Seizures In Dogs: Causes, Types, Treatment And Prevention Guide
Informed care and timely support are vital for your furry companion’s smooth recovery.
Seizures in Dogs: Causes, Types, Treatment, and Prevention
Seizures represent one of the most common and alarming neurological conditions in dogs. Characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, loss of awareness, and abnormal behavior, seizures are most often caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain. While not always an emergency, any dog experiencing a seizure should receive prompt veterinary attention to determine its cause, guide appropriate treatment, and minimize future risk.
This guide covers the fundamental aspects of seizures in dogs â including their types, symptoms, potential causes, diagnosis, recommended treatments, and steps to take at home during and after a seizure.
What Is a Seizure?
A seizure in dogs is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that leads to physical convulsions, altered consciousness, or abnormal behaviors. Seizures are a clinical sign, not a disease in themselves, and can result from myriad underlying issues affecting the canine brain or body.
The actual event of the seizure is termed the ictal phase, a period when the dog may lose consciousness and display involuntary muscle contractions or movements. Dogs in the midst of a seizure are typically unaware of their surroundings and have no control over their actions. Most seizures last from a few seconds up to two minutes, with the average around 30 to 90 seconds.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
Veterinarians classify seizures in dogs into several categories based on their clinical presentation and the portion of the brain involved:
- Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures: By far the most common, these seizures involve abnormal electrical activity across both hemispheres of the brain. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, sudden collapse, muscle rigidity, paddling of the limbs, drooling, urination, and sometimes defecation. The dog is unaware of its surroundings during these episodes.
- Focal (Partial) Seizures: These originate in a specific region of the brain and may affect only one area or side of the body. Symptoms can include facial twitching, repetitive limb movement, salivation, or other localized manifestations. Dogs may remain aware or slightly altered in consciousness.
- Psychomotor Seizures: Distinguished less by convulsions and more by unusual or compulsive behavior, such as frantic running, sudden rage, or apparent hallucinations (like fly-snapping). The animal often appears disoriented or in an altered state.
- Cluster Seizures: Two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, separated by periods of recovery.
- Status Epilepticus: A life-threatening condition where a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or when several occur without full recovery between episodes. This is a medical emergency.
Phases of a Seizure
- Pre-Ictal (Aura) Phase: Dogs may show anxiety, restlessness, whining, trembling, salivation, or seeking comfort. Some become clingy or hide. These behaviors precede the seizure and can last seconds to hours.
- Ictal Phase: The seizure itself. Loss or change of consciousness and involuntary movement occurs. Duration is usually less than two minutes.
- Post-Ictal Phase: After the episode, dogs are frequently confused, disoriented, lethargic, or uncoordinated. Some display increased hunger/thirst, temporary blindness, or unusual behavior. This may last minutes to hours.
Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs
Seizures can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, either within the brain (intracranial) or stemming from body-wide (systemic) problems (extracranial). Identifying the cause is critical to guiding treatment and prognosis.
Intracranial Causes (Originating in the Brain)
- Genetic or idiopathic epilepsy (no identifiable structural cause; hereditary in certain breeds)
- Brain tumors
- Head trauma (such as a blow or injury)
- Brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
- Congenital malformations (defects present from birth)
Extracranial Causes (Outside the Brain)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) â especially in puppies, small breeds, insulinoma (tumor)
- Blood electrolyte imbalances (low calcium, low sodium, low potassium)
- Liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Toxins or poisoning (lead, antifreeze, insecticides, chocolate, some human medications)
- Severe kidney disease
- High fever or overheating (heatstroke)
In dogs under six months or over six years, seizures tend to point toward metabolic or structural causes. For dogs between those ages, primary (idiopathic) epilepsy is the leading consideration, particularly in breeds with a genetic predisposition such as Beagles, German Shepherds, and Border Collies.
What others are reading
Seizure Triggers and Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition (family history in certain breeds)
- Previous brain injury or trauma
- Exposure to toxins (medications, foods, chemicals, plants)
- Metabolic disorders (diabetes, thyroid disease)
- Stress, excitement, or abrupt changes in environment/routine
- Missed doses of prescribed anti-seizure medication in epileptic dogs
How Veterinarians Diagnose Seizures
Diagnosing the cause of a dogâs seizures typically begins with a detailed health history, a thorough physical and neurological examination, and a sequence of laboratory tests. The purpose is to determine whether the seizures are due to a primary brain disorder or a systemic (metabolic or toxic) cause.
- History: Onset age, seizure frequency and duration, type of seizure activity, exposure to toxins, any trauma or prior illness.
- Physical Exam: Assesses overall health and looks for systemic disease.
- Bloodwork & Urinalysis: Evaluates organ function, blood sugar, electrolytes, and evidence of infection or poisoning.
- Advanced Imaging (if indicated): MRI or CT scans for brain tumors, trauma, or malformations.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Sometimes used to diagnose seizure type and monitor treatment effectiveness.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis: To detect infections or inflammation within the central nervous system.
What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure
- Stay Calm: Panicking can increase your dogâs distress.
- Time the Seizure: Most last 1-2 minutes. If a seizure continues for more than five minutes or repeats without recovery, seek emergency care.
- Clear the Space: Remove nearby objects to prevent injury.
- Donât Touch the Dogâs Mouth: Contrary to myth, dogs canât swallow their tongues. You risk being bitten if you try to touch their mouth during a seizure.
- Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe: Move them away from stairs, pools, or hard edges.
- Comfort Your Dog Post-Seizure: Afterward, they may act confused or fearful. Speak softly and provide reassurance.
- Track Details: Note the time, duration, and specific behaviors (paddling, drooling, urinating, etc.). Share this information with your veterinarian.
Veterinary Treatment Options
The approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause and the frequency/severity of your dogâs seizures. With epilepsy (recurrent unexplained seizures), treatment commonly involves daily anti-seizure medication or other medical interventions.
When Is Medication Needed?
- Seizures occur more than once every 4-6 weeks
- Cluster seizures (two or more in 24 hours) or status epilepticus
- Severe or prolonged post-seizure behavioral changes
- Underlying cause (tumor, infection) is untreatable or unknown
Common Anti-Seizure Medications
- Phenobarbital
- Potassium bromide
- Levetiracetam
- Zonisamide
- Other adjunct medications as directed by your veterinarian
Veterinarians strive to select the best medication or combination with the lowest risk of side effects, tailored to your dogâs needs and lifestyle. Dose adjustments, regular blood tests, and close monitoring are vital to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Prognosis, Complications, and Long-Term Care
With proper management, many dogs diagnosed with epilepsy lead relatively normal, happy lives. Medication success varies; some dogs experience reduced frequency or severity, while a small percentage achieve full remission. Other dogs may require lifelong adjustments or additional medications.
Potential risks include behavioral changes, adverse effects from medication (lethargy, appetite fluctuation, liver changes), and decreased quality of life if seizures are poorly controlled.
Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarian or veterinary neurologist for ongoing treatment and monitoring. Promptly report any changes in seizure frequency, duration, or recovery behavior.
Prevention and Reducing Seizure Risk
- Keep dogs away from known toxins and human medications.
- Provide a safe environment to reduce head injury risks.
- Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date (to protect against infections with neurological symptoms).
- Consider genetic screening for breeds at higher risk.
- Follow your veterinarianâs medication and monitoring plan without missing doses.
- Minimize situational stress and provide a consistent routine.
- Monitor for signs of metabolic disease (diabetes, renal or liver dysfunction) in at-risk dogs.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
- Your dog has their first-ever seizure
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or your dog has multiple seizures in less than 24 hours
- There is trouble recovering, ongoing disorientation, or new behavioral changes
- Your dog is less than six months or more than six years old at seizure onset
- Pre-existing health concerns or other symptoms present (vomiting, diarrhea, fever, injury)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are seizures painful for dogs?
A: While seizures can look distressing, they are not generally painful. Dogs may experience panic or confusion before and after, but they do not typically remember the event.
Q: Can I stop a seizure by holding my dog?
A: No. Never attempt to restrain your dog during a seizure. Instead, move objects away and keep them safe from injury. Do not put your hands near their mouth.
Q: Will my dog have more seizures in the future?
A: If the cause is epilepsy or remains undiagnosed, further seizures are probable. Frequency and severity depend on the underlying cause and effectiveness of monitoring and treatment.
Q: Are all dogs at equal risk for seizures?
A: Some breedsâsuch as Beagles, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherdsâhave a higher genetic risk for idiopathic epilepsy.
Q: Can seizures be prevented?
A: Not all seizures can be prevented, but reducing toxin exposure, managing diet, avoiding injuries, and treating underlying medical issues can minimize risk.
Q: What should I report to my vet after a seizure?
A: Record time/date, duration, physical signs, recovery behavior, and potential triggers. This helps your veterinarian make informed decisions about diagnostics and treatment.
Key Takeaways for Dog Owners
- Seizures are a sign of abnormal brain activity, not a standalone disease.
- Multiple types exist, ranging from dramatic convulsions to subtle behavioral episodes.
- Timely veterinary care is essential for determining the cause, managing symptoms, and improving your dogâs quality of life.
- Most dogs, with proper diagnosis and treatment, can live comfortable, fulfilling livesâeven with epilepsy.
Additional Resources
- Consult your veterinarian if you suspect any abnormal movement or behavior in your dog.
- Breed clubs, the American Kennel Club (AKC), and veterinary neurologists offer up-to-date guidance and support for owners managing canine seizures.
References
- https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-studies-will-investigate-use-of-eeg-and-fmri-in-dogs-with-epilepsy
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4552344/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/seizures-in-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/canine-epilepsy-myths/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/epilepsy-in-dogs/
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