Even if your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, he might not require medication. If your dog gets a seizure less than once a month, for instance, the side effects of the medication often aren’t worth it.

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Common treatments include phenobarbital, a type of barbiturate, and potassium bromide, a chemical salt used as an anticonvulsant. Side effects can include vomiting, lethargy and dizziness. These medications may lessen the severity and frequency of seizures, but they can’t cure epilepsy.

Sources

Brevitz, Betsy. “Complete Healthy Dog Handbook.” Workman Publishing, 2009 (May 6, 2011)

http://books.google.com/books?id=DA8Nb56R3qsC

Foster, Race. “Epilepsy: A Cause of Seizure in Dogs.” Peteducation.com. (June 30, 2011)

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2105&aid=433

Messonnier, Shawn. “Natural Health Bible for Dog & Cats.” Random House Digital, Inc., 2001. (May 6, 2011)

http://books.google.com/books?id=gWHMki60uK0C

Osborne, Carol. “Dr. Carol’s Naturally Healthy Dogs.” American Pet Institute, 2006. (May 6, 2011)

http://books.google.com/books?id=nKVe_aDKuMwC

Pitcairn, Richard H., Susan Hubble Pitcairn. “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.” Rodale, 2005. (May 6, 2011)

http://books.google.com/books?id=tEsoP6-T1tAC