Sep 14, 2025
Canine Epilepsy 101
First thing first:
Witnessing your dog having a seizure, especially for the first time, can be incredibly uncomfortable and overwhelming. A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, causing involuntary movements or behaviors in the dog that usually lasts for 1-3 minutes. A seizure can be caused by a range of different medical conditions, including epilepsy.
WARNING: Below is a video of dog experiencing a seizure. Despite the violent appearence it's important to know that the dog is unconscious and not aware of what's happening during the seizure.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder (originating from the brain) characterized by recurring seizures. It's important to understand that having one isolated seizure-event doesn't automatically mean a dog has epilepsy - this condition is defined by recurrent seizures occuring over an extended period of time.
How do we categorize seizures?
There are two primary types of seizures:
Generalized Seizures (Grand Mal): These seizures affect the entire body. Dogs typically lose consciousness, collapse, paddle their legs and may urinate or defecate.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures): These affect only one part of the body or a specific area of the brain. Symptoms might include twitching, chewing motions, localized shaking, unusual behavior, or confusion.
When Do Seizures Usually Begin?
Epilepsy typically starts in dogs between the ages of 1 and 5 years, but it can occasionally appear in puppies or in senior dogs. Certain breeds, such as Irish setters, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and German Shepherds, have a higher predisposition, but all dog breeds are susceptible.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy in dogs usually falls into two categories:
Idiopathic Epilepsy (Primary): No identifiable underlying cause - typically genetic. 'Idiopathic' is the medical term we use for diseases when the cause cannot be determined. This is the most common cause of epilepsy.
Secondary Epilepsy: Caused by conditions like brain tumors, trauma, infection, toxins, or metabolic issues.
Diagnosing Epilepsy in Dogs
In order to diagnose your dog with epilepsy, your veterinarian will perform a range of tests to exclude other conditions causing the dog's seizures. Epilepsy is a diagnosis reached by a process of elimination:
Take a thorough medical history and detailed seizure description.
Perform blood tests and urine analysis to rule out metabolic disorders such as electrolyte deficiencies, low blood sugar or diseases related to your dog's organs such as the liver or kidneys.
Recommend imaging such as MRI or CT scans to rule out brain abnormalities, especially if epilepsy onset is sudden or the dog is outside the typical age range.
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment typically involves anti-seizure medications. These medications work by controlling abnormal electrical activity in your brain, reducing the likelihood of seizures occurring. The most commonly used anti-seizure medications are:
Phenobarbital.
Potassium Bromide.
Zonisamide
Levetiracetam.
Regular veterinary checkups and blood monitoring are essential to keep medication levels effective and safe. Some of these medications have potential side effects, such as increased appetite and weight gain, temporary incoordination and upset stomach. Be sure to read up on any prescribed medication to understand potential side effects and how to manage them.
How to Handle a Seizure at Home?
Stay calm. It may look like your dog is suffering, but during a grand mal seizure your dog will most likely not be conscious. Note the time the seizure starts.
Ensure your dog is safe (away from stairs, sharp corners).
Avoid putting your hands in your dog’s mouth - they won’t swallow their tongue during the seizure.
Observe symptoms closely to describe to your vet later.
If seizures last longer than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures occur back-to-back, call for emergency veterinary care immediately.
What if Seizures Are Prolonged?
Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) or repeated seizures without recovery in between (cluster seizures) require immediate emergency veterinary intervention. These conditions can be life-threatening if not treated promptly so call your vet immediately.
Keeping a Seizure Diary
A seizure diary is a crucial tool and will be helpful for both you and your vet. Note seizure type, duration, frequency, triggers (if any), and behavior after episodes. The PetVitality app can help track seizures effectively, and can even make predictions about the time of the next seizure based on their regularity.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Diet and Lifestyle changes could be helpful in managing epilepsy, but should always be discussed with your vet first.
Consider diets that support neurological health (low-carb, ketogenic diets).
CBD oil is still being researched for epilepsy - discuss with your vet before starting.
Reduce stress and maintain regular routines to minimize seizure triggers.
Try to identify specific triggers, such as weather changes, stress or travel.
Common Myths About Canine Epilepsy
Dogs don’t swallow their tongues. Keep your hands away from their mouths during seizures to avoid injury.
Epilepsy isn't contagious. It's a neurological condition, not infectious.
Epilepsy isn’t a death sentence. Most epileptic dogs live full, happy lives with proper management.
Final Thoughts: Quality of Life and Long-Term Outlook
Quality of life assessment should be regularly discussed with your veterinarian, especially if seizures become gradually more frequent or intense, and interfere with your pup's day-to-day health and happiness. Decisions regarding treatment adjustments and quality-of-life considerations will most likely change over time.
