Natural Approaches for Managing Epilepsy in Pets

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• For about a third of dogs with epilepsy, standard anti-seizure medications don’t effectively control their seizures; these medications also come with adverse side effects and longer-term health consequences that can further impact a dog’s quality of life
• A recent small study at the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. evaluated the effectiveness of a medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) supplement to manage seizures in dogs
• A total of 17 of 28 dogs showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency while receiving the MCT supplement
• Other natural approaches to seizure management in dogs include chiropractic and acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, traditional Chinese medicinals, nutraceutical therapies and herbal formulas including cannabis extracts
• Achieving the metabolic state of nutritional ketosis with a ketogenic diet has also proven beneficial in managing epilepsy in pets, and can be very beneficial for epileptic dogs that aren’t well controlled with medication