Natural Ways to Treat Seizures in Dogs

Seizures in dogs can be successfully controlled with pharmaceuticals, but many pet owners seek natural remedies to protect their loved ones from harmful side effects, to control seizures when medication is unsuccessful or to augment medication. Before treating seizures, be sure to rule out non-epileptic causes of convulsions. Those can include environmental poisons, hypothyroidism and other glandular and organ diseases, sensitivity to parasite preventives, and calcium deficiency, calcium-phosphorus imbalance or sodium-potassium imbalance caused by improper diet. Homemade diets are the culprit in many nutritional deficiencies.

Magnesium supplements can decrease seizures in some dogs. Dosage is based on weight. Consult a veterinarian or qualified animal nutritionist about supplementing your pet's diet with magnesium.

Many pet owners have reported a decrease in seizures after adding raw, virgin, unrefined, organic coconut oil to their pet's diet in the ration of one tsp. per 10 lbs. of the dog's body weight. The oil must be this specific version, which is completely uncooked and solid at room temperature.

Homeopathy is based on introducing exceptionally small amounts of vegetable, mineral or animal substances into the patient's system to provoke an immune response. A qualified homeopathic veterinarian must be consulted to recommend these medications. Some substances safe for humans are toxic to dogs.

Herbal remedies are some of the most well-established and most potentially dangerous alternative treatments. They require the proper plant, proper part of the plant, prepared correctly and administered in the correct amount at the right time. Many herbs that are well-established for human treatments can be deadly for dogs. Consult a veterinarian experienced in alternative treatments and a qualified herbalist before beginning your dog on an herbal remedy.

Acupuncture is a proven supportive treatment for many diseases and conditions. The procedure should not be painful and lulls most pets to sleep. Consult a practicing veterinary acupuncturist to determine if your pet is a candidate.