Watching your dog have a seizure is one of the scariest things that you can experience as a dog owner, particularly if this is the first time you have seen your dog have a seizure. Of course, a canine seizure can be quite alarming for your dog as well. One of the most common reasons for dog seizures is epilepsy, a heterogeneous neurological disease. This means that epilepsy in dogs is not a disease with one known cause and specific symptoms. Rather, canine epilepsy is an overarching term for specific conditions that lead to seizures in dogs. If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, it simply means that there is an irregularity in its brain that causes seizures.
There’s really no way to tell if your dog has epilepsy before they have their first seizure. This is because canine seizures stem from inherited conditions, are caused by structural problems in the brain of the dog, or are brought on by unknown causes. Dog owners can turn to several different treatment options to aid their pets with epilepsy. These can include drugs or other standard medications, as well as traditional medications or natural supplements for canine epilepsy. SeaPet offers CBD-rich Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract to help dogs and other pets with the symptoms of epilepsy and seizures. If you’re interested in learning more about CBD as a treatment for seizures in dogs, we’ve got answers to the most frequently asked questions on these topics.
What are the facts about seizures in dogs?
As there are many different types and symptoms of epilepsy, it’s important to be aware of how the disease develops and some of the not-so-obvious signals that your dog is suffering from epilepsy. Epilepsy can occur at any age, and depending on the form of canine epilepsy your dog has, their seizures can look very different. Understanding the type of seizure your dog has can help you care for them both as the seizures occur and for the rest of their life. Different types of canine epilepsy also have different causes, which can influence the therapeutic steps to take to help them. To clear up some of the confusion around epilepsy, here are some quick facts:
What are the different types of epilepsy?
- Idiopathic epilepsy is the term for canine epilepsy that does not have a clearly discernible cause. While it is believed to be a result of genetic abnormalities, if your dog’s seizures are idiopathic in nature, there is no specific part of their brain that a vet can identify as the site of the problem. This can be very frustrating for a dog owner. Without a clear understanding of why seizures are taking place, owners are often left with medications and treatment options that are oriented around reducing the dog’s discomfort and the frequency of seizures. However, there are a number of effective ways that dog owners can manage the symptoms of this type of epilepsy with proper care. Regular trips to the vet combined with therapy, drugs that reduce seizures, or other treatment can allow your dog to still enjoy a high quality of life and overall good health.
- Symptomatic epilepsy is when an animal has seizures in which the cause is clear. Symptomatic epilepsy can be caused by underlying disorders like the inflammation or infection of the brain, or a brain tumor. Additionally, a dog with low blood sugar caused by a tumor or other canine health problem can experience seizures. Because a dog’s vet will understand the source of the problem in the case of symptomatic epilepsy, there are many treatment options for these dogs. Depending on the source of the problem, the solutions might range from dietary supplements or relatively simple medication to surgeries or similarly invasive treatment.
What are the types of epileptic seizures in dogs?
There are two broad categories of seizures in dogs with epilepsy. Some dogs will experience both types in their life, but many will only deal with one type of seizure.
- Focal seizures affect only certain parts of your dog’s brain — usually either the motor region or the autonomic nervous system. Because they occur in a more limited area of the brain, focal seizures are only displayed in the parts of the body affected by those areas of the brain. Additionally, the signs of these seizures are not the dramatic symptoms we tend to associate with seizures. Instead, your dog might experience excessive blinking, head shaking, dilated pupils, excess salivation, or other behaviors. Because these symptoms are less noticeable, it can be difficult to recognize that your dog is having a seizure.
- On the other hand, generalized seizures affect both sides of your dog’s brain at the same time. Dogs that experience generalized seizures will convulse and lose consciousness. In many cases, they will lose control of their bladder or bowels as well. Most types of generalized seizures involve jerking motions, muscle contractions, and sudden weakness. These seizures can be particularly difficult to witness, but it is important to stay calm during them to care for your dog. While they may make sounds that seem to indicate that they are suffering, dogs experiencing a grand mal seizure do not feel pain during the event, as they are not conscious.
What should you do if your dog has a seizure?
When your dog has a seizure, it might seem best to immediately take them to a vet. However, there are cases in which this is not necessary. If your dog’s seizure is focal in nature, most veterinary experts don’t consider it an emergency, particularly if it is their first. That said, a focal seizure is still serious, and you should make sure to schedule an appointment with your dog’s vet as soon as possible. Keep monitoring them for signs of seizures, and make sure they get plenty of rest.
For dogs with generalized seizures, more caution is required. Because dogs lose consciousness during this form of seizure, make sure to keep them away from bodies of water, stairs, or other areas that could be dangerous. Your dog’s temperature will rise during canine seizures, so placing cool washcloths on their head, neck, or paws can help regulate their temperature. If your dog has a grand mal seizure that lasts longer than five to ten minutes, that is considered a veterinary emergency and you should take them to a vet immediately.
Additionally, if your dog has what is known as cluster seizures, which are seizures that occur within 24 hours of each other, it is vital that they get to a vet as soon as possible. This is true even in the case of focal seizures. When seizures are this close together, it can indicate significant structural problems within the dog’s brain that need to be addressed.
Popular canine epilepsy treatment options and their side effects
There are many medications that can be prescribed for dogs with epilepsy, but many dog owners try (and are satisfied by) natural remedies. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most common medications and dog health options prescribed:
- Phenobarbital is the most frequently prescribed drug for the treatment of canine epilepsy. It’s generally well-tolerated in dogs, and its effects on seizure control can be seen within a few weeks. However, phenobarbital has side effects that include the risk of anemia and sudden changes to your dog’s liver health. Dogs taking phenobarbital need to have regular blood draws to make sure their level of phenobarbital is appropriate. Liver health will also need to be assessed regularly.
- Your dog’s vet might prescribe potassium bromide in the event that your dog needs more help than phenobarbital can offer. This could be the case if they need greater epilepsy care than phenobarbital can safely address, or if your dog simply doesn’t respond well to phenobarbital. Potassium bromide can be hard on your dog’s digestive system, so it is best to administer it with food and to keep their salt intake within acceptable ranges. Likewise, dogs that have reduced kidney function should not take potassium bromide, and those that do take it will need periodic blood testing to check their kidney function.
- Dietary changes may also be helpful for some dogs with epilepsy. A keto diet has been shown to have value for dogs with canine epilepsy. This diet’s focus on a medium-chain triglyceride-rich diet can be helpful in reducing both the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures in dogs. However, feeding your dog a homemade keto diet must be done carefully in order to ensure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need. Additionally, dogs with epilepsy might need to keep an eye on their salt intake, particularly if they are also taking potassium bromide. Talk with your vet to best plan your dog’s diet.
- Dietary supplements are also popular among owners of dogs with epilepsy. Coconut oil is rich in the abovementioned medium-chain triglycerides that can help with canine epilepsy. Fish oil provides additional omega-3 fatty acids that can bolster your dog’s central nervous system, but its effects on canine epilepsy are only anecdotal. And CBD oil is another popular (and effective!) treatment for epilepsy in dogs, and we’ll tell you why below.
Why is CBD so good for canine epilepsy support?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has captured the public’s attention recently as a treatment for both human and animal epilepsy. CBD is one of the compounds present in hemp, and it’s known for its anti-inflammatory effects and the ways it interacts with canine neurology, including neurotransmitters that are involved with dog seizures. CBD has been shown to prevent certain types of seizures in animals and increase the efficacy of other therapeutic medications for epilepsy.
CBD is also known for its low risk for serious side effects for dogs. Although your dog won’t be getting “high”, they might exhibit the same kind of side effects as someone who consumed THC (the active ingredient in marijuana): Excess thirst, the munchies, sleepiness…all pretty harmless. Additionally, CBD tends to be fairly easy to integrate with medications that dogs take for epilepsy or other treatments for seizures. If any side effect seems excessive, all you need to do is consult your vet. They’ll advise you on whether it’s better to stop giving your dog CBD altogether or simply reduce the dose.
Currently, CBD’s effects on dog epilepsy are being studied at research institutions around the world. Smaller research studies have enthusiastically recommended CBD as one of the safest, most effective ways to prevent or lessen the occurrence of canine epilepsy and seizures. As the research on ways CBD can aid in the treatment of epilepsy continues, more data is sure to appear.
Can I reduce symptoms of canine epilepsy safely with CBD?
As an owner of a dog with epilepsy, it’s important to get as much information as you can so you can make informed decisions about your dog’s care. It’s also imperative to take action as soon as the first canine seizure occurs. Making the best choices now can have a positive effect on your dog’s quality of life and health.
Seizures can significantly reduce a dog’s quality of life, and it’s important to work in tandem with your dog’s vet throughout the process. Because canine seizures can be caused by many underlying conditions, a rock-solid diagnosis of epilepsy is important in order to find a medication or treatment that works. Armed with knowledge and confidence, you and your dog’s vet can collaborate to create a canine epilepsy treatment plan that’s appropriate for your dog.
An AKC study shows that up to 30% of dogs with epilepsy continue to have seizures, even when taking medication. Anecdotally, CBD can reduce the rate at which dogs with epilepsy experience seizures by a factor of three. Selecting a high-quality canine epilepsy treatment, like SeaPet’s Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, is one of the easiest and most effective treatment choices you can make for your dog’s health.
The love of a dog owner and their canine companion can be a special source of joy in the life of both parties. Epilepsy and seizures can be a difficult, emotionally draining challenge, so finding the right treatment for your dog can help them live a full, healthy life. Pick up SeaPet’s Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract to give your dog a natural way to relieve epilepsy symptoms and improve their quality of life.
