Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

Causes, Natural Support, and Safety Guidelines

What Pet Owners Need to Know

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause shaking, twitching, or even loss of consciousness in pets.

While a single seizure may be triggered by something temporary (such as low blood sugar or toxin exposure), repeated episodes may indicate epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition.

Epilepsy is more common in dogs than cats, though cats can still develop seizures, usually due to underlying diseases.

Because seizures can be frightening and sometimes life-threatening, every episode warrants veterinary attention.

Some natural approaches — like omega-3 fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), or cannabidiol (CBD) — may offer supportive benefits alongside veterinary-prescribed medications.

However, these are not cures and must be carefully considered for safety.

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Understanding Seizures in Pets

What is a Seizure?

A seizure occurs when brain neurons fire uncontrollably, disrupting normal neurological function.

•  Plain terms: it’s like the brain’s electrical system “short-circuiting.”

•  Clinical signs: collapsing, muscle spasms, drooling, paddling legs, vocalizations, or staring spells.

Dogs vs. Cats

•  Dogs often show dramatic tonic-clonic (whole body shaking) seizures.

•  Cats may have more subtle focal seizures, such as facial twitching, chewing motions, or sudden aggressive outbursts (Podell, 2016).

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Types of Seizures in Dogs and Cats

•  Generalized seizures (grand mal): involve the whole body, loss of consciousness.

•  Focal seizures: localized twitching or behavioral changes.

•  Cluster seizures: multiple within 24 hours.

•  Status epilepticus: prolonged seizure (>5 minutes), a medical emergency (Berendt et al., 2015).

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Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

Seizure vs. Epilepsy

•  A single seizure may be caused by illness, trauma, or toxin exposure.

•  Epilepsy = two or more unprovoked seizures occurring at least 24 hours apart.

Dogs: Some breeds are genetically predisposed:

•  Border Collies, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds show higher risk (Ekenstedt & Oberbauer, 2013).

Cats: Epilepsy is less common.

•  Seizures usually indicate secondary causes (infection, metabolic disease, or trauma) (Pakozdy et al., 2010).

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Primary vs. Secondary Epilepsy

•  Idiopathic epilepsy (primary): no identifiable cause, often genetic.

•  Structural epilepsy (secondary): due to brain tumors, trauma, stroke.

•  Reactive seizures: result from systemic illness (liver disease, toxins, electrolyte imbalance).

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Causes and Triggers of Seizures

•  Genetic predisposition: Strong evidence in certain dog breeds.

•  Environmental toxins: lead, pesticides, mycotoxins, or ingestion of human medications.

•  Dietary/metabolic factors: hypoglycemia (esp. in toy breeds, kittens), liver shunts.

•  Infections: viral (distemper), parasitic (toxoplasmosis in cats).

•  Research gaps: In cats, causes are less studied compared to dogs.

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Natural and Plant-Based Support for Seizure Management

(Not substitutes for prescribed veterinary treatment — potential supportive roles only)

CBD and Hemp-Derived Compounds

•  Evidence: A clinical trial at Colorado State University tested CBD oil in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Dogs receiving CBD showed a 33% reduction in seizure frequency, though not all responded (McGrath et al., 2019).

•  Cats: No robust feline trials yet; anecdotal reports suggest variable tolerance.

•  Mechanism: Modulation of the endocannabinoid system, which influences neuronal excitability.

•  Limitations: Dosing, long-term safety, and product consistency remain uncertain.

Herbal Extracts with Neurological Effects

•  Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis): Traditionally used for calming. Human studies show sedative effects, but no controlled veterinary trials. Cats may be more sensitive due to liver metabolism.

•  Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Mild anxiolytic in humans, may reduce nervous excitability. Veterinary data lacking.

•  Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Known for calming and GI soothing; contains apigenin (a flavonoid with mild GABAergic activity). Safety in pets is good when used as tea or glycerin extract, but high doses can cause vomiting.

Nutritional and Functional Foods

•  Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA): Shown to reduce neuroinflammation in humans; limited canine data, but may support brain health (Vaughn et al., 2019).

•  Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs): A study in epileptic dogs showed MCT oil supplementation reduced seizure frequency by providing ketone-based fuel for the brain (Law et al., 2015).

•  Antioxidants (Vitamin E, CoQ10): Experimental studies in rodents suggest neuroprotection, but veterinary trials are sparse.

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Evidence Review of Seizure-Related Research in Pets

•  CBD in Dogs: Small randomized clinical trials suggest benefit, but results vary; placebo effects and small sample sizes limit conclusions.

•  MCT Diets in Dogs: Controlled trials showed measurable seizure reduction in some dogs, indicating dietary fat composition may influence neuronal stability.

•  Cats: Very limited controlled studies. Most recommendations are extrapolated from human or canine data.

Research Gaps

•  Lack of large-scale, long-term studies in both dogs and cats.

•  Feline-specific research urgently needed.

•  Comparative studies on combined natural + pharmaceutical therapy.

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Safety, Dosage, and Veterinary Guidance

Why Dosage is Complex

•  Dogs: Generally, tolerate a wider range of supplements.

•  Cats: More vulnerable due to limited liver detoxification enzymes (Phase II metabolism). Herbs safe for dogs may be unsafe for cats.

Product Quality and Safety

•  Only use third-party tested supplements free from heavy metals, pesticides, or contaminants.

•  CBD safety: THC must be <0.3% — higher can cause toxicity.

•  Avoid: Essential oils, unregulated herbal tinctures, or high-dose human supplements.

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Practical Tips for Pet Owners

•  During a seizure: Stay calm, keep pet away from sharp objects, do not put hands in mouth, record time.

•  When to seek vet care: If seizure lasts >5 minutes, occurs in clusters, or if first-ever seizure.

•  Home care: Maintain seizure diary (date, time, duration, possible triggers).

•  Supportive environment: Reduce stress, maintain consistent feeding schedule, avoid toxin exposure.

•  Discuss natural support with your veterinarian before introducing anything new.

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FAQ

Q: What causes seizures in dogs and cats naturally?
A: Causes include genetic predisposition, liver disease, low blood sugar, toxins, and infections. Cats often develop seizures secondary to illness rather than genetics.

Q: Can natural remedies stop seizures in pets?
A: Natural remedies cannot stop seizures, but supplements like MCT oil, omega-3 fatty acids, or CBD may support brain health when combined with veterinary treatment.

Q: Is CBD safe for dogs and cats with epilepsy?
A: Some studies show CBD may reduce seizures in dogs, but results vary. Feline safety data is lacking. Only veterinary-approved, THC-free products should be considered.

Q: What should I do if my cat has a seizure at home?
A: Stay calm, keep the cat safe, avoid restraining or touching the mouth, and call a veterinarian after the episode. If seizures are prolonged or clustered, seek emergency care.

Q: Which dog breeds are prone to epilepsy?
A: Border Collies, Beagles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers show higher risk of idiopathic epilepsy.

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References

•  Berendt, M., Farquhar, R. G., Mandigers, P. J., Pakozdy, A., Bhatti, S. F., De Risio, L., … & Volk, H. A. (2015). International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Veterinary Research, 11(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0461-2

•  Ekenstedt, K. J., & Oberbauer, A. M. (2013). Inherited epilepsy in dogs. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 28(2), 51-58. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.002

•  Law, T. H., Davies, E. S., Pan, Y., Zanghi, B., & Volk, H. A. (2015). A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(9), 1438-1447. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000711451500313X

•  McGrath, S., Bartner, L. R., Rao, S., Packer, R. A., & Gustafson, D. L. (2019). Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301-1308. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301

•  Pakozdy, A., Halasz, P., & Klang, A. (2010). Epilepsy in cats: theory and practice. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24(3), 506-514. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0490.x

•  Podell, M. (2016). Seizures and epilepsy. In E. Ettinger & E. Feldman (Eds.), Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (8th ed.). Elsevier.

•  Vaughn, D. M., Reinhart, G. A., Swaim, S. F., Lauten, S. D., Garner, C. A., Boudreaux, M. K., … & Hoffman, C. E. (2019). Evaluation of dietary n-3 fatty acid effects on indices of immune function in dogs. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 133(2-4), 161–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.07.014

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Seizures can be life-threatening. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet, supplements, or healthcare routine.