Canine epilepsy in dogs is a common neurological disorder that affects many pets, causing recurrent seizures that can be distressing for both dogs and their owners. While anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) are essential for controlling these seizures, they often come with side effects—one of the most common being increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain and even obesity. This blog post explains why ASDs increase appetite, the risks of obesity in dogs, and how dietary changes like the ketogenic diet can help manage these challenges.
Why Are Anti-Seizure Drugs Important?
Before exploring the side effects, it’s important to understand the role of ASDs in managing canine epilepsy. These medications:
Reduce the Frequency and Severity of Seizures: ASDs stabilize brain activity by altering the chemical signals (neurotransmitters) that control nerve cell communication.
Improve Quality of Life: With fewer seizures, dogs can live more normal, comfortable lives.
Prevent Health Declines from Frequent Seizures: Without medication, seizures can become severe and life-threatening.
While ASDs are not a cure, they’re often the cornerstone of epilepsy management, and their benefits outweigh the risks for most dogs.
How Do Anti-Seizure Drugs Increase Appetite?
While ASDs help control seizures, they can also disrupt normal appetite regulation. Here’s how:
Stimulating Hunger Centers in the Brain: Some ASDs directly activate the parts of the brain that control hunger, making dogs feel hungrier.
Interfering with Satiety Signals: ASDs may block the signals that tell a dog they’re full, leading to overeating even after normal-sized meals.
Hormonal Imbalances: Medications can alter hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and fullness, driving dogs to eat more frequently.
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The Risk of Obesity in Dogs on Anti-Seizure Drugs
The link between ASDs and increased appetite is well-documented. Many dogs on ASDs experience:
Polyphagia: Excessive hunger or food-seeking behaviour.
Weight Gain and Obesity: A common side effect that occurs even when owners try to limit food intake.
Why Is Obesity a Concern?
Obesity in dogs can lead to:
Joint Problems: Increased stress on bones and joints, leading to arthritis.
Heart Disease: Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system.
Diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes in dogs.
Shortened Lifespan: Overweight dogs are more likely to have reduced lifespans compared to healthy-weight dogs.
A study in the Veterinary Record using the Dog Obesity Risk Assessment (DORA) questionnaire found that dogs with epilepsy on ASDs had significantly higher food motivation and body condition scores (a measure of body fat) than healthy dogs. This shows that managing appetite is a critical challenge for dogs on ASDs.
How the Ketogenic Diet May Help
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that’s been explored as a tool for managing epilepsy in dogs. Originally developed for humans with epilepsy, the diet shifts the body’s energy source from glucose to fat, which can have positive effects on brain activity and overall health.
Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet for Dogs with Epilepsy:
Seizure Reduction: Early studies suggest the ketogenic diet may reduce seizure frequency in some dogs. This could reduce reliance on higher doses of ASDs, potentially lowering side effects like increased appetite.
Appetite Regulation: Ketogenic diets are naturally more satiating because fat takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which could help curb excessive hunger in dogs on ASDs.
Weight Management: With careful portion control, a ketogenic diet can support healthy weight loss or maintenance, even in dogs with increased food cravings.
Improved Energy Levels: By stabilizing blood sugar and providing a steady energy source, the diet may enhance overall vitality and well-being.
Practical Tips for Managing Appetite and Weight
Here are some additional strategies to manage appetite and weight in dogs on ASDs:
Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Splitting meals into smaller portions throughout the day can help satisfy hunger.
Use Low-Calorie Treats: Replace calorie-dense snacks with healthier options like carrots or blueberries.
Increase Exercise: Regular physical activity helps burn calories and prevent weight gain.
Interactive Feeding Toys: Use puzzle feeders to slow down eating and provide mental stimulation.
Regular Checkups: Work closely with your vet to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their diet or medication as needed.
Conclusion: How Anti-Seizure Drugs cause Increased Appetite in Dogs With Epilepsy and What to Do About It
While anti-seizure drugs are essential for managing epilepsy in dogs, the side effect of increased appetite can lead to serious health issues like obesity. By understanding the reasons behind this appetite change and taking proactive steps—like considering a ketogenic diet or other dietary adjustments—you can help your dog stay healthy while managing their condition.
With the right care and support from your veterinarian, dogs with epilepsy can live long, happy lives.
References
Bosch, G., Beerda, B., Hendriks, W. H., van der Poel, A. F. B., & Verstegen, M. W. A. (2007). Impact of nutrition on canine behaviour: current status and possible mechanisms. Nutrition Research Reviews, 20(2), 180–194.
D'Andrea, M., Romao, I., Pires, T. T., do Prado, H. J., Krüger, L. T., Pires, M. E. P., et al. (2019). Ketogenic diet and epilepsy: what we know so far. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 13(5). doi: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00005.
Löscher, W. (2022). Dogs as a natural animal model of epilepsy. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 928009.
Martlé, V., Van Ham, L., Raedt, R., Vonck, K., Boon, P., & Bhatti, S. (2014). Non-pharmacological treatment options for refractory epilepsy: an overview of human treatment modalities and their potential utility in dogs. The Veterinary Journal, 199(3), 332–339. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.055.
Morros-Nuevo, A., Packer, R. M. A., Regan, N., & Raffan, E. (Year). Caregiver-reported increased food motivation and adiposity in dogs receiving antiseizure drugs. Veterinary Record.
Packer, R. M. A., McGreevy, P. D., & Salvin, H. E. (2016). Effects of a ketogenic diet on ADHD-like behavior in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 55, 62–68.
Pilla, R., et al. (2020). The effects of a ketogenic medium-chain triglyceride diet on the feces in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 541547.
Potschka, H., Fischer, A., Löscher, W., et al. (2015). International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus proposal: outcome of therapeutic interventions in canine and feline epilepsy. BMC Veterinary Research, 11, 1–13.
Zupec-Kania, B. A., Kossoff, E. H., Ballaban-Gil, K. R., et al. (2018). Optimal clinical management of children receiving dietary therapies for epilepsy: updated recommendations of the international ketogenic diet study group. Epilepsia Open, 3(2), 175–192.
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