Levetiracetam for Dogs – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Alternatives

What is Levetiracetam & what can it be used for?

Levetiracetam, more commonly known for its brand-name Keppra, is primarily used to treat seizures and epilepsy in dogs. Sometimes, Levetiracetam is used in conjunction with other drugs to help alleviate symptoms more effectively, but that’s not the case all the time. If your vet decides to use more than one medication to help treat your dog at a time, he or she will be sure to have the other medications prescribed at a low dosage to avoid other unwanted side effects.

Most other anticonvulsant medications on the market produce harmful adverse reactions; recently, veterinarians have been prescribing Levetiracetam to help minimize the potential side effects, as it’s a more modern and medically appropriate solution that does not typically produce signs of addiction. An even better solution to seizure-related symptoms and epilepsy would be CBD oil; we’ll give you some information on that, too.

What is the correct dosage to administer to my dog?

For dogs, Levetiracetam can be prescribed in 500 mg and 750 mg extended-release tablets and 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg regular tablets. This medication is typically written for a high dosage, as other medications in conjunction will be written for low dosages. The combination of a high Levetiracetam dosage and a low dosage of a similar medication will work better to improve your dog’s quality of life.

The type of tablet chosen will determine the number of times the medication will be given. For instance, if extended-release is chosen, your dog will usually take the medication twice a day; if regular tablets are chosen, your dog will typically take them three times a day. The main reason for the drug being administered so frequently is due to your dog’s ability to break down the drug quickly. Because your dog can break down the drug quickly, he or she inadvertently avoids in-depth liver damage.

Are there side effects associated with Levetiracetam?

Fortunately, Levetiracetam does not significantly affect the liver due to your dog’s ability to break down the medication quickly. However, there are other potential side effects you’ll want to look out for before giving your dog the medication. The most common are as follows:

• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Abnormal behavior
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Is there an alternative I can turn to?

Even though the list of potential side effects is not unusually lengthy, many pet parents still wish to avoid them at all costs. If you’re looking for a more natural way to combat your dog’s symptoms and ailments related to seizures and epilepsy, try administering CBD oil to him or her.

CBD oil is a leading treatment method in the world today. Not only can it help with ridding your dog of seizures and epileptic symptoms, but it can also improve his or her quality of life. Your dog will run around the yard with newfound energy and motivation.

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