Why Do Dogs Have Seizures?

Your usually playful pup seems confused and unsteady on their feet. They suddenly drop to the floor and begin to twitch, drool, and move their legs as if they were treating water. They are having a seizure. But why do dogs have seizures and what can you do in this situation to help?

Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Seizures in dogs are actually a symptom and not a condition. And there are a variety of things that can cause seizures:

• Eating something toxic (such as chocolate or antifreeze)
• Liver disease
• Liver shunts (abnormal blood vessels that affect the liver)
• Low or high blood sugar
• Kidney disease
• Infectious diseases like rabies and distemper
• Anemia
• Head injury
• Encephalitis
• Strokes
• Certain drugs
• Brain cancer

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. It’s a neurological condition where a dog experiences repeated seizures without a clear underlying cause. Vets diagnose idiopathic epilepsy after running tests to rule out other potential explanations for the seizures, such as the ones just listed.

Symptoms of Seizures in Dogs

Seizures can look very different and it’s not always so obvious or easy to tell that your dog may be having a seizure. Among the possible symptoms are:

• Unusual barking
• A dazed look
• Staring into space
• Twitching (That can affect just a few muscles or their whole body)
• Drooling
• Stumbling
• Falling
• Tongue chewing
• Foaming at the mouth
• Paddling motions with their legs
• Uncontrollable peeing or pooping
• Loss of consciousness

Many dogs, before they have a seizure, will seem anxious and restless as they feel it coming on. They may shake and drool and whine. After the seizure, your dog may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind. They may also walk in circles or try to hide.

How long do seizures in dogs last?

Most seizures last from a few seconds to a few minutes. If your dog has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, get them to a vet right immediately.

What Should I Do if My Dog Has a Seizure?

Stay calm, but take action. If your dog is near furniture or stairs that could cause injury, gently slide them away using a hind leg or a blanket/towel underneath.

For your safety: Avoid your dog’s mouth and head. Don’t pry their mouth open or put anything in it. Dogs can’t swallow their tongue during a seizure.

Helping your dog:

• Time the seizure: This can be helpful for your vet. Consider asking someone to video it as well.
• Cool them down: If the seizure lasts longer than 2 minutes, turn on a fan and use cool water on their paws to prevent overheating.

Reassurance and Contact:

• Talk softly: Maintain a calming presence, but avoid touching them to prevent accidental bites.
• Call your vet: Contact your veterinarian immediately once the seizure ends.

Emergency Action:

Seek immediate veterinary care if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• Your dog has multiple seizures in a row while unconscious.

These situations can lead to overheating and breathing difficulties, potentially causing brain damage. Your vet may administer medication to stop the seizure.

How are Seizures in Dogs Treated?

If a dog has had one or two mild seizures, the vet may decide to take a watch and wait approach before prescribing any treatment. 

Dogs typically require anti-seizure medications if they:

• Have more than one seizure a month
• Have very violent seizures
• Have seizures that last 5 minutes or longer
• Are a breed prone to serious seizures, such as Golden Retriever, Border Collie, German shepherd, Irish setter, Keeshond, Husky, or Saint Bernard

Once a dog begins anti-seizure drugs, they will need to take them for the rest of their life. Stopping medications suddenly may actually trigger seizures. 

Common anti-seizure medications often prescribed for use in pups are:

• Levetiracetam
• Phenobarbital
• Potassium bromide (K-BroVet)
• Zonisamide (Zonegran)

Takeaways

While seizures can be frightening, it’s crucial to remember they can be caused by a variety of factors. Informing your veterinarian every time your dog has a seizure is vital. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference. Frequent or prolonged seizures can be dangerous, but with proper veterinary care, they can often be managed effectively.

Consider Enrolling Your Pup in a Pet Insurance Plan

Witnessing your dog have a seizure is a terrifying experience. While the cause can be anything from epilepsy to temporary imbalances, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is crucial for their well-being. Veterinary care can be expensive, especially for neurological conditions that may require ongoing medication or specialist visits.

Don’t let financial worries add to the stress. Consider pet insurance as a safety net for unexpected medical emergencies, including seizures. Peace of mind knowing you can afford the best care for your furry friend is priceless.

References:

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
2. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/managing-seizures
3. https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/epilepsy/understanding-canine-epilepsy.html

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.