Cooking for your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you want to add a little extra flavour and variety to their meals. If you have a dog with epilepsy, you might be curious about which herbs and spices are safe, beneficial, or best avoided. But before we dive in, it’s essential to remember: no herb or spice is a miracle cure for epilepsy. While certain herbs may have properties that support overall health, they are unlikely to dramatically impact your dog’s seizures—positively or negatively. However, with a bit of caution and knowledge, you can still "spice up" your dog's life with some tasty, safe additions to their meals.
Herbs with Potential Anti-Seizure (Anti-Convulsive) Effects
Herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and some are even being studied for their potential to support the nervous system. Here are a few that, while not miracle workers, could offer gentle support due to their purported calming or anti-convulsive properties.
Coriander (Cilantro):
A widely used herb in cooking, cilantro is packed with antioxidants. Some animal studies suggest it could have anti-convulsive properties, but these studies are preliminary. While it won’t replace any medications, adding a bit of cilantro to your dog's diet might offer a tasty, antioxidant-rich bonus.
Spearmint & Peppermint:
Both of these herbs are often associated with digestion, but there are indications from research into herbal remedies that they may have calming effects on the nervous system. This is not a green light to expect significant anti-epileptic results, but small amounts of mint can be refreshing and safe.
Cumin:
Cumin seeds are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Though cumin has not been extensively studied for seizures, it is safe in small amounts for dogs and may help promote overall well-being.
Dill:
Known for its soothing digestive benefits, dill also has antioxidant properties, which can help fight inflammation. While not directly studied for anti-seizure effects in dogs, its calming influence on digestion may indirectly benefit dogs experiencing stress or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Camomile:
This herb is best known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. A study on camomile’s benefits for stress relief suggests that it might have mild sedative properties, which could be helpful in managing stress, a potential seizure trigger for some dogs. Camomile tea (cooled and offered in small amounts) can be a soothing option for dogs.
Herbs That Are Safe for Dogs and Have No Link to Seizures
These herbs can add flavour and health benefits to your dog's meals without any concerns about their effect on seizures. While not directly influencing neurological health, they can support overall wellness in your dog’s life.
Turmeric:
This popular spice has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While not directly related to seizures, turmeric is generally beneficial for overall health, supporting joint health and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to a dog’s well-being.
Sweet Basil & Basil:
Both types of basil are safe for dogs and bring a lot to the table with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While they won’t influence seizures, they’re a tasty and healthy addition to your dog’s meals.
Thyme:
Thyme has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent herb to support a healthy immune system. It’s safe to use in cooking for your dog, just make sure to use it in small amounts.
Parsley:
Often used as a breath freshener, parsley also offers vitamins A, C, and K. While it won’t affect epilepsy, it’s a great herb for overall health and can help support your dog’s immune system.
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Herbs Safe for Dogs, But Best Used with Caution for Epilepsy
These herbs are generally safe for dogs in cooking, but if your dog has epilepsy, it's a good idea to use them sparingly. In small amounts, they are unlikely to cause issues, but a little caution goes a long way.
Sage:
Often used in cooking for its earthy flavour, sage is safe for dogs but can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system in large quantities. If you want to add sage to your dog's meals, keep it to a pinch.
Rosemary:
There is a lot of confusion around rosemary. While rosemary extract (often used as a preservative in dog food) is safe and won't cause seizures, excess rosemary such as rosemary essential oil or huge amounts of rosemary leaves have been associated with increased neurological activity in some sensitive dogs. It’s best to use fresh rosemary sparingly.
Fennel:
Fennel seeds are safe for dogs and known to support digestion. However, like rosemary, fennel is thought to stimulate the nervous system, so it’s better to use it occasionally and in small amounts.
Introducing Herbs to Your Dog: Less is Always More
When it comes to introducing new herbs to your dog's diet, especially if they have epilepsy, it's important to proceed with care. The phrase "less is more" is your guiding principle here. While many herbs are safe and even offer potential health benefits, each dog is unique, and their response to dietary changes can vary.
Start Small and Observe
Begin by incorporating very small amounts of any herb—just a pinch or a sprinkle—and monitor your dog's response. Gradually introducing herbs allows you to observe any changes in your dog's behaviour, digestion, or overall well-being. Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of discomfort, gastrointestinal upset, or unusual symptoms. If your dog is on medication for epilepsy, be mindful of how any dietary change might interact with their medication and consult your vet if unsure.
Less is Always More
Dogs’ bodies are much smaller than humans’, so the doses they need are correspondingly tiny. A dog's liver and kidneys process foods differently, and while an herb like turmeric may benefit humans in larger quantities, the same can’t be said for dogs. A small amount is often sufficient for your dog to enjoy any potential benefits without overwhelming their system.
Respect Your Dog’s Individual Preferences
Just like us, dogs have preferences. Some dogs may love the taste of parsley or ginger, while others may turn their noses up. It’s important to respect your dog's tastes. If they seem to dislike a particular herb, don't force it. Instead, try another option, or simply stick to herbs you know they enjoy. Cooking for your dog should be a positive experience, not a battle over flavour.
Be Consistent and Track Any Changes
Introducing new foods and herbs into your dog's diet is not an experiment to be rushed. Patience is key, and consistency helps you identify patterns. Keep a food journal if needed—record what herbs you've introduced, in what quantities, and any effects you've noticed. This will give you a clear picture of whether certain herbs have a noticeable impact, whether positive or neutral.
Always Prioritise Professional Advice
Although it's fun to explore natural ways to support your dog's health, herbs should never replace veterinary care or prescribed medications. Your vet is your best partner in managing your dog's epilepsy. Always run any dietary changes by them first, particularly if your dog is on medication, as even safe herbs can occasionally interact with treatments.
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Conclusion: Have Fun, but Keep It Balanced When Using Herbs for Dogs with Seizures
Cooking for your dog can be a fun way to connect with them, and adding herbs and spices to their meals can bring new flavours and benefits. However, remember that herbs are not a substitute for medication and should be used to complement your dog’s epilepsy management, not replace it. Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of discomfort. And as always, consult with your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.
References
Habib, R., Becker, K. S., & Loberg, K. (2021). *The forever dog: surprising new science to help your canine companion live younger, healthier, and longer.* First edition. New York, NY, Harper Wave, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.
Bahr TA, Rodriguez D, Beaumont C, Allred K. The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 May 22;2019:6216745. doi: 10.1155/2019/6216745. PMID: 31239862; PMCID: PMC6556313.
Hosseini, Abdolkarim, Vahid Azizi, and Farzin Allahyari. "Effects of Thymus vulgaris on passive avoidance learning and oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazole-induced model of memory impairment in the male Wistar rats." *Journal of Cellular Neuroscience and Oxidative Stress* 13.1 (2021): 985-993.
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