Dog Seizures: Expert Insights on Causes and Treatments

Seizures in dogs can be a frightening experience to witness. One moment your dog seems perfectly normal, and the next they may lose control of their body, shake or suddenly collapse.

While seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, the reasons behind them can vary widely — from underlying medical conditions to toxin exposure — making it essential to understand what’s happening and how to respond.¹

Dr. Jeff Werber, who has been a practicing veterinarian in Los Angeles, California, for more than 35 years, explains what seizures are, different types, potential causes and what you can do to help keep your dog safe and supported if they do have a seizure.

What Is a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause involuntary changes in body movement or function, sensation, behavior or awareness. A seizure is a single event and can be a symptom of another medical issue or toxicity.¹

According to Dr. Werber, seizures can happen to any dog, regardless of their breed.

While not all conditions or diseases affect humans and dogs alike, seizures do impact both species. Several medical conditions and even poisoning can cause seizures in dogs, and they can be pretty scary to deal with.

Symptoms

Some common signs that your dog is having a seizure may include:³

• Collapse
• Flailing of the limbs
• Involuntary motion of the mouth
• Shivering, shaking or trembling with no apparent cause

Canine epilepsy vs. seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that means the person or dog has a higher chance of having seizures.¹ Canine epilepsy is an abnormal focus in the brain that fires in response to some stimulus, which can vary from dog to dog, Dr. Werber explains. He adds that usually, dogs who are dealing with epilepsy will exhibit no other symptoms of illness.

What Types of Seizures Do Dogs Have?

There are two types of seizures that dogs can have:²

• Focal, or partial, seizures. These originate in one part of the brain and typically affect one side or specific parts of the body. Your dog may exhibit some abnormal activity or behaviors (such as facial twitching, chewing movements and/or fear) but they may not check out as they might with generalized seizures.
• Generalized seizures. These seizures affect both sides of the brain, and usually result in a loss of awareness. Salivation, urination and/or defecation can occur, along with involuntary muscle movements or sudden losses or increases in muscle tone.Generalized seizures include subtle petit mal seizures or very serious grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures. Petit mal seizures can be so mild that they may look more like your dog is shaking or trembling. Grand mal seizures are the large movements that people typically associate with seizures.

Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs

While it's known that seizures are caused by a dysfunction in the brain’s electrical activity, the underlying cause often remains unclear apart from specific diagnosable conditions.²

According to Dr. Werber, some known causes of seizures in dogs include:

• A brain lesion, especially in older dogs
• A reaction to eating some kind of toxin
• Epilepsy, especially in middle-aged or older dogs
• Heatstroke, overheating or dehydration³
• Severe infections like encephalitis or meningitis

Diagnosing Seizures in Dogs

After your dog has a seizure, take them to a veterinarian for an examination and testing to help determine the cause. If no clear cause can be found based on your dog's behavior and lab tests, your veterinarian may hold off on extensive medical testing until after your dog has had a second or third seizure — especially if no other symptoms are present, according to Dr. Werber.

He adds that if your veterinarian has ruled out a cause such as a toxic substance or brain lesion/tumor for your dog's seizures, they may recommend seeing a veterinary neurologist, especially if the seizures are severe. The neurologist might perform an MRI on your dog's brain to aid in diagnosing the condition.

Medications to Treat Dog Seizures

After determining the cause of your dog's seizure(s), your veterinarian may recommend medication to prevent them, many of which are the same as those used in humans.

These medications and approximate costs include:

• Clonazepam is a medication commonly used in dogs and cats to manage anxiety, panic disorders and certain types of seizures. The most common side effects are sedation and an increase in appetite.⁴Cost: $0.11 per 2 mg tablet⁴
• Levetiracetam (Keppra) is a commonly used anti-seizure medication for pets whose seizures aren’t fully controlled with phenobarbital alone. Although not FDA-approved for animals, it’s widely accepted for treating refractory seizure disorders. Possible side effects include sedation, wobbliness, appetite changes, hypersalivation or gastrointestinal issues.⁵Cost: $38.40 to $40.80 for 120, 250 mg tablets⁵
• Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that is also commonly used by veterinarians to manage neuropathic pain, chronic arthritis discomfort and pain. Though not FDA-approved for animals, it’s widely prescribed, with possible side effects including drowsiness, sedation, unsteady movement, nausea or decreased appetite.⁶Cost: $25.92 to $41.60 depending on the strength and number of tablets⁶
• Phenobarbital is a barbiturate commonly used as a sedative and anticonvulsant to manage seizures in pets. It’s a controlled substance, which means your veterinarian must authorize each prescription. It’s given orally, and while effective, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, clumsiness, confusion, nausea, slowed breathing or vomiting, with numerous potential drug interactions.⁷Cost: $24.00 to $40.00 depending on the strength and number of tablets⁷
• KBroVet-CA1® Chewtabs provide potassium bromide, a commonly used anti-convulsant and first-line treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Given orally under veterinary guidance, the medication should not be stopped without a veterinarian’s direction, and caution is advised in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.⁸Cost: $52.90 to $85.47 depending on the strength and number of tablets⁸

When it comes to dosing, your veterinarian will recommend the correct amount and frequency of the medication for your dog, which may affect the cost. Be sure to inform your veterinarian about all other medications or supplements your pet takes.

If no cause is found for your dog’s seizures, your veterinarian may not recommend treatment. Similarly, if your dog experiences only one to three seizures per year, medication might not be necessary, Dr. Werber explains.

Tips to Help Avoid Dog Seizures

There is no definitive way to stop your dog from having seizures due to a health condition, but if you notice that a trigger like loud noises sets off your dog's seizures, then do whatever you can to prevent those things. This might include keeping your dog confined in a quiet room during noisy celebrations, thunderstorms or fireworks displays.

It’s recommended to keep your dog away from any potential toxins in your home, like medications or cleaners, by locking them away in cabinets or other areas that they can't reach.

While you can control ongoing seizures with medication, there are no medications that you can give your dog to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Supporting Your Dog's Health

Understanding why seizures happen and how to respond may help make a difference in keeping your dog safe. Whether your dog experiences a single seizure or has a chronic condition like epilepsy, early communication with your vet and consistent monitoring are key to managing their health. With the right care and support, many dogs with seizures go on to live long, comfortable, happy lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Seizures

Do you still have questions about seizures in dogs? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about them.

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Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.