Our dogs’ health is a priority, and always should be. While we try to account for all the things that can be prevented, there are some conditions that can appear unexpectedly. One of these is canine seizures.
In this blog, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about dog seizures. Through this, you’ll be able to know what to do if your dog is seizing or showing similar signs.
What Are Seizures in Dogs?
A seizure is an involuntary disruption in normal brain activity. This leads to an abrupt change in your dog’s behavior, movement, and even consciousness.
For many dog owners, the sight of a dog having a seizure can be alarming, especially if it comes without warning. It’s important to know what a seizure looks like so you can give your dog the help it needs.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
Now that we know what dog seizures are, let’s talk about the two common types:
Generalized Seizures (Grand Mal Seizures)
This is the most common type of seizure in dogs and can also be the most concerning to watch because of how extensive it is.
During a generalized seizure, your dog will lose consciousness, and its body will display a series of involuntary movements. These include muscle twitching, jerking, or paddling of the legs.
Their whole body may stiffen or convulse, and they may also drool, urinate, or defecate involuntarily. These can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Focal seizures are less obvious and affect only a section of the brain, causing symptoms based on the specific area affected. You may notice twitching in one side of your dog’s face, uncontrollable blinking, or jerking in one limb.
Unlike generalized seizures, focal seizures don’t usually cause a loss of consciousness, but they can develop into generalized seizures if left untreated.
What Could Cause Seizures in Dogs?
There are lots of reasons why seizures happen in dogs, and we’re here to break them down for you.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures in dogs. This is when the underlying cause is unknown, even after ruling out several causes.
In some cases, genetics appears to be a significant factor, meaning some dogs may experience seizures because of their genetic makeup. Common highlights include
Boxers
German Shepherds
Infections and Inflammatory Diseases
Certain infections and inflammatory conditions can cause seizures in dogs. These happen when the diseases start to affect the dog’s central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms such as seizures. Common causes include:
Toxoplasmosis
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Trauma or Head Injuries
Dogs that have suffered from severe head trauma are at risk of seizures. This happens since the force damages the brain cells, resulting in disrupted electrical activity. Head trauma can happen through falls, car accidents, or severe blows to the head.
Toxicity and Poisoning
Household chemicals can also increase the risk of your dog having a seizure. This can be through simple household chemicals or dangerous food ingredients. Common toxins include antifreeze, household cleaners, and toxic foods such as chocolate and xylitol.
Brain Tumors
Another possible cause of dog seizures is brain tumors. These growths can apply pressure on the brain, interfering with normal electrical activity. The more it grows, the more pressure and damage it brings.
Metabolic Disorders
Other issues, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypoglycemia, can also trigger canine seizures. When the body’s chemistry is off, the brain becomes more prone to abnormal electrical activity.
Dog Seizure Symptoms
Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s discuss what seizures in dogs look like. The activity can be present in any area of your dog’s body, so be sure to keep a keen eye. Generally, the symptoms occur in phases, which is like a before, during, and after scenario.
Pre-Ictal Phase
This is also known as the aura, which may last anywhere from a few seconds to hours.
Behavioral Changes. Dogs may appear scared, confused, or disoriented. Some may even start to hide and withdraw from families.
Vocalizations and Unusual Movements. You can also expect whining, trembling, excessive drooling, or shaking.
Anxiety or Restlessness. Some dogs may whine, pace, or appear restless before having a seizure.
Ictal Phase
Next is the actual seizure, also known as the active phase.
Loss of Consciousness. A seizing dog may suddenly fall over and collapse, becoming unresponsive to anything in their surroundings.
Uncontrollable Muscle Activity. You may see jerking in one area or full-body convulsions. Others may also paddle their legs as if they’re swimming or running.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control. Some dogs may have accidents due to the loss of control of their muscles.
Oral and Facial Signs. Excessive drooling, foaming, and chewing can also be symptoms of dog seizures.
Post-Ictal Phase
After the seizure comes the recovery phase.
Disorientation and Confusion. After seizing, some dogs may appear disoriented and confused, especially when they have just regained consciousness.
Lethargy and Weakness. They may appear unusually tired, feel weak, and have difficulty walking.
Physical Changes. Some dogs may pant and salivate excessively or become unresponsive still.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Seizing?
When your dog is experiencing a seizure, be sure to follow these tips on what to do to help your dog recover.
Stay Calm
Your dog is likely unconscious during a seizure, so they won’t be aware of your actions. Be sure to stay calm and take a deep breath before doing anything else.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Remove any nearby objects or furniture that your dog might bump into or hurt themselves on during the seizure.
If your dog is in a dangerous spot like the stairs, gently guide them to the floor so they don’t fall. You can do this by using a towel to protect yourself from any unexpected movements. Always remember to reduce motion and check your dog’s surroundings for anything that might hurt them.
Do Not Touch Your Dog’s Mouth
Despite a common myth, dogs cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure, so there is no need to put your hand in their mouth. In fact, attempting to do so could result in a bite, as dogs may unintentionally clamp their jaws during a seizure.
Time the Seizure
Make sure to track the time of the seizure and how long it will last. This is important to help our vets quickly diagnose your dog and get straight to treatment. Generally, most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes.
Stay by Your Dog’s Side
Your presence can be reassuring, even though your dog may not be fully aware of you during the seizure. Stay by your dog’s side and try to contact the vet immediately. A quick phone call can mean so much.
Call the Vets
Seeking professional help is always a good thing, especially if it’s your dog’s first time. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, your dog gets multiple seizures in a row, or they become unresponsive after the seizure ends, you should also seek emergency veterinary care.
How Do Vets Diagnose Dog Seizures?
The diagnostic process involves determining the main cause of the seizures, especially since it’s a symptom of an underlying condition.
Physical and Neurological Examination
The first step in diagnosing the cause of seizures is a comprehensive vet examination. During this exam, our vets will ask about your dog’s medical history, your observations at home, and any patterns you may have noticed before the seizure happened.
Next, we can proceed to do bloodwork, a urinalysis, and other initial laboratory tests to identify any issues such as organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and toxin exposure.
Diagnostic Imaging
Along with physical exams and tests, we will also use MRIs and CT scans to get a full view of your dog’s brain. This can help us look for any damage, tumors, inflammation, and other possible causes.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
We can also collect a sample of your dog’s CSF to check for signs of infections, inflammation, or even cancer.
How to Treat Seizures in Dogs?
Treatment will focus on stabilizing your dog and then dealing with the underlying cause.
Anti-Seizure Medications
For many dogs with recurrent seizures, especially those diagnosed with epilepsy, anti-seizure medications are the primary form of treatment. These medications work by stabilizing your dog’s condition and preventing seizures from occurring.
Here are some of the most common medications:
Phenobarbital
Potassium bromide
Levetiracetam
Zonisamide
Gabapentin
For emergency situations, intravenous diazepam is usually used.
Specialized Treatments
Once your dog’s condition has stabilized, we can work on treating the main condition. This can involve a few more medications, alternative therapies, or even surgery. In all of these cases, your dog will be closely monitored.
“Every act of care is a step toward healing and a happier life”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Watching your dog experience a seizure can be one of the scariest moments, but there’s always a way to help. If your dog is seizing, act quickly. Call our vets and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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