Is Your Dog Seizing? A Vet’s Guide to Canine Epilepsy

Watching your dog experience a seizure is one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. It’s scary, confusing, and often leaves you with a dozen unanswered questions. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, we know just how concerning this can be. You’re not alone- and we’re here to help. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or just trying to understand what epilepsy means for your dog, this guide is designed to support you with clear, compassionate, and practical information.

What Is Canine Epilepsy?

Epilepsy in dogs is a neurological condition marked by repeated seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Unlike a one-time seizure due to trauma or toxin exposure, epilepsy is a chronic issue with recurring episodes.
Epilepsy typically falls into two categories:

  • Idiopathic epilepsy: No identifiable cause, though genetics are often involved. Breeds like Beagles, Labradors, and German Shepherds are more prone.
  • Structural epilepsy: Caused by an underlying issue such as a canine brain tumor, head trauma, or infection.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Canine Seizures

Seizures don’t always mean epilepsy. Dogs can experience seizures from a range of causes, including:

  • Genetics (as seen in idiopathic epilepsy)
  • Brain abnormalities, like canine tumors or inflammation
  • Metabolic disorders, including low blood sugar, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction
  • Toxin exposure, such as certain pesticides, chocolate, or human medications

Determining the root cause of seizures in dogs helps us tailor a treatment plan that makes sense for your pet’s situation.

How to Recognize When Your Dog is Having a Seizure

Not all seizures look the same. Some are dramatic, while others are easy to miss. Most seizures follow three phases:

  • Aura (pre-ictal) phase: You might notice restlessness, drooling, whining, or clinging behavior.
  • Ictal phase: This is the actual seizure. It can include muscle twitching, paddling limbs, loss of consciousness, or just unusual movements.
  • Post-ictal phase: After the seizure, dogs may seem dazed, confused, uncoordinated, or even temporarily blind.

While some seizures are short and self-limiting, other seizures can become emergencies. Be alert for canine seizures that have the following characteristics:

  • Status epilepticus: A seizure lasting more than five minutes.
  • Cluster seizures: Multiple seizures within 24 hours.
  • The event occurs with collapse, possible toxin exposure, or heatstroke.

How We Diagnose Epilepsy

If your dog is experiencing seizures, a thorough veterinary evaluation is the first step. At our clinic, that typically includes:

  • Physical and neurological exams
  • Blood and urine testing to rule out metabolic causes
  • Advanced imaging, like MRI or CT scans, to check for brain abnormalities
  • CSF tap (cerebrospinal fluid analysis) to detect inflammation or infection.

A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is often made by ruling out other possible causes.

Treatment Options for Epilepsy in Dogs

Managing epilepsy is often a lifelong commitment, but the right combination of treatments can make a huge difference. Treatment generally falls into two categories: emergency management during an active seizure and long-term therapy to reduce seizure frequency and severity.

Emergency Treatment During Seizures

When a dog is actively seizing, safety and rapid intervention are critical:

  • Immediate safety first – Move your pet away from stairs or sharp objects, turn off bright lights or loud sounds, and do not try to restrain them or place anything in their mouth.
  • Emergency medication – In severe or cluster seizures, veterinarians may prescribe emergency medications such as diazepam (rectal or intranasal) or midazolam to be given at home. These drugs can shorten seizure duration and may prevent repeated episodes before veterinary care is reached.
  • Hospital stabilization – If seizures last longer than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) or occur in clusters, hospitalization with IV medications, oxygen therapy, and monitoring is necessary.

Long-Term Medical Therapy

Most epileptic dogs require ongoing anti-seizure medication to reduce frequency and severity:

  • Phenobarbital and levetiracetam are two of the most commonly used anti-seizure drugs (AEDs).
  • Zonisamide or potassium bromide may be added in more complex or resistant cases.
  • Combination therapy is often recommended when seizures aren’t controlled with a single drug.

Because seizure thresholds vary, it may take time and adjustments to find the right medication or dose for each pet.

Nutritional and Supplemental Support

In some cases, nutrition and supplements can support seizure control:

  • A ketogenic diet or MCT oil supplementation may reduce seizure frequency in certain dogs.
  • Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and avoiding missed meals can also support stable medication absorption.

Advanced and Alternative Therapies

For dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy, additional options may be explored:

  • Vagus nerve stimulation can help regulate abnormal brain activity.
  • Acupuncture and other integrative therapies are gaining attention as supplemental options.

The Importance of Rechecks and Monitoring

Epilepsy is not static, and regular veterinary rechecks are essential for safe and effective management:

  • Blood level monitoring – Anti-seizure drug concentrations must be measured to ensure the dose is high enough to control seizures but not so high that it causes liver damage, sedation, or other side effects.
  • Adjusting doses over time – Even well-controlled pets can have breakthrough seizures if they miss doses, develop other health conditions, or if their body adjusts and requires a higher dose.
  • Routine exams and lab work – Regular rechecks help identify side effects early, adjust treatment plans, and keep pets comfortable long term.

Ongoing monitoring ensures pets not only live longer with epilepsy but also enjoy a better quality of life.

Why it’s Important to Treat Epilepsy in Dogs

Untreated epilepsy doesn’t just mean more seizures, it can lead to:

  • Status epilepticus, a potentially fatal emergency
  • Cognitive dysfunction, especially in senior dogs
  • Injury, during or after a seizure
  • Shortened lifespan, particularly if seizures increase in frequency or severity

The earlier your pet starts treatment, the better the outcome.

How to Help Your Dog at Home

Supporting an epileptic dog involves creating a safe, calm, and structured environment:

  • Seizure-proof your home: Block access to stairs, pad sharp corners, and never leave your dog unattended on elevated surfaces.
  • Keep records: Document the date, time, duration, and nature of each seizure.
  • Have a plan: Know what to do during a seizure; move your dog away from danger, stay calm, and time the event.
  • Provide recovery care: After a seizure, dogs need a quiet space to rest and reorient themselves.

Daily observation and routine DIY checkups can help you track changes that might otherwise be missed.

What Do I Bring to My Dog’s Vet Appointment?

Whether your dog is going to a routine vet appointment, or they are seen at an emergency clinic for seizures, it’s helpful to bring the following:

  • A detailed seizure log
  • Videos of any seizure activity, if possible
  • A list of current medications and supplements
  • Questions you want answered (medication side effects, expected outcomes, etc.)

This allows us to make informed decisions and work together to customize a plan that fits your dog’s needs.

Common Questions from Pet Owners About Dogs With Epilepsy

Can my dog live a normal life with epilepsy?
Yes. With the right management, many dogs live full, active, and happy lives.

Will my dog be on medication forever?
Usually, yes. Epilepsy typically requires long-term treatment, though medication types and doses may change over time.

Can exercise trigger a seizure?
Excessive exertion or stress can be a trigger for some dogs. Moderate, consistent activity is usually beneficial.

What about natural remedies?
Alternative therapies like CBD oil, acupuncture, or supplements may be helpful, but always check with your veterinarian first.

Is epilepsy expensive to manage?
Costs vary depending on your dog’s needs, but we’re always happy to work with you to create a care plan that’s realistic and sustainable.

From Diagnosis to Epilepsy Maintenance, Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona is Here

Epilepsy can feel like a big diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to feel like a dead end. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, we’re committed to supporting you and your dog with expertise, empathy, and cutting-edge care.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us. Our skilled team is here to help you navigate every step of your dog’s diagnosis with confidence, compassion, and the information you need to make the best decisions for your pet.