The essentials
- A seizure is a symptom, not a disease — Regardless of the underlying cause, all seizures occur due to abnormal electrical or neurological activity in the brain.
- Seizures take many different forms — Depending on the type, seizures can affect certain parts of a dog’s body and are caused by particular abnormalities in the brain.
- Status epilepticus is serious and life-threatening — This is defined as a seizure that lasts more than five minutes or recurrent seizures without a period of recovery in between.
Seizures are a temporary, involuntary disturbance of normal brain function followed by involuntary and uncontrollable muscle activity like shaking, stiffening, or fumbling. A series of repeated episodes of seizures is called epilepsy. Epilepsy can cause singular seizures or seizure clusters that can be both predictable and unpredictable (status epilepicus is defined as a seizure that lasts more than five minutes).
🚨 Consult your vet if and when your dog has a seizure for the first time. Contact them as soon as the seizure has ended, or go to your vet or nearest emergency facility right away for seizures lasting more than five minutes.
Types of dog seizures
Seizures and epilepsy are very common neurological conditions diagnosed in dogs. Seizures can be broken down into three causes:
- Idiopathic seizures. These occur when a dog has no identifiable underlying condition. Vets today believe that genetics cause most idiopathic seizures.
- Structural epilepsy. This occurs where there’s an identifiable underlying brain lesion (hydrocephalus, tumor, stroke, meningitis, degenerative changes, infectious disease, or trauma.
- Reactive seizures. These are caused by a metabolic disease or toxicity. If the cause is cleared, then so too should the seizures.
Dr. Dwight AlleyneSeizures are one of the most recognizable neurological conditions that occurs in dogs of many breeds.
From there, seizures can be broken down into two primary types, each with varying degrees of severity.
Generalized seizures
Also known as a grand mal seizure, these occur when most of a dog’s brain is affected by abnormal electrical activity. This can cause convulsions and is what people imagine when they think of a typical seizure.
Other generalized seizures can be categorized as:
- Atonic. This seizure may cause non-responsive staring.
- Clonic. A clonic seizure may see your dog falling over with hyper-flexed limbs.
- Myoclonic. Similar to clonic seizures, a myoclonic seizure will exhibit violent, jerking limbs.
- Tonic. During this type of seizure your dog may have unmoving stiff, flexed limbs.
Partial seizures
Partial, or “focal” seizures involve abnormal activity in one or a few parts of the brain. Dogs experiencing a partial seizure may exhibit strange movements that are focused on one part of the body like kicking one leg repeatedly, shaking their head to one side, or biting at the air.
Dr. Dwight AlleyneThe most common symptoms noted with seizures include tremors, muscle spasms, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and excessive salivation.
Causes of dog seizures
While epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs, there are several other triggers to look out for. Regardless of the underlying cause, all seizures occur due to faulty electrical activity in the dog’s brain, which leads to a loss of control over the body.
Epilepsy
Dogs may be diagnosed as epileptic if they experience two or more seizures. As mentioned above, epilepsy can be classified into two main groups: idiopathic seizures, which have no apparent underlying cause, and symptomatic seizures, which do.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion
An overheated dog can suffer critical damage to their brain, heart, liver, and nervous system. When a dog goes from experiencing heat exhaustion to heatstroke, their central nervous system goes into overdrive and can produce a seizure and elevated temperatures. Heat-related brain swells can trigger dog seizures in a matter of minutes.
Poisoning
Dog seizures are linked to toxins found in households, such as medications, foods like caffeine and chocolate, and certain plant s, among other things. Although toxins aren’t the most common triggers for seizures, exposure is still dangerous. In 2021 the ASPCA fielded more than 400,000 calls 1 to its Animal Poison Control Center. Most calls were related to household toxins.
👉 Not sure if a product is toxic to your dog? Check out this comprehensive list from the FDA.
Brain injury
Several studies have found links between post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in dogs with severe head injuries. Brain injuries from extended fever, toxins, tumors, blood clots, and lack of blood flow can all be contributing factors to seizures. In some cases, potential long-term complications can include ongoing, chronic seizures.
Infectious diseases
Viruses that attack the central nervous system, like canine distemper and rabies, have been shown to trigger violent, sometimes fatal seizures in addition to tremors, twitching, imbalance, and limb weakness.
Diabetes
Dogs with diabetes can have seizures if they receive too much insulin or receive it before eating. The insulin causes their glucose level to become too low (hypoglycemia). This condition is a medical emergency and will lead to seizures and a coma if not treated in time.
Tumors
Seizures can be a common sign of brain tumors in dogs. While dogs of any age can get a brain tumor, it’s more common in those over 5 years old. As with age, any dog could get a brain tumor but some breeds like boxers or terriers may be more susceptible.
Only advanced imaging (CT scan or MRI) of the brain can determine if a brain tumor is present. These tests are ordered by your vet and these advanced images require complete stillness so your dog will be put under general anesthesia. While cost will vary by location and vet, CT scans can cost $1,500-3,500 and MRI’s may cost anywhere from $2-6,000. Many of these types of visits to veterinarians can be covered by pet insurance — find out what is (and isn’t) covered by reading our pet insurance coverage guide.
Dog breeds most susceptible to seizures
Epilepsy is more common in dogs than in cats. While all dogs are susceptible to seizures, some dog breeds with certain genetic markers are at greater risk.
For example, dogs that carry the MDR1 mutation can develop seizures if given certain medications like ivermectin and loperamide. The most common breeds to have the MDR1 gene are border collies, St. Bernards, Bernese mountain dogs, Australian and German shepherds. Genetic testing can determine if your dog has the MDR1 genetic mutation.
Brachycephalic breeds with short, flat noses like boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, and American bulldogs can experience seizures secondary to heatstroke. Pet parents should limit outdoor time for these breeds on hot, humid days.
Symptoms of dog seizures
Seizure symptoms can vary depending on the cause and what phase your dog is in. There are three phases with generalized seizures.
Pre-ictal phase
This phase — commonly referred to as an aura — occurs before the actual seizure. It’s when your dog may exhibit unusual symptoms where senses start to malfunction. This includes symptoms like:
- Restlessness
- Blank stares
- Shaking
- Nervousness
- Whining
- Salivating
Ictal phase
The ictal phase is when the actual seizure occurs. It can last from a few seconds to several minutes and range from mild behavior changes to complete loss of body function. Grand mal seizures occur during this phase and are full-blown seizures, that include a loss of consciousness.. Symptoms for this phase can include:
- Falling over
- Urination
- Defecation
- Stiffness
- Biting the air
Post-ictal phase
Following the end of a seizure, dogs will go into the post-ictal phase. This phase can last a few minutes to a few hours or longer, depending on the severity of the seizure. During this phase symptoms can look like:
- Confusion
- Temporary blindness
- Salivation
- Pacing
- Disorientation
What to do if your dog has a seizure
Seizures can be scary when they’re happening, but it’s important to remember that they’re not painful for dogs. There are a few ways to help keep them comfortable and get through it safely.
Avoid restraining your dog during an episode, keep your hands away from their mouth, and make sure your dog can’t fall or hurt themselves on anything.
You should also keep a journal to log any seizure your dog has. Include the date, what your dog was doing before the seizure, any changes that occurred that day, where the seizure took place, and how long it lasted. Take a video of the seizure-like episode to show your vet.
Lastly, remember that most seizures are self-limiting and will stop after about 30 seconds to a minute, but if the seizure goes on for five minutes or more, bring your dog to the nearest emergency vet hospital.
How vets diagnose seizures in dogs
Take your dog to the vet if you notice your dog exhibiting any abnormal behaviors or symptoms, especially if you suspect a seizure. Once at the vet, they will take your dog’s complete health history, a physical exam, and a neurological exam into consideration. Depending on their findings they may follow up with a urinalysis, fecal testing, an electrocardiogram or blood work. These tests are all in pursuit of ruling out any other illnesses or disorders.
When other issues are ruled out, vets may recommend specialized testing via a CT scan, MRI, or spinal tap.
Treating seizures in dogs
First and foremost, a vet will work to treat any underlying illnesses that are causing seizures. If a dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, or if seizures continue without improvement, vets may introduce anti-seizure medications. Medications may be introduced after a dog has more than one seizure per month, experiences grand mal seizures that are prolonged or particularly severe, or experiences a cluster of seizures.
Medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide are common treatments. Your veterinarian may combine some anti-seizure medications to be more effective. In the case of a severe seizure, vets may also prescribe diazepam or another similar medication for emergencies.
Anticonvulsant medications help minimize the risk of a greater seizer disorder and are recommended for life once your dog starts medication for seizures. Be sure to talk to your vet about any concerns regarding medications and administration.
It’s incredibly important to seek veterinary care immediately following your dog’s first suspected seizure. As with any condition or illness, being prepared is the best way to stay calm in an emergency situation. Consider investing in an insurance plan before the first sign of ill health to make treatment more affordable and allow you to put all your energy into helping your pup get better.
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Frequently asked questions
What can trigger a seizure in a dog?
Lots of things can trigger seizures in dogs, including epilepsy, stress, heatstroke, head trauma, infectious disease, brain tumors, and poisoning.
What does a dog seizure look like?
Dog seizures take on many forms. Grand mal seizures affect a dog’s entire body and usually cause loss of consciousness, stiffness of the legs, full-body tremors, vocalization, and involuntary urination and defecation. Localized seizures may only affect a certain area of the body.
Can you prevent a seizure in dogs?
You can’t always prevent a seizure from coming on. More often than not the underlying cause isn’t something you can control. However, you can limit the potential for it by ensuring they regularly take their medicine, avoid head trauma, and keep them away from toxic substances.
What do I do if my dog has a seizure?
First, stay calm. Avoid restraining your dog during a seizure and keep your hands away from their mouth to avoid an accidental bite. Most importantly, make sure your dog can’t fall or hurt themselves on anything in the immediate area. Call your regular vet if it’s your dog’s first time having a seizure. Head to an ER vet clinic if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes or if there are repeated seizures.
Why does my dog stink after he has a seizure?
Involuntary urination, defecation, and emptying of the anal glands are common symptoms in dogs suffering from seizures. The combination of these excretions produces a strong, unpleasant odor. After the seizure, you can bathe them if needed.
