Dog seizures can have a variety of causes. For some dog breeds canine epilepsy is hereditary. German Sheppard, poodle breeds, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and beagles are examples of dog breeds more vulnerable to canine epilepsy. Dog seizures can also be caused by other conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, heat stroke and low blood sugar. Magnesium deficiency can be another cause of canine epilepsy.
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The First Step
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Take your dog to the veterinarian. There, your veterinarian should be able to detect the cause of your dog's canine epilepsy. Once the cause is known your veterinarian should know what dog seizure remedy to proceed with.
Anticonvulsant Therapy
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Anticonvulsant therapy uses anticonvulsant drugs, usually bromide or phenobarbitone, to stop/prevent dog seizures. The drugs are available through a veterinarian's prescription. Anticonvulsant therapy involves giving your dog the medication every 12 to 24 hours for up to two weeks. The medication comes in a tablet form for your dog. The anticonvulsant therapy may need to be repeated depending on if your dog has reoccurring canine epilepsy episodes.
Towards the end of the anticonvulsant therapy you should reduce the dosages of the medication that you give your dog. Do not abruptly stop giving your dog the medication. If you stop suddenly with the medication your dog may experience more dog seizures. When in doubt while administering the anticonvulsant therapy to your dog contact your veterinarian and share your questions and concerns with her.
Finally, although anticonvulsant therapy is an effective dog seizure remedy, the drugs do not treat any underlying conditions that may be causing the canine epilepsy.
Magnesium Deficiency
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Ensuring your dog is receiving the proper amount of magnesium eliminates the threat of dog seizures caused by magnesium deficiency. Quality dry dog foods should contain .04% magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are muscle tremors, hyperirritability and depression. If you notice these symptoms in your beloved canine you should contact your veterinarian.
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