Types of Seizures in Dogs

We humans share a lot of similarities with dogs, such as personal preferences, social behaviors, facial expressions, and 80 percent of our DNA. We also have many diseases in common, including epilepsy. No one wants to see their furry friend suffering, so it’s important to understand the different types of seizures in dogs, their symptoms, and their causes.

1. Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal, or partial, seizures are abnormal electrical activity that affects one part of the brain. As a result, only an eyelid, one limb, a muscle, or one side of the body may jerk or twitch. Dogs do not necessarily lose consciousness.

Simple partial seizures such as these generally do not require treatment. However, they can change into generalized seizures. Vets recommend watching your pet until the seizure passes.

2. Complex Partial Seizures

The second type of seizure is complex partial seizures. These types of seizures can be psychomotor, which involves abnormal motor activity, or they can be behavioral. These odd behaviors can recur each time the dog has a seizure. It may involve lip-smacking, chasing their tails, attacking imaginary objects, running around in circles, or cowering or hiding. This type of seizure commonly looks like what veterinarians call “fly biting,” because it appears as if the dog is trying to snap at flies.

The dog may also have a skewed perception of reality, becoming fearful or aggressive. They could also be experiencing strange sensations of taste, smell, or sight. Vomiting, loss of bowel control, hallucinations, blindness, and excessive salivation are not uncommon. The dog may not lose consciousness, but they are not always aware of their surroundings. Like simple partial seizures, complex partial seizures can turn into generalized seizures, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet until the seizure is over.

3. Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures

Generalized, or grand mal, seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in both sides of the brain. The entire body is affected. Your dog may suddenly fall over, with all four limbs jerking or twitching. They may also foam at the mouth, lose control of their bowels, lose consciousness, and their breathing may stop. Ensure your dog remains safe by taking care they do not fall down stairs and by removing any nearby items that may fall on them.

It is important to time your dog’s seizure and keep a record. Status epilepticus is a seizure that does not resolve on its own, and it can be life-threatening. If your dog’s seizure does not resolve within five minutes, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. During the postictal phase, or the time after the seizure, your dog may be confused and disoriented, which could manifest as aggressiveness.

Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Epilepsy is the most common reason why dogs have seizures. Genetic abnormalities from either parent can pass epilepsy to offspring, who may show seizure behavior from as young as six months to as old as six years. However, this is not the only possible cause. Certain medications can trigger seizure behavior, such as flea treatments, broad-spectrum antibacterial medications, ivermectin, and ibuprofen. Any medication that can cause hypoglycemia may also trigger seizures.

Toxins can trigger seizure behavior because a dog’s metabolic and digestive systems may have difficulty eliminating them. Foods such as caffeine, chocolate, and xylitol are toxic to dogs. Rat poison and pesticides can likewise trigger seizure behavior and also result in brain damage. Plants that are toxic to dogs include lilies, tulips, azaleas, and sago palms. Stings from bees and wasps can also introduce toxins that may cause seizures.

Other underlying health issues can cause seizures as well. Brain tumors or lesions caused by Cushing’s disease can cause strong bursts of unusual electrical activity in the brain. This can result in seizures unless the tumor is removed. Underlying issues with the dog’s blood or organs, especially common in older dogs, can cause seizures. Diabetes, a fatty liver, kidney and liver failure, or an infectious, viral, fungal, or systemic disease are all possible issues. Head trauma can trigger ongoing seizure behavior even after the original injury has healed.

Dog Breeds Prone to Epilepsy

Epilepsy can occur in any dog breed, from purebred dogs to mixed breeds. Experts estimate canine epilepsy ranges from 0.6 to 0.75 percent. However, some purebred dog breeds are more predisposed to epilepsy, particularly shepherds, hunting dogs, and molosser breeds, including:

• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Beagles
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Border Collies
• Boxers

If your dog has experienced seizures or seizure-like behavior, take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup. If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, there are various treatments to manage their seizures. The most important thing is to work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the care they need.