Seizures in dogs can be frightening to an owner and his pet, and the range of these attacks can vary from mild to severe, as in humans. Seizures in dogs tend to be hereditary. The more severe cases are usually treated with large doses of anticonvulsants, which can have serious side effects. But because many pet owners don't want to put their dog through this they are finding natural ways to treat and deal with seizures.
Things You'll Need
- Telephone Book
- Melatonin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
Instructions
Purchase a bottle of melatonin tablets, preferably 1mg each, from any health food store or drugstore. Make sure it is pure melatonin and not mixed with anything else. Studies have shown that melatonin helps calm dogs who become agitated by loud noises or who suffer from seizures.
Vitamins C, E and B6 are also useful in reducing the instances of seizures. Start with 500mg of vitamin C two times per day, 400mg of E and 50mg of B6 for a 50-lb. dog. If your dog weighs 25 pounds the dosage is half, and a 12.5 pound dog should be given 1/4 the amount of a 50-lb. dog.
Find a veterinarian who offers acupuncture for dogs. Many people have found that one acupuncture session that includes treatment to the ear is all it takes for some dogs to stop having seizures.
Try a more natural diet for your dog. Many times seizure issues can be controlled with a healthier diet because there are fewer additives and dyes in her system. Try an all-natural diet, such as a grain-free dog food that is high in meat.
Stop all flea and tick medications, as there are poisons in these products that can get into your dog's bloodstream when you apply them. There are natural options for treating fleas, and if your dog does not have them then don't burden her with more chemicals.
Melatonin does not make dogs sleepy the way that it does to people. Instead, they become relaxed and calm but not drowsy. Melatonin appears to be more effective on dogs who tend to have seizures between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Newer studies indicate that melatonin reduces seizures at other times of the day as well.
Dosages for dogs between 10 and 25 lbs. is 1.5mg and for those 25 to 100 lbs. is 3mg.