Natural Treatment for Epilepsy in Dogs

Medical treatment for epilepsy is essential if your pet has one or more seizure per month. Epilepsy in dogs is the most common disease that affects the nervous system and this can be distressing for both the owner and the pet.

Canine Epilepsy

Epilepsy in dogs is a disorder of the brain that’s characterized by seizures and a sudden involuntary change in behavior, muscle control or sensation. The seizures are due to an abnormal electric response within the brain. These seizures can last for as less as 30 seconds and as long as 3 minutes. Cocker spaniels, basset hounds, beagles, collies, setters, Daschunds, golden retrievers, German shepherds, greyhounds, poodles and corgis are more prone to epileptic seizures.

Causes of Canine Epilepsy

Some of the causes of dog epilepsy are:

  • Metabolic imbalances caused by diseases such low blood sugar, kidney failure, liver failure or hypothyroidism
  • Trauma
  • Brain tumor
  • Stroke
  • Idiopathic
  • Genetic factors
  • Worm infestation of the central nervous system
  • Vaccinations
  • Toxic metal poisoning due to metals such as copper, lead, aluminum or mercury 
  • Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, A, D, folic acid, taurine, calcium and magnesium

Natural Treatment for Canine Epilepsy

Natural or alternative therapies for canine epilepsy include acupuncture, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and herbal and homeopathic remedies.

Acupuncture for Epileptic Dogs

Acupuncture therapy for epileptic dogs should be used in conjunction with traditional therapy involving the use of medications. It involves the implantation of needles in as many as 10 areas of the body where they are kept for a period spanning 20 minutes to a month.

Epileptic Dog Vitamin Supplements

Supplements of vitamins such as B complex vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin D can help prevent epileptic attacks that are caused by a deficiency of these vitamins.

Mineral and Amino Acid Supplements

Supplements of minerals such as zinc, magnesium and calcium and amino acids such as taurine are helpful in preventing seizures that are triggered by a deficiency of these minerals. Taurine plays a crucial role in the functioning of the central nervous system. It’s an anticonvulsant that assists the body in the appropriate use of minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium.

Herbal Remedies

Passionflower -The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is used in stress and anxiety management. It helps to calm an over stimulated nervous system by soothing the nerves. It thus helps in both the prevention and management of epileptic seizures that are triggered by stress.

Skullcap - The herb skullcap (Scuttlelaria laterifolia) is anti-spasmodic. It is a calming agent that reduces overstimulation of the nervous system that can trigger an epileptic seizure. It also helps control body temperature and blood pressure. Hypertension and fever can also trigger epileptic attacks in pets.

Homeopathic Remedies

Stinking Nightshade - Stinking nightshade (Hyoscyamus niger) is used by veterinarians to treat all seizures.

Deadly Nightshade - Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is useful in controlling seizures caused by high fever. It’s effective in reducing seizure activity in dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy.

Cuprum Mettalicum - This homeopathic remedy controls seizures as well as vomiting and mental dullness. It stabilizes the nervous system and promotes digestive function.

It’s important to remain calm if your pet is having an epileptic attack. You should ensure that he is in a darkened, quiet room and can’t injure himself with any furniture. You should also call the vet at the earliest.

 

Comments