Seizures in dogs can be a bit unsettling, and they come in various forms and intensities. Essentially, a seizure happens when there's a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can lead to different behaviors, from intense shaking to brief moments of confusion or disorientation.

Understanding what seizures look like and what causes them, such as epilepsy, is crucial for any dog owner. By familiarizing yourself with these episodes, you can be more prepared to support your dog during a seizure and work with your vet to manage the condition. This guide will give you the basics on what seizures are, how to spot them, natural treatment for dog seizures and how to take care of your pet during these events.

Types of Seizures in Dogs

Seizures can look different for everyone. They may be mild or severe and can include symptoms such as:

1. Generalized Seizures: These are the most common types and simultaneously affect both sides of the brain. They can appear as:

2. Tonic Seizures: Your muscles become stiff and stay that way for several minutes.

3. Clonic Seizures: You experience quick, rhythmic jerking because of muscle contractions.

4. Myoclonic Seizures: You have sudden, shock-like muscle contractions.

5. Tonic-Clonic Seizures: This type starts with muscle stiffening (tonic) and then includes jerking movements (clonic).

6. Atonic Seizures: Your muscles suddenly lose tone, causing you to collapse without convulsions.

7. Focal Seizures: These target a specific area of the brain, causing unusual movements in one arm or side of the body. Sometimes, they can develop into more widespread seizures.

What is Epilepsy in Dogs?

Epilepsy in dogs involves recurring seizures that can happen at different times throughout their lives. Idiopathic epilepsy is a type where no specific cause is known. While stress and environmental factors can trigger seizures, certain dog breeds are more likely to have this condition due to genetics. Breeds such as Beagles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and others are particularly susceptible.

For pet owners, understanding the types and causes of seizures is important. Recognizing seizure signs and knowing how to handle them can greatly improve your dog's quality of life. If your dog has seizures, it's crucial to consult with a holistic veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and explore management options, such as CBD for dog with seizures.

What Are The Symptoms Of Seizures in Dogs?

If your dog is having a seizure, you might notice:

• Collapsing
• Jerking or convulsing
• Stiffening or muscle twitching
• Drooling
• Losing consciousness
• Chomping or chewing its tongue
• Foaming at the mouth
• Losing control of bowel or bladder

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures in dogs and cats happen when there's too much electrical activity in their brains. They can be triggered by various issues such as poisoning, liver disease, blood sugar imbalances, fever, strokes, brain tumors, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or head injuries.

Epilepsy is usually classified into two types: Idiopathic epilepsy and symptomatic epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy, or primary epilepsy, has no clear cause and is often genetic. Symptomatic epilepsy, on the other hand, is due to an identifiable problem in the brain or metabolism. 

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What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure

When your dog is having a seizure, the most important thing is to stay calm. Only move your dog if it is in immediate danger, such as near water or a fire. If you need to move it, do so by gently guiding its hind legs or hips. Avoid putting your hands near its mouth, as it may bite involuntarily.

Most seizures last only a few minutes, and after the episode, your dog should return to normal activity. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seek emergency veterinary help.

If your dog frequently has seizures, your vet might prescribe medications like phenobarbital or potassium bromide. However, these can have side effects and may impact liver health. Many pet owners are now exploring holistic medicine for dog seizures, such as full-spectrum CBD for seizure treatment in dogs, as a safer alternative.

What To Do After Your Dog Has a Seizure: Home remedies for seizures in dogs

1. Remain Calm and Supportive

After a seizure, your dog might seem disoriented and tired. It's important to stay calm to help reassure them. Carefully move your dog to a quiet, safe spot, using gentle, steady motions. Placing towels under their head and rear can make them more comfortable and catch any saliva or fluids.

Try to avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle or stress your dog. Remember that they may still be confused and sensitive during this time.

2. Manage Residual Symptoms

After a seizure, your dog might show leftover effects like confusion, temporary blindness, or trouble walking. These symptoms can last for a few hours. Keep a close eye on your dog and create a calm space to help them recover.

If it's not their first seizure and their symptoms are not worsening, you might not need to call your vet immediately. Just monitor your dog carefully and contact a veterinarian if you worry about their recovery.

3. Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Environment

To help your dog feel less stressed and anxious, create a calm environment by closing windows and doors to block out noise, and keep the space cool and dimly lit. Reducing sensory stimulation will make your dog feel safer and help them relax.

Let your dog rest in peace until they return to their usual behavior. Being a comforting presence and maintaining a soothing atmosphere will support their recovery after a seizure.

By following these steps, you can provide the care and compassion your dog needs during this time. Remember, every dog is different, so paying attention to their specific needs and offering gentle support is crucial for their well-being.

Natural remedies for dog seizures & epilepsy

1. Acupuncture for Seizures in Dogs

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese technique where fine needles are placed in specific points on the body, has shown potential in managing canine epilepsy. This holistic seizure treatment for dogs may help control seizures by boosting certain brain chemicals that regulate abnormal activity. Many holistic veterinarians suggest starting with acupuncture sessions every two to four weeks for five to eight treatments, and then moving to maintenance sessions every three to six months.

2. Diet for Seizures in Dogs

Nutrition is essential for overall health and can also help dogs with seizures. While we don't fully understand how it works, some research suggests that a ketogenic diet—high in fat and low in carbohydrates—might help reduce seizures by changing how the brain uses energy. Adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, either through supplements or special home-prepared meals, can also be beneficial. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory and brain-protective effects that could help manage seizures.

3. Natural Herbs for Seizures in Dogs

Natural herbs like milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw can support traditional seizure treatments. Milk thistle helps maintain liver health, which can be impacted by long-term use of anticonvulsant medications. Valerian root serves as a gentle sedative, and oat straw can help reduce stress and anxiety, which might trigger seizures. These herbs come in different forms, such as capsules and tinctures. Always consult with a holistic veterinarian before adding them to your treatment plan.

CBD Oil for Seizures in Dogs

A common question that people ask is can cbd help with dog seizures? CBD is becoming popular as a potential treatment for managing seizures in dogs. Studies show that CBD might help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate important bodily functions, including brain activity.

CBD for dog seizures study & Research

Animal research suggests that CBD's ability to reduce seizures may come from its impact on certain brain receptors, specifically GPR55 and TRPV1.

In a recent study, 16 dogs with seizures were tested with either a placebo or hemp-derived CBD over 12 weeks. Nine dogs received CBD, while seven got a placebo. The results showed that 89% of the dogs given CBD experienced fewer seizures. The effectiveness of CBD correlates with the concentration of CBD in the dogs' blood.

Another study with three dogs found that two of them had fewer seizures after taking hemp-derived CBD for eight weeks. The dog that received the highest dose of 1700 mg showed the most improvement, while the dog with the lowest dose saw minimal changes. These studies indicate that CBD may be a helpful supplement for managing seizures in dogs.

CBD dosage for dogs seizure

Wondering how much CBD to give your dog as natural remedies for canine seizures ? The right dose isn't always clear-cut and depends on your pet's unique needs. Surprisingly, your dog's size and weight are less important than you might think. The best approach is to start with a trial-and-error method to find the optimal dose.

Experts advise a "low and slow" approach. Gradually introduce CBD and monitor your dog's response over time. Transitioning to or from different treatments should be done slowly, which can take weeks or even months. Keeping a daily log will help track progress and provide valuable information for your vet.

Most dogs respond well to 35–50 mg. However, individual needs may vary. For best results, split the daily dose into smaller, multiple doses throughout the day (microdosing) to keep CBD levels steady in the bloodstream. CBD reaches peak levels in about 2 hours and is cleared after 6 to 8 hours.

For optimal absorption, apply the CBD oil directly to your dog's gums or mix it into their food. Note that mixing with food may delay absorption by 30-45 minutes as it passes through the digestive system.

Conclusion

Seizures can be frightening, and we understand the concern firsthand. Recent research into shortening seizures and minimizing their impact is a promising development along with natural treatment for dog seizures. Alongside using CBD for dogs with seizures, ensuring your dog eats a healthy, balanced diet is crucial. A fresh or raw diet that provides all the essential nutrients in the right amounts can help prevent issues like liver disease, blood sugar fluctuations, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances that may trigger seizures. Prioritizing your dog's nutrition can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.