Canine Epilepsy: Understanding Seizures in Dogs
What is Canine Epilepsy?
Canine epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures in dogs. It is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions and can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. Seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can range from mild episodes to severe convulsions.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
Dogs can experience different types of seizures, each with unique characteristics:
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These are the most common type of seizure in dogs.
They originate in both hemispheres of the brain and affect the entire body.
Dogs experiencing a grand mal seizure often:
Collapse suddenly.
Experience violent convulsions (jerking or paddling movements).
Lose consciousness or appear unaware of their surroundings.
May foam at the mouth or drool excessively.
Can lose bowel or bladder control during the seizure.
The seizure usually lasts between a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Afterward, dogs may experience a postictal phase, where they are disoriented, wobbly, temporarily blind, or anxious.
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Unlike grand mal seizures, focal seizures affect only a specific part of the brain, leading to localised symptoms.
Signs depend on which part of the brain is affected, but common symptoms include:
Twitching or jerking in one area of the body (such as a leg, ear, or face).
Uncontrollable blinking or facial spasms.
Sudden, repetitive movements (e.g., chewing or licking the air).
Unusual behavioural signs (e.g., staring into space, snapping at invisible objects).
Focal seizures can sometimes progress into generalised seizures, leading to full-body convulsions.
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These seizures affect behaviour rather than causing convulsions.
Dogs experiencing psychomotor seizures may exhibit:
Sudden unprovoked aggression or fear (e.g., attacking objects or people).
Repetitive behaviours like circling, tail chasing, or frantic running.
Hallucination-like reactions (e.g., staring at invisible objects or biting at the air).
These behaviours usually last a few minutes and can be mistaken for odd quirks or anxiety-related behaviour.
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A prolonged seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery between them.
This is a medical emergency—dogs in status epilepticus require immediate veterinary attention to prevent brain damage or death.
Dogs experiencing this condition may need:
Emergency IV medications to stop the seizures.
Oxygen therapy and intensive care monitoring.
Long-term anti-seizure medication management.
Causes & Risk Factors
Epilepsy in dogs can have various causes, including:
Idiopathic Epilepsy – Inherited with no known cause, commonly seen in breeds like Border Collies and Labradors.
Structural Epilepsy – Caused by brain abnormalities such as tumours, trauma, or inflammation.
Reactive Seizures – Triggered by toxins, metabolic imbalances, or poisoning (e.g., snail bait, xylitol, certain medications).
Head Trauma – Past injuries increasing seizure risk.
Brain Infections – Conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis can lead to seizures.
Heat Stroke – Severe overheating causing neurological damage.
Nutritional Deficiencies – Deficiencies in vitamins like B1 affecting brain health.
Recognizing the Different Stages of a Seizure
Seizures usually occur in three distinct phases:
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A period before the seizure begins where the dog may show warning signs like:
✔️ Restlessness or pacing
✔️ Excessive salivation or drooling
✔️ Clinginess or hiding
✔️ Whining or appearing anxious -
This is the active seizure phase, where the dog experiences convulsions, twitching, or other neurological symptoms.
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The after-seizure period, where the dog may:
✔️ Appear confused or disoriented
✔️ Have temporary blindness
✔️ Show excessive thirst or hunger
✔️ Exhibit lethargy or hyperactivity
Diagnosis & Treatment
Veterinarians diagnose epilepsy through blood tests, neurological exams, and imaging (MRI or CT scans).
Treatment options include:
✔️ Anti-Seizure Medications – Vet-prescribed drugs like Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide, and Levetiracetam.
✔️ Lifestyle Adjustments – Reducing stress, keeping a routine, and avoiding seizure triggers.
✔️ Diet & Supplements – Some research supports ketogenic diets or MCT oil for brain health.
✔️ Emergency Care – Seizures lasting over five minutes require immediate veterinary intervention.
Living with an Epileptic Dog
With proper treatment and management, many dogs with epilepsy can live happy and fulfilling lives. Regular vet check-ups, a stable home environment, and adherence to prescribed treatments are crucial in managing epilepsy effectively.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of seizures in dogs can help pet owners recognise early warning signs and get veterinary help before a condition worsens. If your dog experiences seizures frequently or has a prolonged seizure, contact a vet immediately.