, and do the bloodwork to determine the root cause of the disease and recommend the best treatment.

An MRI brain scan may also be necessary to evaluate your pet’s brain condition and look for other causes of seizures.

A seizure can have several different causes, including:

• Brain injuries
• Brain cancer
• Ingesting a poison
• Liver disease
• Kidney failure

A full examination from your vet will help determine what causes seizures and how to move forward with the therapy.

Summarizing the Best Natural Remedies for Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

There are different remedies for seizures and epilepsy in dogs, and it’s difficult to answer definitely whether the holistic or Western approach is better.

Since each animal’s story is unique and involves different underlying causes, the best way to treat seizures is to take an integrative approach.

Start by taking your dog to a vet and determine the cause of seizures. Then, the doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for the condition.

Some dogs don’t tolerate conventional meds, which is why your vet should consider natural alternatives.

Natural remedies may not always help alone, but they offer a complementary approach in addition to Western medicine.

With support from your vet, you can prepare the right treatment plan to help your dog reduce the negative impact of seizures and epilepsy.

Related Posts:

• CBD Oil for Seizures in Adults
• CBD Oil for Cats with Seizures

Sources:

1. Chen, S., Wang, S., Rong, P., Liu, J., Zhang, H., & Zhang, J. (2014). Acupuncture for refractory epilepsy: role of thalamus. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2014, 950631. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/950631
2. Ułamek-Kozioł, M., Czuczwar, S. J., Januszewski, S., & Pluta, R. (2019). Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy. Nutrients, 11(10), 2510 (2).
3. Molina, J., Jean-Philippe, C., Conboy, L., Añor, S., de la Fuente, C., Wrzosek, M. A., Spycher, A., Luchsinger, E., Wenger-Riggenbach, B., Montoliu, P., Gandini, G., Menchetti, M., Ribeiro, J. C., Varejão, A., Ferreira, A., Zanghi, B., & Volk, H. A. (2020). Efficacy of medium chain triglyceride oil dietary supplementation in reducing seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy without cluster seizures: a non-blinded, prospective clinical trial. The Veterinary record, 187(9), 356 (3).
4. Pourmasoumi, M., Vosoughi, N., Derakhshandeh-Rishehri, S. M., Assarroudi, M., & Heidari-Beni, M. (2018). Association of Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Epileptic Seizure in Epileptic Patients: A Systematic Review. International journal of preventive medicine, 9, 36 (4).
5. Varshney J. P. (2007). Clinical management of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs with homeopathic Belladonna 200C: a case series. Homeopathy: the journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, 96(1), 46–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2006.09.002
6. Thomovsky, S. A., Chen, A. V., Deavila, D. M., & Kiszonas, A. M. (2019). Serum Melatonin Values in Normal Dogs and Dogs with Seizures. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 55(2), 78–82 (6).
7. Mohd Sairazi, N.S., K.N.S., S., Asari, M.A. et al. Effect of tualang honey against KA-induced oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the cortex of rats. BMC Complement Altern Med17, 31 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1534-x
8. Garcia, G. A., Kube, S., Carrera-Justiz, S., Tittle, D., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2022). Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid-rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 939966 (8).