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Epilepsy - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Feb 03, 2025
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Epileptic seizures in pets can be distressing for owners, but understanding the condition and how to help can make a significant difference.

Causes of Epilepsy in Pets

While the exact cause of epilepsy in dogs and cats is not fully understood, some factors may contribute:

  • Genetic predisposition (certain dog breeds and some cat breeds are more prone).
  • Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism).
  • Magnesium deficiency.

Dog Breeds Prone to Epilepsy

Some dog breeds are more likely to develop epilepsy, including:

Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Collie, Dachshund, Setter breeds, Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Corgi, Pointer, Pug, Saint Bernard, and Vizsla.

Cat Epilepsy

Though less common than in dogs, epilepsy can also occur in cats. It may be caused by head trauma, brain tumors, infections, or unknown genetic factors. If your cat has seizures, consult a vet for a full examination.

Managing Seizures in Pets

  • Keep your pet safe during a seizure by removing nearby objects.
  • Do not try to restrain them—just ensure they are comfortable.
  • Time the seizure and record frequency to share with your vet.

Magnesium Supplementation

Magnesium may help reduce seizure frequency. Consult your vet about supplementing your pet’s diet. Recommended starting doses:

Pet Size Dosage (mg)
Small Dogs & Cats 10 mg
Medium Dogs 20 mg
Large Dogs 50 mg
Giant Dogs 75 mg

Note: If your pet experiences diarrhea or gas, reduce the dosage slightly before gradually increasing it again.

Additional Supplements for Seizure Management

  • CBD Oil: May help reduce seizure severity (vet-approved, THC-free only).
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
  • Taurine (for Cats): Essential for brain and heart function.
  • Vitamin B Complex: Helps nerve function and metabolism.
  • L-Theanine: Promotes relaxation and reduces stress-related triggers.
  • Melatonin: Useful for nighttime seizures and anxiety-related triggers.
  • MCT Oil: Supports brain function and may reduce seizure frequency.
  • Milk Thistle: Supports liver function for pets on anti-seizure meds.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Antioxidant that benefits brain and heart health.

Holistic & Environmental Remedies

  • Acupuncture: Some studies suggest it may help reduce seizure activity.
  • Reducing Environmental Triggers: Avoid flashing lights, loud noises, and stressors.
  • Herbal Remedies (Vet-Approved):
    • Valerian Root: Calming effect (use with vet guidance).
    • Passionflower: Supports relaxation and nervous system health.
    • Skullcap: Sometimes recommended for seizures but must be used carefully.

Consult Your Vet

If your pet has seizures, work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan, which may include medication, dietary changes, and supplements.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Avoid Distilled Water

Posted by Elaina Jensen (Oregon) on 04/23/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

About distilled water.... I just remember being instructed by our dog's veterinarian to only give our dog distilled water at one point for a medical condition unrelated to anything neurological and the dog started having seizures. Our dog was then prescribed phenobarbital for those seizures - which really sedated him and we weren't happy about. We couldn't believe this was happening.

After about four days of distilled water and the phenobarbital, the seizures kept getting worse. We stopped the distilled water and went back to putting regular tap water in his water dish. The seizures stopped and we stopped the phenobarbital too. We never had a problem with seizures after that.

I learned to have a lot of respect for distilled water and to be very careful how it is used after that.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Krisanne (Birch Run, Michigan) on 03/15/2008
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

To everyone who has a dog or cat with seizures, I'm sorry for that, it's the worst. I have a seven year old German Shepard that started having them when she turned two. I took her to the vet and they put her on medicine, that "might harm her liver over time" I gave her the pills for three years, with still a few seizures.

One day I went into PetSmart and was talking to the salesperson about animals,when it led into my shepard and her problem. She told me that her boxer had them to and that there is an additive in dog food called BHT or BHD that is found to bring on seizures. In amazement and anger I decieded to buy a dog food without this additive in to see if it was true and if it would help. I bought a very expensive bag of food that cost $39.99 a bag, not caring as long as it was true. Long story short, it's true! After that I started searching around for a reasonable priced bag of food because we have a 102lb. not fat just big, Golden Retriever too, and they eat alot!

I found a great bag of food at Tractor Supply called Diamond brand food. Just look on the back of your food bag if you see the three letters BHD or BHT, I really can't remember the exact three letters but it starts with a B. If it's in there I would change. Even some of the brands you think would be O.K. are not. Please try this it has been great with her not having seizuers any more. Good Luck I hope it helps.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Sandra (Gallatin, Missouri) on 08/29/2007
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

We have a Jack Russell Terrier who is now 5 years old..When she was about a year old she started having severe seizures..They got progressively worse thru the years..I was told to try coconut oil ..So I got a jar and started givig her a tsp. a day..that was back in February and cross my fingers she hasn't had any since then..she had been on medication and it wasn't helping her at all so I just stopped giving it to her and contacted a health store owner and she told me to try the coconut oil..Thank goodness it has helped her ..she was having severe seizures, as many as 12 at a time..I just wanted to share this with others

Filtered Water

Posted by Evelina (Livonia, MI) on 05/11/2006
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have an 11 year old dog that we found when she was about five months old. She started seizuring around the age of two. About once a week, occasionally more often. We installed an R.O. water filter system for ourselves and realized within a couple of months that our dog had stopped her seizures. The only difference was the water! She now seizures only about six times a year.

We did notice that she started seizuring after eating "bacon strip" dog treats, and other treats with food colorings, etc. We went back to plain dog biscuits and she's fine. She must be chemically sensitive. I shared this info with her vet who said she would pass this info along.



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