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FR Epilepsy in Dogs: A Guide for a Safe Coexistence
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By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - Jan 12, 2026
An epilepsy diagnosis raises many questions and can initially seem frightening for dog owners. However, with the right knowledge and management, many affected dogs can lead happy and fulfilling lives. Here you will learn what happens in your dog's brain, how to recognize a seizure, and how to act correctly in an emergency.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by a persistently increased likelihood of epileptic seizures. Such a seizure arises from excessive, "electrical" activity of nerve cells in the brain – similar to a thunderstorm in the head. Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs, affecting approx. 0.6–0.7% of the population1.
It is important to know: A single seizure does not necessarily mean epilepsy. The diagnosis is usually only made when at least two unprovoked seizures have occurred more than 24 hours apart.
The Causes
Generally, two forms are distinguished:
| Idiopathic Epilepsy | Structural (Symptomatic) Epilepsy |
|---|---|
| This is the most common form. Here, no organic cause (such as a tumor or inflammation) can be found; the brain is structurally healthy. | Here, an underlying disease is present that triggers the seizures. |
| A genetic component is often suspected. | e.g., after head trauma, due to inflammation, malformations, or tumors. |
Affected Dogs
Primarily, purebred dogs are affected, but fundamentally, any dog can develop idiopathic epilepsy.
- The first seizures usually occur between the ages of 6 months and 5–6 years.
- Males are approx. 1.5 times more frequently affected than females, while castration status has no influence.
- Certain breeds such as the Tervueren, Irish Wolfhound, and Border Terrier are particularly often affected.2,3
Diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy
Unfortunately, there is no test that can definitively determine whether your dog is affected by idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnosis is made purely as a diagnosis of exclusion. Two main questions must be clarified:
- Are these epileptic seizures? (Exclusion of other conditions such as syncope, narcolepsy, etc.)
- Can an underlying cause be identified?
Recommended examinations include a clinical and neurological examination, blood and urine tests, in certain cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and for certain breeds, a genetic test.
How Do I Recognize a Seizure? The Three Phases.
An epileptic seizure typically occurs in three phases. Knowing these will help you better assess the situation.
1. Aura / Warning Signs (Prodromal Stage)
Hours or even days before the seizure, many dogs show subtle behavioral changes.
Symptoms: Restlessness, anxiety, increased barking, drooling, clinginess, or withdrawal.
2. The Seizure (Ictus)
This is the actual convulsive seizure. It usually lasts only a few minutes (on average under 2 minutes).
Symptoms: Muscle stiffening, falling over, unconsciousness, paddling with the legs, drooling, urination or defecation.
Important: Your dog is unconscious during this phase and feels no pain.
3. The Convalescence Phase (Postictal Phase)
After the seizure, the brain needs to recover. This phase can last minutes to up to 48 hours.
Symptoms: Disorientation, extreme hunger, thirst, exhaustion, restlessness or (rarely) aggression, temporary blindness.
When Do Seizures Occur?
Interestingly, most seizures do not occur during excitement, but rather from sleep or a relaxed state, as the seizure threshold is low then. However, stress can also be a trigger for some dogs. Rarely, so-called reflex epilepsy occurs, where specific stimuli such as eating, a vet visit, or the dog groomer trigger a seizure.
Correct Action in an Emergency: Do's & Don'ts
If your dog has a seizure, your most important task is to remain calm and protect them from injury.
✅ What you should do:
- Safety: Remove dangerous objects (chairs, tables) that the dog could bump into. Secure stairs.
- Minimize stimuli: Turn off the TV and lights (darken the room). Ensure quiet in the room.
- Documentation: Look at the clock to measure the duration. If possible, film the seizure for the vet.
- Diary: Keep an epilepsy diary about the frequency, duration, and type of seizures.
- After the seizure: If possible, keep your dog away from stairs or sharp objects as long as they are disoriented.
❌ What you should NEVER do:
- Do not reach into their mouth: Never try to pull out the tongue. Dogs do not swallow their tongue, but you could accidentally injure them severely.
- Do not hold them down: Do not try to suppress the convulsive movements.
When do I need to go to the vet immediately?
Contact a vet immediately if:
- Your dog has a seizure for the first time.
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) – this can be life-threatening.
- Multiple seizures occur on one day (cluster seizures).
- The dog does not recover after the seizure or shows aggressive behavior.
Treatment and Therapy
Epilepsy is not curable, but often treatable. The goal is to reduce seizure frequency and severity, and to improve quality of life.
1. Medical Therapy
Antiepileptic drugs increase the seizure threshold in the brain. Common active ingredients include phenobarbital, imepitoin, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam.
- Therapy is particularly indicated for two or more seizures within 6 months, for status epilepticus, cluster seizures, for a severely impaired convalescence phase, or for an increase in the frequency, strength, and duration of seizures.
- For effectiveness, it is important to administer tablets always at the same time of day.
- No abrupt discontinuation: Never stop medication without consulting your vet, as this can trigger immediate, severe seizures.
- Patience: It can take time for the dog to be properly adjusted. Seizure freedom is only achieved in a portion of dogs; often, a 50% reduction in frequency is already considered a success.
2. Nutrition
In addition to medical therapy, feeding can also have a positive influence on the course of the disease.
In particular, a high content of medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) in the food can help improve energy metabolism in the brain. Studies have shown that a change in food with such content can reduce seizure frequency in therapy-resistant dogs4.
To utilize this effect, there are two options:
- Special food: Feeding a complete food that is already enriched with MCT (such as Purina Veterinary Diets NC Neurocare).
- Food supplements: Enriching the usual food by adding MCT oils (such as Aprilyc).
The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) is also increasingly discussed in epilepsy therapy. The administration of CBD oils is considered safe and well-tolerated in dogs. While anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) effects have already been confirmed in animal models and in human treatment, the actual efficacy specifically in dogs is not yet conclusively assessable due to the current study situation5. However, it can be considered as an accompanying measure in consultation with the vet.
Living with an Epileptic Dog
Although statistical data indicate that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have a somewhat lower life expectancy than their healthy counterparts – the median survival time after diagnosis is approx. 2.3 years. However, do not be discouraged by this number: the individual course is decisive.
If the seizures can be well controlled through therapy or at least their frequency and severity reduced, affected dogs can lead fulfilling and happy lives. Many patients enjoy their daily lives between seizures completely symptom-free and full of zest for life.
The diagnosis also brings with it some changes and burdens for your daily life. The disease requires a high degree of discipline, as medications must be administered strictly and on time. This requires good planning and can sometimes be perceived as a restriction. Concern for the animal can also affect the owner's quality of life6.
However, this intensive care also has a positive side: jointly coping with the illness strengthens the bond. Many owners report that the relationship with their four-legged friend has become even more intimate and deeper due to the increased attention and mutual trust.
Stay optimistic! With the right management, close veterinary check-ups, and a positive attitude, many happy years together are often within reach.
Sources :
Boehringer-Ingelheim (2013) Epilepsy Guide for Dog Owners, Dog Owner Brochure
5Potschka, H. et al. (2022) Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy. Vet J. 290:105913.
Useful information at a glance
What exactly is epilepsy in dogs?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to disturbed electrical activity in the brain. It is the most common form of neurological disorders in dogs.
How do I recognize an epileptic seizure in my dog?
Typical signs include sudden collapse, muscle twitching, paddling movements, unconsciousness, drooling, and uncontrolled urination or defecation. A phase of disorientation often follows.
Do I need to go to the veterinarian immediately after every seizure?
Not necessarily. For a single, short seizure without further symptoms, observation is often sufficient. You should go to the veterinarian if your dog has had a seizure for the first time, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, occurs multiple times in one day, or if your dog does not recover afterwards.
What should I do during a seizure?
Stay calm, secure the surroundings, turn off light sources, and film the seizure if possible. Do not hold the dog down and do not put your hand in its mouth – it could unconsciously bite.
What causes epilepsy in dogs?
A distinction is made between idiopathic epilepsy (without a recognizable cause, often genetically determined) and symptomatic epilepsy, which is caused by an underlying condition such as tumors or inflammation.
How is epilepsy diagnosed in dogs?
Diagnosis is made by excluding other causes. This includes clinical examinations, blood analyses, possibly MRI and cerebrospinal fluid examinations, as well as genetic tests for certain breeds.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment involves antiepileptic drugs. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Special diets with medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) or CBD products can also be supportive.
Can dogs with epilepsy lead a normal life?
Yes, many dogs lead happy lives despite epilepsy – especially if seizures are well controlled and owners consistently implement the therapy.
