Why do dogs have seizures?
Introduction
It’s
terrifying to watch your dog have one. It’s like, one minute they’re fine, and
then the next they’re falling to the ground, convulsing, or they’re not really
sure where they are. It’s difficult not to freak out, and you’re left wondering
— what just happened? Is my dog okay? What do I do now?"
People often
think seizures are a disease, but that’s not really the case. They are
indicative of a problem in the brain or nervous system. Sometimes it’s nothing
too serious and easy to handle. Other times, it’s a big deal and requires
long-term treatment.
Here, let’s
discuss what causes seizures in dogs, the different types, what can trigger
one, and what to do if your dog has one once more. You’ll also learn when it’s
time to call the vet. Think of this as a no-nonsense guide, whether you’ve just
seen your dog have his or her first seizure or you want to better understand
them.
What is a seizure in dogs?
A dog's brain is controlled by small electrical
signals, and a seizure is essentially an electric storm in the brain when these
signals go haywire. This abrupt jolting
disrupts their brain function, and you will observe things such as twitchy
movements, peculiar behavior, or, in some cases, they simply go blank. Here is
what you might be able to observe:
Muscles twitch or go stiff
·
Shaking, they can’t control
·
Drooling
or even foaming at the mouth
· They seem out of it or just aren’t aware of what’s
going on
·
Temporary confusion after the episode
Epileptic seizures don’t
have to look sensational. They can be quite subtle, particularly when they
first begin.
Why do dogs have seizures?
There is more than one reason. Vets
generally categorize it into three main groups.
1. Idiopathic Epilepsy (Genetic Causes)
· Idiopathic epilepsy is the number one reason
why dogs have seizures. “Idiopathic” simply means that there is no obvious
structural abnormality in the brain—nothing that you can see on a scan. It’s
often genetic.
Key Features
·
Often hereditary
·
Usually begins between 6 months and 6 years of
age
·
Dogs appear normal between seizures
Some
breeds like Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and German Shepherds
are at higher risk. Although idiopathic epilepsy is not curable, many dogs live
full lives if they are properly managed.
2. Anatomical Disorders of the Brain
Occasionally, seizures occur when the brain
is altered or injured. Here are a few reasons why:
• Brain tumors
• Head trauma
• Infections such as meningitis or
encephalitis
• Stroke or brain haemorrhage
• Congenital brain defects
Physicians typically require all the
information that detailed scans — such as MRI or CT — provide to determine what is
truly happening.
3. Reactive Seizures: Seizures Caused by External Factors
Reactive seizures occur when an external
factor causes the brain to become temporarily disordered. Here are the most
common triggers:
• Low blood sugar
• Liver or kidney disease
• Toxins, such as chocolate, pesticides, or
certain plants
• Electrolyte disturbances
• Severe infections: the positive side of
this? After you treat the underlying problem, the seizures typically end.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
The more you know about the types of
seizures, the better you will be able to identify symptoms and
relay information to the vet.
Generalized
Seizures
These affect both sides of the brain and are
the most dramatic.
Symptoms
Include
·
Loss of consciousness
·
Full-body shaking
·
Paddling legs
· Vocalization
Focal
(Partial) Seizures
These begin in one area of the brain and may
appear mild at first.
Possible
Signs
·
Facial twitching
·
Repetitive movements
·
Sudden aggression or fear
·
Staring spells
Focal seizures
can occasionally evolve into generalized seizures.
Cluster
Seizures
If a dog has
more than one seizure in 24 hours, the seizures are termed cluster seizures by
veterinarians. These need immediate veterinary care.
Status Epileptic us
a seizure continues for more than 5
minutes, or if seizures occur close together without the person waking up in between.
What Causes Seizures in My Dog?
Though some seizures happen suddenly
and unpredictably, there are some risk factors.
Underlying Causes of Seizures
·
Stress or anxiety
· Lack of
sleep
·
Sudden changes in routine
· Flashing lights (rare)
· Skipped doses of medication
Avoiding triggers
may decrease seizure numbers.
How Do Vets Diagnose Seizures?
No one test says, yes “this
animal has had a seizure”. Veterinarians use a variety of techniques.
Diagnostic Steps
• Full history of the pet
• Physical examination and neurological
evaluation
• Blood and urine analyses
• Imaging (MRI or CT) if necessary
Owners have an integral role in
the management by noting the frequency, length, and activity during the
seizures.
Treatment for Your Dog's Seizures Can Have a Range of Treatment Options
Treatment is
based on the underlying cause, severity, and frequency of the seizures.
Medication
Management
Veterinarians also prescribe anticonvulsant medications for dogs that are having seizures too often.
Treatment goals
·
Reduce seizure frequency
· Minimize side effects
· To enhance the quality of life
Therapeutic
regimens are long-term and need to be adapted over time.
Treating the Cause
However, in the case of reactive or structural
seizures, it is important to treat the underlying cause.
Examples include:
· Treating infections
· Treatment
of metabolic diseases
· Toxin
removal
Lifestyle and Home Care
Dog owners can promote treatment by keeping the
environment stable.
Helpful practices
·
Keep a consistent routine
·
Avoid known triggers
· Administer
the drug on time
· Maintain
a record of seizures
What to Do During a Dog Seizure
Knowledge on how to react can help minimize the
chances of you or your dog getting hurt and lessen your anxiety.
During a Seizure
·
Stay calm
·
Move objects away to prevent injury
·
Do not put your hands in the dog’s mouth
·
Time the seizure
After
the Seizure
·
Speak softly
·
Allow rest in a quiet area
· Contact
the veterinarian if necessary.
Can seizures be prevented in dogs?
That said, not every seizure can be
prevented, especially those caused by genetics. Early diagnosis and treatment
can, however, greatly mitigate their effects.
Routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, and
staying clear of toxins promote general good neurological health.
External
Resources for Trusted Information
To obtain the
most up-to-date information on dog seizures, you may get in touch with one of
the following:
•American Kennel
Club– https://www.akc.org
• American
Veterinary Medical Association – https://www.avma.org
• VCA Animal
Hospitals – https://vcahospitals.com
• Cornell
University College of Veterinary Medicine – https://www.vet.cornell.edu
These entities
review veterinary medical information and ensure it is science-based.
Conclusion
Why do dogs
have seizures? It is not that simple. Sometimes it’s written in their DNA.
Sometimes illness, trauma, or even something in the environment does a number on
their brain. They look scary, but with the right vet and an owner who knows
what to do, dogs can still live happy lives.
The trick is to
recognize the signs early, determine what’s causing the problem, and listen to
the pros. You start to feel less afraid, more in control, once you know what to
watch for and what to do.
If your dog has seizures, you’re not alone in dealing with this. With the right help, you and your dog can get through it together.
FAQs:
Why is My Dog Suddenly Having Seizures?
A Dog Having a Seizure. What causes a dog
to have seizures?—It can be many things, some genetic epilepsy, sickness
or disease, exposure to toxins, or alterations in the brain itself.
Are canine seizures painful?
Although dogs with epilepsy don’t seem to be
aware of these episodes while they are having them, that’s not always the case.
They normally faint. Subsequently, they may be disoriented or exhausted.
Can a canine with seizures live a normal life?
Right. While seizures may be disturbing, many
dogs that are prone to seizures go on to live long and happy lives if properly
medicated and monitored with regular checkups.
Should I Take My Dog to the Veterinarian After One Seizure?
Yes, you should. The vet will be able to determine
what caused the seizure and how to prevent it from happening again.
A dog’s life can be shortened by seizures, can’t it?
Not always. The Urge Pooch writes: As long as
you keep their seizures under control, they will generally not have any effect
on how long they live.
Can dogs have seizures from stress?
Stress can provoke seizures, even more so in
dogs who already have neurological problems.