▷ Epilepsy in dogs and what to do during a seizure

Epilepsy in dogs is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, affecting approximately 3-5% of all furry friends.¹ It is a chronic condition in which a dog has repeated seizures (convulsions). Although epilepsy in dogs may seem scary, with proper diagnosis and treatment, your pet can live a full and happy life.

The most important thing is knowledge, adequate help during an attack and close cooperation with the veterinarian.

What is canine epilepsy?

Epilepsy in dogs is a brain disease characterized by recurrent seizures. They occur when the balance between excitatory and inhibitory nerve impulses is disrupted. Neurons in the brain are activated too strongly, a «storm» of electrical impulses occurs, which manifests itself in the form of seizures.

An epileptic seizure is not a random phenomenon: if the dog has repeated epileptic seizures, it is already considered epilepsy.

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Types and causes of epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy in dogs can manifest itself in different forms, depending on the causes that cause it:

Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy in dogs – usually related to genetics, occurs in young dogs (1-3 years old). This form is more common in beagles, Belgian shepherds, retrievers, poodles, border collies etc. Such dogs diagnosed with this disease should not be bred.
Secondary (symptomatic) epilepsy in dogs – occurs as a result of brain damage (tumors, trauma, stroke, hydrocephalus (also known as water in the brain).
Reactive epilepsy in a dog – caused by external/environmental factors: poisoning, complications of canine diabetes, liver or kidney disease, infections (e.g. distemper) or tick-borne diseases (e.g. babesiosis or anaplasmosis).

How to recognize the symptoms of epilepsy in dogs?

Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs can range from mild behavioral changes to severe seizures. It is important for the owner to pay attention to the first signs in time.

The most common early signs of epilepsy in dogs

Usually the first signs appear before the attack. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Restlessness, anxiety attacks.
Sudden changes in behavior (hide, seek attention).
Increased salivation.
An unusual appearance.

What does a seizure look like in a dog? Phases and signs

An epileptic seizure in a dog usually occurs in several stages that can be easily recognized:

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Preepileptic phase – the dog becomes restless, seeks attention or hides, often seen several hours before the seizure.
Epilepsy aura – begins a few seconds or minutes before convulsions; marked changes in behavior.
Attack phase – the dog may fall on its side, move its paws, drool profusely, lose consciousness, sometimes urinate.
Post-epileptic phase – the dog is exhausted, disoriented in the environment, sometimes aggressive or very hungry.

When does an epileptic seizure become dangerous?

Status epilepticus is a particularly dangerous condition when a seizure lasts more than 2 minutes or convulsions repeat without interruption. In this case you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Begemoto Veterinary Clinic accepts such patients without queuing. In case of emergency, contact our contacts.

Generalized and focal seizures

It is also important to know that not all dogs with epilepsy experience severe full-body seizures. Convulsions are divided into:

Generalized which one involves both hemispheres of the brain, often resulting in the dog losing consciousness – fainting)
Fireplaces that occurs only in a certain part of the brain – can manifest as twitching of the facial muscles, blinking, or repeated episodes of strange behavior. Sometimes focal seizures turn into generalized ones.

Importance of guest comments

It is very important that the owner records the progress of the seizures. If possible, videotape the dog during the seizure. This provides the vet with accurate information and helps choose the right treatment.

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What should I do if my dog has a seizure?

Seizures seem scary to the dog, but the most important thing is not to lose calm and react appropriately. There are some clear steps you can take to protect your dog from injury.

First aid during an attack

The following actions can help reduce the risk and relieve the condition during an attack:

Grab objects around youso that the dog does not get hurt.
Place a soft cloth under your head.
Make sure the dog can breathe freely.
Keep an eye on the time – this is important information for the vet.

If the attack lasts more than 2 minutes or is repeated several times in a row: contact a veterinarian immediately.

What to avoid during an epileptic seizure?

It is very important to know not only what to do, but also what mistakes to avoid. The following actions should not be taken:

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Don’t put your hands in the dog’s mouth – could bite accidentally.
Don’t try to stop a crisis by force.
Do not scold or shake your dog.

Canine Epilepsy Treatment Options and Veterinary Care

Epilepsy in dogs is a chronic disease, so its treatment is not focused on complete cure, but on controlling seizures and ensuring the dog’s quality of life.

Medicines and long-term care

Antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital, potassium bromide, diazepam) are antiepileptic drugs in dogs that help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Medicinal treatment can only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

Treatment is long-term, lifelong. Usually, the treatment is applied throughout the dog’s life, and the doses of the drugs can be adjusted based on the reaction and age of the animal.
It is important to check your dog’s health regularly and adjust drug doses.

Veterinarians recommend keeping a seizure diary to record the date, duration and symptoms. It often helps to see what types of seizures and what environmental stimuli can trigger seizures.

The most important thing is not to arbitrarily stop taking the drug, do not be afraid to contact the veterinarian and constantly monitor the animal’s condition.

Lifestyle changes for a dog with epilepsy

In addition to medications, adequate daily care is also important. May help reduce the risk of seizures:

Regular diet and walks.
Avoid stress, overwork, overheating.
Don’t forget preventive health checks.

Situations when it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinary clinic due to epilepsy in a dog

You need to go to the veterinary clinic immediately if:

The seizure lasts more than 2 minutes;
The attacks repeat on the same day;
The dog does not regain vigilance after the attack, he is apathetic;
New symptoms appear (eg, paralysis, vomiting, severe weakness).

Living with canine epilepsy

Epilepsy in dogs is not a life sentence, it is a challenge that can be managed. The close bond between owner and pet, patience and medical care allow you to enjoy bright days, although occasionally there are «black days».

At Begemoto Veterinary Clinic, expert veterinarians diagnose, treat and help dogs with epilepsy to live fulfilling lives. Register for a visit to our clinic: together we will find the best solution for your pet.

¹ BMC Veterinary Research, 2015.

Epilepsy in dogs and what to do during a seizure