Guide to Adopting a Dog with Epilepsy

Managing a dog with epilepsy requires dedication and ongoing medical support. With proper care and patience, they can still lead full lives and form strong bonds with their pet parents. No two epileptic dogs are the same. Some dogs have more severe forms of epilepsy than others. But by knowing the signs to watch for — and what to do if a dog has a seizure — pet parents can successfully manage this neurological disease.

What causes epilepsy in dogs? 

There are two main types of epilepsy in dogs: primary and secondary epilepsy. 

• Primary epilepsy (or idiopathic epilepsy): These are caused by abnormal brain excitability. While the source of this is unknown cause, some dog breeds are thought to have a genetic predisposition towards this type of epilepsy, which afflicts up to five percent of dogs. Although there are no tests for primary epilepsy, a dog may be diagnosed with it after having at least two seizures within 24 hours. It is usually first diagnosed in dogs between the ages of six months and six years. 

• Secondary epilepsy: These are seizures caused by medication side effects, brain tumors, infections, toxin exposure, trauma, hypoglycemia, liver disease, and some other factors. Unlike primary epilepsy, if the underlying cause is addressed and treated, secondary epilepsy can be temporary.

Types of seizures in dogs

Dogs with epilepsy have seizures that can be focal, generalized, or psychomotor. 

• Focal seizures (or partial seizures): These only affect one side of your dog. Your dog may still be conscious and respond to you during a focal seizure, but they will be unable to use part of their body. 

• Generalized seizures (or grand mal seizures): These affect your dog’s entire body and can be defined as tonic, clonic, myoclonic, or atonic based on the exhibited symptoms.

• Psychomotor seizures (or behavioral or complex partial seizures): These occur when your dog exhibits odd but repeatable behaviors that last for a short period of time. Psychomotor seizures are difficult to identify and often go unnoticed. 

The above seizures can also be defined as cluster seizures, status epilepticus, and petit mal (or absence) seizures. Cluster seizures are multiple seizures that occur within a short period, whereas status epilepticus occurs when one seizure lasts for more than 30 minutes. On the other hand, petit mal seizures, which are very rare in dogs, occur when a dog loses awareness of their surroundings and may exhibit specific behaviors.

Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs

Different kinds of seizures may cause a dog to display different epileptic symptoms. In many seizures, multiple symptoms can be witnessed at the same time, and symptoms could change or worsen if a seizure is allowed to continue for several minutes.

Facial twitches

Seen primarily in focal seizures, your dog’s lip or other part of their face may twitch uncontrollably during this type of seizure.

Vomiting

Dogs experiencing psychomotor seizures may experience an upset stomach and vomit. Although this symptom can point to a variety of issues, it is never normal for a dog to vomit — so it should not be ignored.

Salivation

Your dog may drool or excessively salivate while having a seizure, since they are (temporarily) not swallowing.

Stiffness

While having a generalized seizure, your dog’s body and legs may become stiff. Your dog’s back may also arch as if they are stretching.

Leg paddling

During a generalized seizure, your dog may paddle their legs while lying on their side. While it may look like they are trying to swim or perhaps stand up and walk, they actually have no control over what their legs are doing.

Loss of bladder or bowel control

If your dog loses consciousness during a generalized seizure, they may pee themselves or even lose bowel control.

Lip licking

While not as obvious as leg paddling and a loss of consciousness, lip licking or smacking can occur during some seizures. 

Lack of awareness or consciousness

Staring and unresponsiveness could indicate that your dog is having a seizure. A complete loss of consciousness may occur in more severe seizures. But during less severe seizures, your dog may remain standing up and seem unaware of anything happening around them.

How to care for an epileptic dog 

Caring for a dog with primary epilepsy is not difficult for most pet parents, especially if you know what to do before, during, and after your dog has a seizure.

Drugs to treat epilepsy

Primary epilepsy has no cure, but there is medication for the condition which can help decrease the frequency of seizures. Phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, zonisamide, topiramate, gabapentin, and pregabalin may be prescribed to control seizures. Meanwhile, diazepam or midazolam may be prescribed to stop an active seizure. It is not uncommon for a dog to require a combination of drugs to help treat their epilepsy.

Exercise and activity recommendations

An epileptic dog can be active and lead a normal life, but if their seizures are not well-managed, make sure someone monitors them whenever they play. Do not allow your epileptic dog near pools, rivers, lakes, or other large bodies of water without supervision, in case they have a seizure. You should also watch them when they are walking up and down steps or walking/running/playing near the edge of something from which they can fall.

Best dog food for epilepsy

A canine-epilepsy diet may sound silly, but research has shown that a diet high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may decrease the frequency and severity of seizures. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare is currently the only dog food that specifically helps manage seizures and contains a high amount of MCTs. There are some studies suggesting that a diet rich in whole foods and low-to-zero carbohydrate content may help control seizures, but more research is needed.

Herbal remedies for epilepsy in dogs

Chinese herbal remedies, Ayurvedic herbs, and even cannabidiol (or CBD, from the cannabis plant) may help manage epilepsy in dogs. These treatments should only be administered by a veterinarian trained in their use so that correct dosages are administered and to ensure they can be taken safely alongside other treatments. Also keep in mind that CBD for your dog may not be legal in all states.

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture can be used alongside other epilepsy therapies and may reduce the frequency and severity of your dog’s seizures. As with any treatment, you should discuss acupuncture therapy with your veterinarian before exploring this option. Although not all veterinarians are certified in acupuncture, some may be able to offer your dog some support, while others can recommend an acupuncturist. 

Commonly asked questions

How do I prepare my home for a dog with epilepsy?

If you’re adopting a dog with epilepsy, there are a few things you can do to prepare for their arrival. Since epileptic dogs may lose consciousness or awareness at any time, it’s important to ensure they will not fall off of, or into, something that could hurt them. Baby gates blocking steps and fences around pools, for instance, can be useful along with restricting access to more dangerous areas such as balconies. Removing items that could be easily knocked over, or securing them so they can’t fall, may also help keep your epileptic dog safe. 

Can anxiety attacks look like seizures in dogs?

Sometimes, anxiety in dogs can look similar to epilepsy. Extremely anxious dogs, such as those with separation anxiety, will shake or tremble, pee themselves, hold their ears back, pant, drool, and display other symptoms that may be confused with a seizure. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, call their name to get their attention. If they look at you and can voluntarily move their entire body, this is more likely an anxiety attack.

Are seizures painful for dogs?

No, seizures themselves are not painful. But if your dog thrashes about during a seizure, scratches themselves, bites their tongue, or incurs some other secondary harm during the seizure, they can be injured. While you should try to avoid being accidentally bitten or scratched as your dog has a seizure, you should also make sure they are not at risk of dangers such as hitting their head, scratching themselves, or knocking something over that could fall on them.

References

10 Questions Dog Owners Ask About Seizures

Anxiety in Dogs

Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy

Editorial: Epilepsy in Veterinary Science

Effects of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Dogs with Neurological Sequels of Distemper Virus

The Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol as Adjunct Treatment for Drug‐Resistant Idiopathic Epilepsy in 51 Dogs: A Double‐Blinded Crossover Study

FDA Conditionally Approves Phenobarbital Tablets to Control Seizures in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Managing Seizures

Nutrition Breakthrough to Help Manage Dogs with Epilepsy

Quality of Life in Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy and Their Owners With an Emphasis on Breed  — A Pilot Study

Successful Medical Management of Neurological Disease in Three Dogs Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Types of Seizures in Dogs