Seizures in Dogs & Cats 

Since I opened the doors to Carols Pet Café in 2007, I have seen an increase in seizures in dogs and cats. Pet parents ask “why is my dog having seizures?’, and ‘what causes seizures in cats?’.

I wish there was a simple answer and solution.

The good news is many pet parents have had success with natural solutions that will either mitigate or resolve seizures in dogs and cats. I have witnessed this with my clients.

Martha came to me when her dog, Angel, at age 5 started having seizures. After receiving answers to some questions about food, supplements, recent vaccines, flea & tick meds, I suggested Angel start a raw diet immediately. Martha agreed, and to her surprise, the seizures stopped. She realized her previous diet was not sufficient for Angel to be healthy, and a more species appropriate raw diet was needed.

Seizures in Dogs and Cats

In dogs, idiopathic epilepsy, which is seizures without an identified cause, is quite common, affecting about 75% ofdogs having seizures. Cats are less frequently affected, with only about 33% of cats having seizures experiencing idiopathic epilepsy. Typically, seizures in dogs occur between six months and six years of age, whereas in cats, they usually appear before eight years of age.

What would cause a seizure in dogs and cats?

Here are some factors:

• Genetics
• Poor diet
• Lack of vital nutritional supplements
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Vaccines
• Flea & tick products and medications
• Household sprays and chemicals
• Liver imbalance or congestion
• Heavy metals
• Brain tumor

Typically, a traditional Veterinarian will suggest a pharmaceutical to hopefully lessen the seizure symptoms since they are not trained on holistic options or wholesome diets this is the only option they can avail to pet parents.

Medications typically prescribed for seizures

1. Phenobarbital- Not as commonly used because the long-term usage can cause liver damage. If you decide to use this drug, I recommend also giving your dog or cat Milk Thistle and an Omega 3 fatty acid daily to provide support for his liver and organs.

2. Keppra - This is a newer drug that is a safer long-term option. This drug is processed by the kidneys so pets with kidney disease will need to have frequent bloodwork. Additionally, pets can build a tolerance over time and will need to have the dosage adjusted. If you decide to use this drug, I suggest ensuring your pet is on a good Omega 3 fatty acid and milk thistle to support the organs.

3. Potassium Bromide-Potassium Bromide has been a reliable medication for many years. However, if your dog is on any diuretic type medications, it can flush this drug out of the body which will make a seizure more likely. Also, you will want to wean them off of this drug slowly so as not to trigger a seizure. Milk thistle and Omega 3 fatty acids are highly recommended.

The Root Cause

Above, I described some of the causes for dogs and cats to have seizures. In order to really heal any disease or disorder, however, the root cause must be addressed.

What if I told you that the root cause of seizures may be be fixable?

The following suggestions have worked to either completely end seizures or lessen them for some of my clients:

• Providing a balanced raw diet to your pet
• Supplementing with a good quality Omega 3 fatty acid
• CBD oil
• Removing prescribed flea & tick medication
• Eliminating chemicals from their environment
• Giving whole food B vitamins, Vit E, Taurine, Mg, Mn, Selenium
• Eliminating unnecessary vaccines

Sometimes all of the above are needed.

Natural Treatment for seizures in dogs & cats

Holistic anti-seizure combination.

Lepsilyte is a botanical anti-seizure combination from Buck Mountains Botanicals. 

My seizure customers have used this for years with positive results. They were either able to completely eliminate the pharmaceutical ant-seizure meds or reduce them by using the lepsilyte.

This liquid tincture is a combination of Valerian and Skullcap.

Both valerian and skullcap can soothe the nervous system and lessen or stop spasms, tremors, twitching of muscles and convulsions.

It has a strong odor so for picky eaters, it will need to be hidden in food or administered via syringe for consumption.

This has been the most effective natural remedy for seizures that I have experienced with pet parents. This herbal combination can promote sleep but has no narcotic effect.

Milk thistle is also recommended to take with lepsilyte for overall liver support.

If you decide to use the pharmaceutical approach the natural approaches listed above can most likely be used in conjunction to help support your dog or cats organs and overall health. It may be necessary to have a balance of natural methods and pharmaceuticals in order to properly provide what you pet needs to manage the seizures.

Talk to your Holistic Veterinarian about this option. In my experience, traditional veterinarians don't have the knowledge or understanding of natural methods of care so please find a holistic veterinarian to assist you.

Our dogs and cats completely rely on us for their care. Providing them with the best options available will not only be better for their health but it will provide peace of mind for you.

Natural suggestions for seizures mentioned above: Lepsilyte, milk thistle, omega 3 fatty acids, CBD oil, whole foods vitamins, balanced raw diet