Epilepsy in dogs is a common neurological disorder, leading to unpredictable seizures that can worry owners. It affects about 0.5% to 5% of dogs.
Canine epilepsy manifests as sudden and uncontrolled seizures. It can worry owners who do not always know how to react. In this article, we help you better understand this neurological disease: its causes, symptoms, available treatments, and solutions to ensure your companion’s safety on a daily basis.
What is epilepsy in dogs? #
Canine epilepsy is a chronic condition that causes seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This disease can manifest as early as 6 months and up to 5 years, with varying frequency depending on the breed.
There are two types:
- Idiopathic or primary epilepsy: without identifiable cause, often of genetic origin. It accounts for about 80% of cases.
- Secondary epilepsy: caused by another condition (tumor, infection, head trauma, poisoning).
Some breeds are more predisposed, such as the German Shepherd, the Labrador Retriever, the Beagle, and the Border Collie.
The German Shepherd is notably one of the breeds predisposed to idiopathic epilepsy.
What can trigger an epileptic seizure in dogs? #
There is not just one factor that acts on the triggering of epilepsy in dogs. Indeed, the onset of the disease itself or one of its seizures can have several causes:
- Genetic factors: some breeds have a higher risk, and breeders are encouraged to test lineages to limit hereditary transmission.
- Metabolic disorders: hypoglycemia, liver failure, kidney diseases that can impact brain activity.
- Head trauma: a blow to the head can trigger secondary epileptic seizures.
- Toxins and infections: ingestion of toxic products (chocolate, pesticides, toxic plants) or infectious diseases (encephalitis, meningitis) that can damage the brain.
- Stress and environmental factors: sudden changes in routine, excessive noise, anxiety that can trigger seizures.
Symptoms and types of epileptic seizures #
It is essential to recognize the warning signs of an epileptic seizure to intervene effectively. According to a study by the DMV Veterinary Clinic, dogs often show signs of nervousness or disorientation before a seizure.
Warning signs #
- Anxiety, agitation, or isolation.
- Fixed stares or unusual movements.
- Hypersalivation, excessive chewing.
- Mild tremors or disorientation.
Types of epileptic seizures in dogs #
- Generalized seizures (tonic-clonic): the dog loses consciousness, its body stiffens, and it experiences intense tremors.
- Focal seizures: they affect a part of the body (uncontrolled movements of a paw, muscle contraction).
- Psychomotor seizures: the dog adopts strange behavior (chasing its tail, chewing in the air, staring at an invisible point).
My dog is having an epileptic seizure: what to do? #
It is recommended to stay calm, move dangerous objects away, and note the duration of the seizure to better inform the veterinarian, who can then adjust the treatment .
✔️ What to do #
- Stay calm and note the start time of the seizure.
- Move dangerous objects away to prevent injuries.
- Let your dog recover without excessive touching.
- Consult a veterinarian if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if several seizures occur in a short time.
❌ What not to do #
- Do not put your hands in its mouth: it is not at risk of swallowing its tongue, but it may bite you unintentionally.
- Do not try to wake it or shake it.
- Do not give it water or food immediately after the seizure.
Diagnosis and treatments #
Diagnosis #
The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on a thorough veterinary consultation. The veterinarian may perform several tests:
- Complete neurological examination.
- Blood and urine tests to rule out other causes.
- Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan) to detect possible lesions or abnormalities.
Treatments #
Epilepsy cannot be completely cured, but treatments can control the frequency and intensity of seizures. Among the commonly used medications are:
- Phenobarbital: often the first choice to stabilize brain activity.
- Potassium bromide: prescribed in addition to phenobarbital.
- Levetiracetam: an alternative in case of failure of other treatments.
Some veterinarians also recommend dietary adjustments with diets rich in omega-3 and antioxidants to reduce brain inflammation.
In some cases, alternative medicines such as acupuncture or phytotherapy may be considered, always under veterinary supervision.
Minitailz: an asset for the safety of epileptic dogs #
Even if Minitailz does not (yet) detect epileptic seizures, it can be a valuable aid in ensuring the dog’s safety:
- Location in case of a seizure: an epileptic dog may become disoriented after a seizure, risking running away or putting itself in danger. Thanks to Minitailz, its owner can quickly find it.
- Peace of mind for the owner: in case of outdoor access, Minitailz allows monitoring of the dog and ensures it does not wander off after a seizure.
Should you insure your dog against epilepsy? #
Antiepileptic treatments and veterinary consultations can represent a significant budget. Some dog insurance covers this condition, provided that a subscription is made before the onset of the first seizures. We strongly advise you to compare offers before choosing!
Epilepsy in dogs is an impressive disease but can be managed with good veterinary follow-up and appropriate precautions. Knowing the symptoms, knowing how to react, and adapting the environment ensures a better quality of life for the dog.
Tools like Minitailz can also help secure the daily life of epileptic dogs and offer more peace of mind to owners. In case of doubt, a veterinary consultation remains essential to adjust the treatment and avoid any complications.