Recognizing Symptoms of Epilepsy In Dogs

Understanding Canine Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in dogs, affecting around 0.6–0.7% of the canine population. It causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Epilepsy is not a single disease but rather a spectrum of disorders with various underlying causes. Some dogs have idiopathic epilepsy, where no structural or metabolic cause is identified but there’s often a genetic component. Others have symptomatic (structural) epilepsy, triggered by brain injury, infection, inflammation, or metabolic disease.

Recognising the signs of epilepsy is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management — especially since symptoms can vary widely between dogs.

1. Seizures: The Core Symptom of Epilepsy in Dogs

Seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy. They occur when groups of neurons in the brain fire excessively and synchronously, disrupting normal communication.

There are several main types:

• Focal (partial) seizures: Abnormal activity begins in one area of the brain. You might notice twitching on one side of the face, repeated blinking, lip licking, or a single limb jerking. Consciousness may be maintained.

  
  

• Generalised tonic-clonic seizures: These involve the whole brain. Dogs often lose consciousness, fall over, and experience muscle rigidity followed by rhythmic jerking movements. Salivation, paddling, and vocalisation are common.

  
  

• Focal seizures with secondary generalisation: A focal seizure can spread to both hemispheres, progressing into a generalised seizure.

  
  

• Absence (petit mal) seizures: These are brief, subtle episodes where the dog seems “spaced out” or unresponsive for a few seconds.

  
  

A typical seizure lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, followed by a postictal phase -a period of recovery where the dog may appear disoriented, anxious, or unusually hungry.

2. Pre-Seizure Warning Signs (Prodrome and Aura Phases)

Many dogs show behavioural or emotional changes before a seizure, offering valuable clues for owners.

• Prodromal phase: This can occur hours or even days before a seizure. Dogs may appear restless, anxious, or unusually clingy. Some pace or whine persistently.

  
  

• Aura phase: This shorter phase occurs just before seizure onset and can include sudden hiding, seeking comfort, staring into space, or salivating.

  
  

Recognising these early cues helps owners prepare a safe space, minimise injury risk, and record valuable information for the vet. Over time, you may learn your dog’s individual “pre-seizure pattern”.

3. Behavioural and Cognitive Changes

Epilepsy can influence brain function beyond the seizures themselves. Between episodes, some dogs show changes in mood, energy, or cognition, especially in chronic or poorly controlled epilepsy.

Common changes include:

• Increased anxiety or irritability

• Sleep disturbances

• Reduced playfulness or motivation

• Episodes of confusion or disorientation

• Subtle memory or learning difficulties

  
  

These effects are thought to result from repeated electrical disturbances and neurochemical changes in the brain. Managing stress, maintaining a stable routine, and ensuring proper nutrition can help support emotional balance.

4. Physical Manifestations During and After Seizures

During a seizure, dogs may display a wide range of physical symptoms:

• Muscle stiffness or jerking

• Falling over or paddling movements

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Involuntary urination or defecation

• Temporary blindness or unresponsiveness

  
  

After the seizure, dogs often enter the postictal phase, which may last minutes to hours. They can appear wobbly, disoriented, or restless. Some seek comfort, while others prefer quiet isolation. Although distressing, these reactions are part of normal neurological recovery.

5. Secondary Symptoms and Complications

Chronic epilepsy can cause cumulative effects on overall health and brain function. Over time, repeated seizures may lead to:

• Neuronal stress due to excitotoxicity (overactivation of neurons)

• Altered metabolism, especially in glucose and energy pathways

• Behavioural regression or anxiety from disrupted neural circuits

• Medication side effects, including sedation, ataxia (wobbliness), and increased thirst or appetite

  
  

Regular veterinary monitoring , including bloodwork to track drug levels and organ function, is essential for long-term management.

What To Do If You Suspect Epilepsy in Your Dog

If your dog has had more than one unprovoked seizure, seek veterinary assessment. Diagnosis typically involves:

• A full clinical history and neurological exam

• Blood and urine tests to rule out metabolic causes

• Advanced imaging (MRI or CT) if structural disease is suspected

• Possible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis

  
  

Keeping a seizure diary, noting date, duration, behaviour before and after, provides invaluable information for diagnosis and treatment adjustment.

Conclusion: Early Recognition Saves Lives

Epilepsy doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. By recognising early symptoms and patterns, you can help your vet build a tailored treatment and lifestyle plan that supports both seizure control and brain health.

With the right care, many dogs with epilepsy live long, happy, and active lives. Awareness, observation, and compassion are your most powerful tools in supporting them.

References

• Berendt M., Farquhar R.G., Mandigers P.J.J., Pakozdy A., Bhatti S.F.M., De Risio L., Fischer A., Long S., Matiasek K., Muñana K., Patterson E.E., Penderis J., Platt S., Podell M., Potschka H., Pumarola Batlle M., Rusbridge C., Stein V.M., Tipold A., Volk H.A. (2015). International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Veterinary Research, 11, Article 182. DOI:10.1186/s12917-015-0461-2

  
  

• De Risio L., Bhatti S.F.M., Muñana K.R., Penderis J., Stein V., Tipold A., Berendt M., Farquhar R.G., Fischer A., Long S., Mandigers P.J.J., Matiasek K., Packer R.M.A., Pakozdy A., Patterson E.E., Platt S., Podell M., Potschka H., Pumarola Batlle M., Rusbridge C., Volk H.A. (2015). International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: Diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 11, Article 148. DOI:10.1186/s12917-015-0462-1