Seizures in dogs can be a distressing experience for both pets and their owners. While traditional veterinary care is essential, incorporating holistic approaches can offer additional support and comfort for your furry friend. Holistic care focuses on treating the whole animal, considering their physical, emotional, and environmental well-being. In this article, we will explore the nature of seizures in dogs, their causes, how to identify them, and the first aid steps to take during a seizure.

What are seizures?

Seizures, also known as convulsions or fits, are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild twitching to full-body convulsions. Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can occur as a one-time event or as part of a chronic condition known as epilepsy.

Causes of Seizure in Dogs

Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds, such as Beagles, Border Collies, and German Shepherds, are more prone to epilepsy.
2. Brain Trauma: Injuries to the head can lead to seizures.
3. Toxic Substances: Ingesting toxic substances like pesticides, chocolate, or certain medications can trigger seizures.
4. Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or liver disease can cause seizures.
5. Infections: Infections like distemper or encephalitis can affect the brain and cause seizures.
6. Brain Tumors: Growths in the brain can disrupt normal brain function and lead to seizures.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients can sometimes result in seizure activity.

How to Determine if Your Dog is Having a Seizure?

Recognizing the signs of a seizure can help you respond promptly and appropriately. Common signs include:

1. Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura): Before a seizure, your dog may exhibit signs of anxiety, restlessness, whining, or clinginess.
2. Ictal Phase: During the seizure, look for symptoms such as:
   • Loss of consciousness
   • Stiffening or jerking of muscles
   • Paddling of the legs
   • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
   • Involuntary urination or defecation
   • Vocalizations like whining or barking
3. Post-Ictal Phase: After the seizure, your dog may appear disoriented, confused, or unsteady on their feet. This phase can last from a few minutes to several hours.

First Aid When Your Dog is Having Seizure

Witnessing your dog having a seizure can be alarming, but staying calm and following these steps can help ensure their safety:

1. Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor can help reassure your dog during and after the seizure.
2. Protect Your Dog: Move any objects that could potentially harm your dog during the seizure. Cushion their head with a soft towel or pillow to prevent injury.
3. Do Not Restrain: Avoid holding your dog down or putting anything in their mouth, as this can cause injury.
4. Time the Seizure: Note the duration of the seizure to provide accurate information to your veterinarian.
5. Keep the Environment Quiet and Dark: Reduce sensory stimulation by dimming lights and minimizing noise.
6. Comfort Your Dog: After the seizure, offer gentle reassurance and allow them to recover in a quiet, safe space.
7. Contact Your Veterinarian: Seek veterinary advice, especially if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if your dog has multiple seizures in a short period, or if this is their first seizure.

The Wood Element in Chinese Medicine and Its Influence on Seizures

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views health through the lens of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element corresponds to specific organs, emotions, and bodily functions. The Wood element is particularly significant when discussing seizures, as it is associated with the liver and its role in regulating the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body.

The Wood Element and the Liver Organ

In TCM, the Wood element is linked to the liver and the gallbladder. The liver is considered the body’s general, responsible for regulating the smooth flow of Qi and storing blood. It plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance and supporting various physiological functions. An imbalance in the Wood element, particularly in liver function, can lead to a variety of health issues, including seizures.

Key Functions of the Liver in TCM

1. Regulation of Qi: The liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Stagnation of liver Qi can lead to physical and emotional stress, which may trigger seizures.
2. Blood Storage: The liver stores and regulates blood, ensuring it is available to nourish tissues and organs when needed. Blood deficiency or stasis can contribute to neurological problems, including seizures.
3. Emotional Balance: The liver is closely linked to emotions, particularly anger and frustration. Emotional stress can exacerbate liver Qi stagnation, potentially leading to seizure activity.

How Liver Imbalance Can Influence Seizures

When the liver’s ability to regulate Qi and blood is compromised, it can result in several imbalances that may trigger seizures. These include:

1. Liver Qi Stagnation: This occurs when the flow of Qi is disrupted, leading to tension, irritability, and stress. In severe cases, it can contribute to the development of seizures.
2. Liver Fire: Excessive heat in the liver can lead to liver fire, manifesting as severe irritability, anger, and hyperactivity. This intense heat can disturb the mind and lead to seizures.
3. Liver Wind: TCM describes internal wind as sudden, uncontrolled movements, such as tremors and convulsions. Liver wind is often associated with seizures and is considered a critical factor in their occurrence.

Holistic Approaches to Support Liver Health and Manage Seizures

To support liver health and manage seizures, TCM recommends a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and herbal approaches:

Dietary Recommendations:

• Green Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach and kale help soothe the liver and promote the smooth flow of Qi.
• Sour Foods: Foods with a sour taste, such as lemons and vinegar, can help regulate liver function.
• Avoid Greasy and Spicy Foods: These can exacerbate liver heat and contribute to imbalances.

Herbal Remedies:

• Chai Hu (Bupleurum): Commonly used to relieve liver Qi stagnation and promote emotional balance.
• Gou Teng (Uncaria): Known for calming liver wind and supporting neurological health.
• Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root): Effective in clearing liver heat and reducing inflammation.

Always consult with a veterinarian experienced in TCM to develop a tailored care plan for your dog.

Lifestyle Practices:

• Stress Management: Techniques such as acupuncture and regular exercise can help manage stress and prevent liver Qi stagnation.
• Adequate Rest: Ensuring your dog has a calm and restful environment can support liver health and reduce seizure risk.

Recommended Food Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked barley
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 cup chopped butternut squash
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 oz beef liver
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 egg
• 2 oz chopped beets
• 4 oz chopped celery
• 1 tsp hempseed oil
• ½ tsp IVI blend
• 1 tsp eggshell powder
• 1 capsule kelp

Instructions:

1. Cook the barley in your rice cooker according to package instructions.
2. Cook the butternut squash in a teaspoon of butter on medium heat with the pan covered, stirring occasionally, until it is soft.
3. Add in the ground beef, liver, egg, beets, spinach and celery, and cook on medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, for ~8 minutes until the meat is browned.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Once cooled, add in the hempseed oil, IVI blend, eggshell powder, hempseed oil and kelp and mix thoroughly.

*This is one day’s worth of food for a 50 pound dog.

Supplements for seizures:

1. Add  1 – 3 teaspoons of MCT oil twice a day to each serving when you feed.
2. Add  1 – 2 teaspoons of lion’s mane powder twice a day to each serving when you feed.
3. Add CBD oil based on manufacturer’s recommendations (dosing depends on concentration of product).  Below are my favorite CBD Brands:
   • CBD Dog
   • EarthBuddy CBD (discount code = meghanbarrett)

If you are feeding any other type of commercial diet, here is a list of add on topper foods that are beneficial for seizures, balancing the wood element and supporting the liver:

• Liver
• Kale
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Dandelion greens
• Spirulina
• Ginger
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Heart
• Mussels
• Tripe
• Fish

Helpful Links:

• Purchase IVI Blend
• Purchase Eggshell Powder
• Purchase Kelp
• Book an Appointment with Me!
• Get FREE Access to my ’30-Minute 432Hz Sound Healing & Music Therapy’ Video

Questions? Contact me here or leave a comment!