Understanding and managing seizures in dogs

Key points: Watching your dog have a seizure can be a scary and confusing experience. By learning about the causes, recognising the signs, and exploring treatment options, you can better manage this condition and help your furry friend live a happy life. Let's dive into everything you need to know to keep your dog safe and healthy! What's a seizure? A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that disrupts normal brain function. It can cause convulsions, twitching, staring spells or a temporary loss of awareness. Seizures can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, or more prolonged, potentially indicating a medical emergency. Explain it to me like I'm five: Imagine that your dog's brain is a big orchestra. Each musician (or neuron) plays either loudly (excitatory) or softly (inhibitory), and when they play together in the right balance, the music (signals) sounds perfect. Sometimes, though, too many musicians might play too loudly at once, causing a big, noisy mess—that's like a seizure. Want to get deeper into the science? The Canine Epilepsy Project is a fantastic resource. What causes seizures in dogs? Dogs can have seizures for various reasons, ranging from genetic predispositions to environmental factors. Here are a few of the most commonly studied. Genetics Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to seizures. Researchers are racing to figure out what makes a breed prone to developing a condition and which breeds are most susceptible. According to Cornell's Canine Health Center , some of the most vulnerable breeds include: Interestingly, Cornell also states that some breeds, including German Shepherds , Border Collies, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies , Keeshonds, and Saint Bernards , are prone to having more "difficult" or prolonged seizures than others. While you can't shield your pedigree from every possible accident or illness, you can start by buying from a reputable breeder who doesn't breed dogs with any known health issues. And if you do have a breed that might be prone to seizures, it's a good idea to be aware of the signs (below) so you know what to do if they have one. Medical conditions Sometimes, the root cause of a seizure isn't actually related to a brain disorder but rather another health condition. Some diseases that might trigger seizures include: The bad news? Some of these diseases can be deadly serious, especially if they're not dealt with early on. The good news? If your dog's seizures are rooted in one of these conditions and they're successfully treated or medically managed, they may never experience a seizure again. Toxin exposure Exposure to toxins can impact a dog's neurological health and potentially trigger seizures. Some well-documented environmental toxins include: Diet and nutritional imbalances Certain dietary factors and nutritional imbalances can also play a significant role in triggering seizures in dogs. Always keep coffee and chocolate out of your pup's reach and check out our database on safe vs. unsafe foods for pups if you're wondering whether you can treat your pup to human foods. Epilepsy If your dog has recurrent seizures, they may be diagnosed with " epilepsy, " which is actually the most common neurologic disease in dogs. Your dog's epilepsy may be dubbed "idiopathic," which means your vet hasn't pinned down a specific cause. "Idiopathic epilepsy" is the most common type of epilepsy. It's defined as " two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart with no identifiable underlying etiology other than a suspected genetic origin." Treatment for idiopathic epilepsy should reduce seizure frequency to a manageable level. Seizures may not be eliminated altogether with medication, meaning that your dog may still have the odd episode. The main aim is to ensure that your pet has a good quality of life for as long as possible. Some dogs can be well-managed for many years, but epilepsy can have a negative impact on your pet’s lifespan, especially if seizures are not well controlled. Types of seizures in dogs The Merck Veterinary Manual provides a detailed classification of the types of seizures that dogs can experience. What does a dog seizure look like? Recognising the signs of a seizure can help you respond quickly and effectively. Pre-seizure signs Before a seizure, your dog may show any of the following signs: During a seizure During a seizure, you may see the following: Post-seizure behaviour After a seizure, dogs often experience a period of confusion, disorientation, and weakness. This post-ictal phase can last from minutes to hours, and your dog might need extra care and comfort. Can you stop a dog's seizure immediately? Unfortunately, you cannot stop a dog's seizure immediately once it has started. However, you can help ensure their safety during the episode. More on that next. What to do if your dog has a seizure If your dog is having a seizure, don't panic ! While you can't just snap your fingers and stop a seizure, there are a few things you can do. And as always, call your vet as soon as you can (even during the seizure) for their advice. When are dogs most likely to have a seizure? While we might assume that dogs are more likely to have seizures when they're overstimulated, it's actually the opposite, according to Dennis O'Brien, DVM, PhD Diplomate, ACVIM. Your dog's most prone to having a seizure when they're totally relaxed—even sound asleep. If your dog tends to have seizures when they're excited or exercising, it could indicate an underlying health condition related to their heart or blood sugar. However, in many cases, there is no pattern for when a seizure might occur. Living with a dog with recurrent seizures Living with a dog that has seizures involves careful management and ongoing support. Home care tips Creating a safe environment is crucial for dogs with seizures. Remove sharp objects and hazards, and provide a comfortable, quiet space for recovery. Keep a seizure diary to track frequency, duration, and triggers to share with your vet. Long-term management Long-term management of seizures involves regular veterinary check-ups , medication adjustments, and monitoring your dog's overall health. Stay vigilant for any changes in behaviour or health that might indicate issues. Support and resources Living with a dog that has seizures can be challenging, but you're not alone. Many online forums, support groups, and resources can provide valuable information and support. Your veterinarian can also offer guidance and answer any questions you may have. Treatment options for seizures The management of seizures in dogs typically involves a combination of medications, dietary changes, and sometimes alternative therapies. Medications For emergency/acute seizure control , your vet might use benzodiazepines such as diazepam and midazolam. These drugs quickly stop seizures by enhancing the calming effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. For recurring seizures, phenobarbital and potassium bromide are commonly used as first-line treatments . Phenobarbital stabilizes brain activity, while potassium bromide alters chloride transport to reduce "neuronal excitability." Typically, the latter drugs are prescribed when your dog is actually diagnosed with epilepsy, not if they have a single episode. Your dog will need to take them orally at regular intervals every day. However, medications like these can come with some side effects that require careful monitoring. So how does a vet make the call? Dr. O'Brien explains this decision-making process well : Thankfully, new drugs like levetiracetam (Keppra) and zonisamide are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects. But every drug comes with potential downsides. Your vet can discuss whether or not medications would be right for your dog. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Dietary Changes Nutrition and weight can play a crucial role in helping to control seizures. Your vet might recommend you switch to a "medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)" diet or use an MCT supplement, which contains special fats called medium-chain triglycerides that are easier for the body to use than regular fats. If your dog's on medication, you'll need to keep a close eye on their diet with your vet's help. Some meds, like potassium bromide, can be less effective if your pup gets too much sodium. And weight gain is a big deal for medication dosing, too—if your dog gains weight (even a few pounds), it can reduce the effectiveness of their drugs. Vagal nerve stimulation and acupuncture Vagal nerve stimulation involves using a small device implanted under the skin to send electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which can help reduce seizure activity. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to improve energy flow and reduce seizures. Both of these options are being explored as alternative treatments for managing epilepsy in dogs, but they're still being studied. If you're interested, ask your vet before you make an appointment! Should you put a dog down if it has seizures? Many dogs with epilepsy live happy, fulfilling lives with proper treatment and care. If seizures are infrequent and manageable with medication, the outlook can be good. However, if the seizures are severe and frequent and treatments aren't working, your vet may recommend euthanasia. Always discuss your dog's situation with your vet to explore all possible treatments before making any decisions! And by the way, in cases like these, it's wonderful not to have to worry that the cost of care will impact your decision. Dog insurance can help you pay for unexpected accidents, illnesses, and even the cost of medications to treat conditions like epilepsy.

Understanding and managing seizures in dogs

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