Seizures and Epilepsy Regimen
My brother’s dog, Angus, is an 8 year old Border Collie. He has epilepsy, and had frequent seizures – but now they are under control thanks to these tips (and one bonus!).
1. KETO DIET
To start, switching to a Keto or ‘Atkins’ diet may help. Studies have shown a link between diet and seizures in dogs. One human study showed a marked reduction in seizure activity with patients on the Atkins diet, and prior to anti-seizure medication, the keto diet was a common treatment for epilepsy.
You can find information on Keto diets for dogs here: https://www.ketopetsanctuary.com
2. MCT OIL
Secondly, as part of the diet, I also advise giving MCT OIL – a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can help to control seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. There is no standard MCT oil dose, but extrapolated from people it would be 1 teaspoon/10lbs twice daily. Start with 1/2 that amount as it can lead to diarrhea, and work your way up. Many adult (humans) are taking upwards of 4 tablespoons/twice per day.
3. CBD OIL
This is perhaps the most important change – giving Cannabidiol (CBD). Compelling research has shown that CBD may inhibit both seizure activity and the severity of such activity. Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.
For dosing, start at standard dose of 3mg/10lbs daily. You can safely double this if your dog is not responding, and increase again if needed. At higher doses CBD has shown to be very safe, some find doses up to 10mg per 10lbs daily is what is needed to help their pet. Please see the link below for my CBD.
4. MAGNESIUM
Another recommendation is to give additional magnesium. It can have a laxative effect at higher doses, so start slowly. For dosing, work up to the following (this is for magnesium citrate):
Pets up to 10 kg: 200mg per day
From 10 to 20 kg: 400mg per day
Over 20 kg: up to 800 mg per day
4. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
As a final suggestion, giving additional Essential Fatty Acids may potentially decrease brain inflammation. I recommend high doses in order to achieve therapeutic levels of EFAs, to 1000mg per 10lbs of body weight daily. I prefer krill oil as it has a higher % of anti-inflammatory EFA’s, and may better cross the blood brain barrier.
5. Acupressure
If your pet is having a seizure, there is an acupressure point you can press to help stop the seizure.
The point is known as the “GV26” point, and it is located where the nose meets the upper lip, in the middle area immediately below the nostrils (you can locate the same point on yourself). During the seizure, press your finger with medium to firm pressure for 30-60 seconds – this should help stop the seizure.
For my CBD: https://thecbdsupplement.com
For my Omega 3: https://theomega3supplement.com