Epilepsy & Seizures in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
With the right care, dogs with epilepsy can live happy, healthy lives.
A sudden seizure can be one of the scariest moments for a dog owner. One second, your pup is fine; then suddenly, they collapse, convulse, or stare blankly into space. You feel helpless, not knowing what’s happening or how to stop it.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs, affecting thousands of pets each year. While it can’t be cured, the good news is that it can be managed with the right treatment and expert care.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we specialize in advanced diagnostics, using high-resolution MRI and CT scans to pinpoint the causes of seizures and provide answers for your pets—fast.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
How to recognize seizures in dogs, from early warning signs to different seizure types
The top causes of canine epilepsy, including genetic and environmental factors
Your best treatment options, medications, lifestyle changes, and when to seek specialized care
If your dog has experienced a seizure, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward better management. Keep reading to learn how to protect your pup and how SVI can help.
What is Epilepsy in Dogs?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent, unpredictable seizures in dogs. Unlike seizures caused by injury or illness, epilepsy occurs without an obvious external trigger.
Essentially, a dog’s brain appears normal, but its electrical activity misfires, leading to sudden episodes of muscle twitching, convulsions, or loss of awareness.
Fast Facts About Canine Epilepsy
📌 Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, affecting approximately 0.75% of the canine population.
📌 Up to 2% of all dogs will experience at least one seizure in their lifetime. (American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation)
📌 Seizures are caused by sudden, excessive electrical activity in the brain, leading to involuntary movements, shaking, or temporary loss of awareness. (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine)
Epileptic seizures can vary in intensity and frequency. Some dogs may have mild, brief twitching episodes, while others experience full-body convulsions that last longer.
Below, you’ll come to understand what epilepsy is and how to recognize its symptoms. This will help you take the right steps toward managing your dog’s long-term health.
Signs & Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs
Dogs with epilepsy may appear tired or disoriented after a seizure, which is part of the recovery process.
Seizures can be frightening to witness, but knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and act quickly.
The main symptom of epilepsy in dogs is recurrent seizures, but they don’t always look the same. Some dogs may have subtle twitches, while others experience full-body convulsions.
Before a Seizure: The Aura Stage
Many dogs show signs of distress before a seizure begins. This is called the aura stage. During this phase, your dog may:
Pace restlessly
Seem anxious, clingy, or withdrawn
Whine, drool, or stare into space
Act as if they "sense" something is wrong
Not all dogs experience an aura stage, but if yours does, recognizing it can help you prepare and keep them safe.
During a Seizure: What to Look For
A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes involuntary muscle movements. Your dog may display:
Stiffening of the neck and legs
Shaking, tremors, or convulsions
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Uncontrollable chewing or chomping motions
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Collapsing or temporary loss of consciousness
Seizures typically last between 30-90 seconds, but some may be shorter or longer with some lasting more more than 5 minutes.
After a Seizure: The Post-Ictal Period
Once the seizure ends, your dog enters the post-ictal phase, which can last from a few minutes to a few hours. They may:
Appear confused or disoriented
Be temporarily blind or unsteady on their feet
Pant excessively or seem restless
Act hungry or thirsty
This phase can be distressing, but comforting your dog with a calm voice and keeping their environment quiet and safe can help them recover.
When to Call Your Vet
If your dog’s seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
If they have multiple seizures in a short period
If seizures start happening more frequently
If your dog injures themselves during a seizure
Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. Remember, they’re there to help, and early intervention often leads to better management of this condition.
In the next section, we’ll explore what causes epilepsy in dogs and how a proper diagnosis can help manage it.
What Causes Epilepsy in Dogs?
A balanced diet may help manage epilepsy in dogs by supporting overall brain health and reducing triggers.
The exact cause of epilepsy in dogs isn’t always clear, but in many cases, the condition is inherited. Certain breeds are more prone to epilepsy due to genetic predisposition, while some dogs develop seizures due to structural abnormalities in the brain.
However, in most cases of epilepsy, no obvious cause can be identified (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine).
Is Epilepsy in Dogs Genetic?
Research suggests that genetic mutations play a role in canine epilepsy, just as they do in humans. However, environmental factors may also contribute, though they are not yet fully understood. Scientists continue to study how both genes and external triggers, such as stress, diet, or toxins, might influence seizure activity in dogs.
Dog Breeds Prone to Epilepsy
While epilepsy can occur in any dog, some breeds are at higher risk due to hereditary factors. Studies have identified at least 26 breeds with a genetic predisposition to epilepsy.
Those with the highest occurrence rates include:
Beagles
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Border Collies
Boxers
Cocker Spaniels
Golden Retrievers
Poodles
Corgis
German Shepherds
This is not a complete list, and epilepsy can affect mixed-breed dogs as well. Unfortunately, there is no genetic test to predict epilepsy before seizures begin. That’s why early recognition of symptoms is key to getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how epilepsy is diagnosed in dogs and how advanced imaging, like MRI and CT scans, can provide clarity when other tests don’t.
How to Diagnose Epilepsy in Dogs
Diagnosing epilepsy in dogs can be challenging because there’s no single test that confirms the condition. Instead, veterinarians use a "diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning they rule out other possible causes of seizures before determining that epilepsy is the most likely explanation (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine).
The most critical piece of information for a diagnosis is your description of your dog’s seizures.
Veterinary neurologists classify seizures based on:
Where they originate in the brain
How they present in the body
This system, developed in 2015, separates seizures into two main types:
Focal Seizures – Affect a specific area of the brain, causing symptoms like twitching in one limb or unusual behavior (e.g., snapping at the air, repetitive blinking).
Generalized Seizures – Involve the entire brain and body, often leading to convulsions, loss of consciousness, or muscle stiffness. These are the most common seizures in dogs with epilepsy.
Your veterinarian will perform several tests to rule out underlying conditions that could be causing seizures:
Physical Exam & Medical History – A full health evaluation to look for signs of other illnesses.
Blood & Urine Tests – Help detect infections, metabolic diseases, or organ dysfunction that could trigger seizures (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine).
X-rays & Ultrasounds – Used to check for structural issues, tumors, or injuries.
If no clear cause is found through these initial tests, your vet may refer you to a specialist for advanced imaging.
MRI & CT Scans: Advanced Diagnostics for Epilepsy
CT scans help diagnose epilepsy in dogs by identifying brain abnormalities that may be causing seizures.
When standard tests don’t provide answers, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans are the best way to assess your dog’s brain for structural abnormalities, such as:
Tumors or brain lesions
Congenital malformations
Signs of inflammatory brain disease
The more information your vet has, the better your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis and developing the right treatment plan. In the next section, we’ll explore the different types of epilepsy in dogs and how they impact treatment options.
Types of Epilepsy in Dogs
Understanding the different types of epilepsy in dogs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Veterinarians generally classify canine epilepsy into three main categories:
Idiopathic Epilepsy
This form has no identifiable structural cause and is often presumed to be genetic. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy experience recurrent seizures but appear normal between episodes.
Structural Epilepsy
This type results from detectable abnormalities within the brain, such as tumors, trauma, or inflammation. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI can often reveal these structural issues. Dogs with structural epilepsy may exhibit additional neurological signs even when not seizing.
Epilepsy of Unknown Cause
In these cases, a structural cause is suspected but cannot be definitively identified, even with advanced diagnostics.
Reactive Seizures vs. True Epilepsy in Dogs
Additionally, it's important to distinguish reactive seizures from true epilepsy. Reactive seizures are responses to metabolic issues or toxin exposure affecting an otherwise healthy brain. Common causes include hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, or ingestion of toxic substances. (PubMed)
Note: Early and precise diagnosis is essential for managing epilepsy in dogs. If your pet exhibits seizure activity, consult with a veterinarian promptly.
Treatment for Epilepsy in Dogs
Anticonvulsant medications help manage epilepsy in dogs and reduce seizure frequency with proper dosing.
Once your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to help manage seizures. In most cases, anticonvulsant medication is the first line of defense, and treatment is typically lifelong. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen seizures, so consistency and monitoring are key (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine).
Common Medications for Canine Epilepsy
Phenobarbital – One of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants, requiring twice-daily dosing and regular blood tests to monitor effectiveness and side effects (AKC Canine Health Foundation).
Potassium Bromide – Often used in combination with phenobarbital or as an alternative for dogs that don’t tolerate other medications.
Levetiracetam (Keppra®) and Zonisamide – Newer anticonvulsants that may be used when traditional medications are ineffective or cause side effects (Today's Veterinary Practice).
While many dogs respond well to medication and live normal lives, some may still experience breakthrough seizures. If this happens, your vet may adjust dosages or try alternative treatments.
For dogs with uncontrolled seizures, advanced diagnostics like MRI and CT scans at Sage Veterinary Imaging can help rule out underlying brain conditions and guide a more targeted treatment plan.
SVI: Leaders in Finding Answers For Your Pets
The expert veterinary team in Round Rock, Texas provides compassionate, high-quality care for your pet.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we specialize in providing high-resolution MRI and CT scans to help diagnose complex conditions like epilepsy in dogs.
With state-of-the-art imaging technology, we deliver twice the resolution in half the time, ensuring fast and accurate results when your pet needs them most.
For over 10 years, our team of board-certified radiologists, surgeons, and veterinarians has been helping pet owners get the answers they need in Texas. Now, with a new location in Sandy, Utah, we’re expanding our mission to provide top-tier veterinary diagnostics to more pets and their families.
If your dog is experiencing seizures or unusual neurological symptoms, early and precise diagnosis is key. Advanced imaging can help identify the cause and guide the best treatment plan.
