Seizures in Dogs Explained With Dr. Jeff Werber

People can suffer from seizures, but did you know that dogs can experience them too? Several medical conditions and even poisoning can cause seizures in dogs, which can be pretty scary to deal with. Here, our expert veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Werber, explains how seizures work, what causes them in dogs and how your veterinarian may treat them.*

Can My Dog Have a Seizure?

Yes, while it was originally believed that dogs could only have grand mal seizures, which are tonic-clonic convulsive seizures. In addition, they can also suffer from petit mal seizures, which are much more subtle.

What are the Signs of Seizures in Dogs?

If your dog is having a seizure, they may experience:

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

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures can occur in dogs of any age for a variety of reasons. These causes include:

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

What is Canine Epilepsy?

Canine epilepsy is an abnormal focus in the brain that fires in response to some stimulus, which can vary from dog to dog. Usually, dogs who are dealing with epilepsy will exhibit no other symptoms of illness.

What Types of Seizures Do Dogs Have?

Dogs can have subtle petit mal seizures or very serious grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures. Petit mal seizures can be so mild that they may not even look like your dog is having a seizure because they are so subtle. They look more like your dog is shaking or trembling.

What Triggers a Seizure in Dogs?

There is no particular trigger of seizures in dogs and triggers can vary due to the dog's overall health or cause of the seizures themselves. Once the trigger occurs, an explosion of brain activity will happen which will then lead to a seizure.

Are Certain Dog Breeds Prone to Seizures?

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

What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Seizure?

If your dog starts having a seizure, Dr. Werber cautions that you should never put your hand in your dog's mouth. According to Dr. Werber, your dog won't swallow their tongue, so don't try to grab it—this is a common myth. Grabbing at your dog's tongue will only result in your dog inadvertently biting you because they will have no control over their body during a seizure.

While you can't stop your dog from having a seizure once it starts, you can make your dog as comfortable and safe as possible during these episodes by:

• Moving furniture and other items out of your dog's way.
• Placing your dog on the floor if they are on a couch or bed to prevent them from falling off.

When Should I See a Veterinarian for Dog Seizures?

After your dog has a seizure, take them to a veterinarian for an examination and testing to determine what the cause could be. If no cause for the seizures is found based on your dog's behavior and lab tests, your veterinarian may not do further extensive medical testing on your dog until after they have had a second or third seizure, especially if they aren't exhibiting any other symptoms, said Dr. Werber.

Can a Dog Die From a Seizure?

It's highly unlikely that your dog will die from having a seizure, according to Dr. Werber. However, if your dog ingested something toxic, has a brain lesion or tumor, or suffers from a severe brain disease that is causing the seizures, those conditions themselves can be fatal.

What Medications Treat Seizures in Dogs?

After determining the cause of your dog's seizures, your veterinarian may recommend medication to prevent seizures, many of which are the same as those used in humans. These medications include:

• Phenobarbital
• Keppra
• Potassium bromide
• Anti-seizure medication such as clonazepam
• Gabapentin

When it comes to dosing, your veterinarian will recommend the correct amount and frequency of the medication for your dog.

Is Medication Always Recommended for Seizures in Dogs?

No, if your dog is having one to three seizures per year, then your veterinarian may not recommend any medication for them.

Diagnostic Procedures for Seizures in Dogs

If your veterinarian has ruled out a cause like a toxic substance or brain lesion/tumor for your dog's seizures, they might recommend that you see a veterinary neurologist, especially if the seizures are severe. The doctor might also perform an MRI on your dog's brain to help diagnose their condition.

How to Prevent Dog Seizures?

While there is no definitive way to stop your dog from having seizures due to a health condition, if you notice a trigger—such as vomiting or 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.

You'll also want to keep your dog away from any potential toxins like medications or cleaners in your home 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.

CareCredit Financing For Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications, and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Apply today and continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

Meet The Experts

Dr. Jeff Werber

Dr. Werber is a practicing veterinarian in Los Angeles, California, and has been for over 35 years. He is the founder of Century Veterinary Group and is the former president of the Association of Veterinary Communicators.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, Care.com, City National Bank, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.