{"id":2888,"date":"2025-12-19T09:40:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T09:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/?p=2888"},"modified":"2025-12-19T09:40:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T09:40:24","slug":"keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Keppra For Dogs: Uses And Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Key points<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keppra is a medication that contains levetiracetam as the active ingredient. It is a commonly used anticonvulsant for dogs suffering from seizures and epilepsy. It can be used alone or combined with other drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keppra can be given to dogs in the form of regular or extended-release tablets, liquid oral solution, or injections.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keppra has minor to no side effects. When present, typical side effects include drowsiness, appetite loss, behavioral changes, diarrhea, and vomiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should never stop giving your dog Keppra without a veterinarian\u2019s approval since it can cause your dog to have more frequent and severe seizures. Never give your dog double or extra doses of Keppra as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra is one of the many brand names for levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant commonly prescribed for conditions such as seizures and epilepsy. Statistics show that about 5% of all dogs suffer from seizures at some point in their lives. Dogs experience attacks when there is increased electrical activity in their brains, resulting in temporal behavioral abnormalities. Generally, seizure episodes are not life-threatening to your dog, and with an appropriate medication regimen, you can ensure your pet\u2019s long-term health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, veterinarians will prescribe phenobarbital and potassium bromide to dogs as a seizure treatment. But sometimes, these remedies are ineffective, and some dogs don\u2019t tolerate them well or experience unpleasant side effects. In those cases, Keppra is used as an alternative anticonvulsant treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/#How_To_Administer_Keppra\" >How To Administer Keppra?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/#Keppra_Dosage_For_Dogs\" >Keppra Dosage For Dogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/#Keppra_Side_Effects_For_Dogs\" >Keppra Side Effects For Dogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/#Keppras_Interactions_With_Other_Drugs\" >Keppra\u2019s Interactions With Other Drugs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/keppra-dogs-uses-side-effects\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Administer_Keppra\"><\/span>How To Administer Keppra?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra can be used alone or combined with phenobarbital or potassium bromide to increase its efficacy. When used in combination with other drugs, the dosage of Keppra should be reduced. Keppra can also alleviate the side effects of phenobarbital or potassium bromide, which often include sedation, loss of coordination (ataxia), and behavioral changes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra can be administered as 500 mg or 750 mg regular or extended-release tablets. It can also be given in the form of a liquid oral solution or as injections in clinics and veterinary hospitals. You can administer Keppra with food or on an empty stomach, but if you see any symptoms of stomach upset in your pet, give the drug with food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra takes about 1-2 hours to act, but you can\u2019t always see the drug\u2019s effect in action, so sometimes lab tests are needed to assess whether the medication is working for your dog. The effect usually lasts for 8 hours if your dog takes regular tablets and around 12 hours if it receives extended-release tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"71827a\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #71827a;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" src=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6234616.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2890 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6234616.avif 1200w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6234616-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6234616-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6234616-768x512.avif 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keppra_Dosage_For_Dogs\"><\/span>Keppra Dosage For Dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, levetiracetam is given three times a day, which is more frequent than other anticonvulsants, but if extended-release tablets are prescribed, then you should give your dog Keppra two times a day. This will prevent the pet from having an overdose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that you shouldn\u2019t crush or split extended-release tablets and if there\u2019s a risk that your dog may chew them instead of swallowing, try sticking to regular formulation tablets. You don\u2019t have to monitor your pet\u2019s blood parameters when it receives Kepptra treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra is one of the many medications that are prescribed off-label for dogs, which is why it\u2019s essential to strictly follow your veterinarian\u2019s recommendations instead of sticking to what is stated on the label. If you accidentally skip a dose, give it as soon as you remember, unless it\u2019s time for the next one. If it is, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule, but never give your dog a double dose of levetiracetam. Try to give each dose at the appropriate time because it\u2019ll help to control your dog\u2019s seizures properly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keppra_Side_Effects_For_Dogs\"><\/span>Keppra Side Effects For Dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Levetiracetam is generally safe for dogs, but scientists are still conducting more studies to assess possible side effects. However, it has been proven that this drug doesn\u2019t affect the liver or liver enzymes in the same way as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Keppra is not broken down by the liver, and it is secreted into the urine. This makes Keppra a safer option for dogs with certain liver diseases or impaired liver function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, dogs taking Keppra will experience minor, if any, side effects. Keppra can potentially cause the following side effects:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drowsiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appetite loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Behavioral changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keppra\u2019s effect on your pet should cease within 24 hours, but dogs with liver and kidney conditions may experience the effects of the drug for a longer time. If you see your dog experiencing an adverse or allergic reaction after taking Keppra, seek veterinary help immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should be extra careful when giving the medication to dogs with kidney or liver disease, pregnant or nursing dogs. Also, don\u2019t give Keppra to dogs that have had allergic reactions to the drug in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t stop administering levetiracetam to your dog unless a veterinarian advises you to do so. A sudden interruption in treatment can result in stronger withdrawal seizures which can even be life-threatening to your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"6c7e82\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6c7e82;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" src=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash-1024x724.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2891 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash-1024x724.avif 1024w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash-300x212.avif 300w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash-768x543.avif 768w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash-1536x1086.avif 1536w, https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/honest-paws-bPk6jTAhATk-unsplash.avif 1920w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keppras_Interactions_With_Other_Drugs\"><\/span>Keppra\u2019s Interactions With Other Drugs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Levetiracetam should be used with caution if your dog takes any of the following medications:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>carbamazepine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>methotrexate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>central nervous system depressants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>phenobarbital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to let the veterinarian know about all the medication your dog is taking, including vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766137175044\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is Keppra a good seizure medication for dogs?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Keppra is a good alternative for dogs that don\u2019t respond or respond poorly to conventional seizure medications such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766137180889\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the best seizure medication for dogs?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The best medications to treat dog seizures include potassium bromide, phenobarbital, levetiracetam, zonisamide, and primidone.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766137187328\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I give my dog Keppra?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Keppra is generally safe for dogs, and many veterinarians prescribe it as a seizure treatment. Unlike other anti-seizure drugs like phenobarbital and potassium bromide, it does not affect the liver or liver enzymes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766137192451\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much Keppra should my dog take?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The general rule is to give your dog 20 mg of Keppra per 1 kg of body weight, but the precise dosage should be determined by a veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766137200095\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should Keppra be taken every 12 hours?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Keppra can be taken twice a day every 12 hours, or three times a day if your dog takes extended-release tablets.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key points Keppra is one of the many brand names for levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant commonly prescribed for conditions such as seizures and epilepsy. Statistics show that about 5% of all dogs suffer from seizures at some point in their lives. Dogs experience attacks when there is increased electrical activity in their brains, resulting in temporal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2888"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2893,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2888\/revisions\/2893"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/world-arabia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}