Seizures are a common problem in dogs; about 70 percent of all canines will experience at least one seizure before the age of six. Whether the cause be an unknown illness or a serious, chronic health condition that requires ongoing treatment can only be determined by a veterinarian. Dog owners attentive to the signs of a seizure in their pets can recognize a problem and get treatment before a serious injury occurs.
What is a Seizure?
When a dog experiences a seizure, its brain is having an abnormal burst of activity. Seizures vary in duration, some lasting just a few minutes, while others last for several hours. There are four kinds of seizures your dog can suffer from including:
- generalized seizures
- focal seizures
- cluster seizures
- and status epilepticus
What Causes Seizures?
Seizures are caused by a variety of conditions including:
- brain disorders
- canine distemper
- and heat stroke.
Canine Warning Signs
Although there are multiple seizure types, most have common warning signs which can be recognized as the seizure proceeds through four distinct stages.
Prodome stage
Dogs who exhibit sudden changes in mood or behavior may be giving their owners a signal that they are about to have a seizure. Warning signs include:
- becoming overly clingy
- agitation or pacing
- hard, frequent panting
- whimpering, growling or whining.
Ictal stage
The first stage of the actual seizure itself is called the ictal stage. Symptoms vary according to the type and severity of the seizure.  You can find more information about dog seizures at Cory’s Story. Signs of the ictal stage commonly include:
- loss of consciousness
- temporary paralysis
- teeth grinding
- pawing the air
- uncontrollable urination
- and sudden loss of bowel control.
Post Ictal stage
Upon regaining consciousness, the dog may appear normal, however brain activity is still disrupted for two or three hours. Following a seizure, dogs typically experience one or more of the following behaviors:
- drinking a lot
- eating ravenously
- appearing confused
- vision loss or obstruction
- staggering
- walking into objects
- and excessive drooling.
Breeds Affected
While all breeds of dogs suffer from seizures, the following breeds are most susceptible:
- Golden Retrievers
- Dachshunds
- Labrador Retrievers
- and German Shepherds.
When to Seek Medical Help
Track and report all suspected seizure activity during your dog’s regular checkups, but report any seizures lasting more than about five minutes or more than one seizure, regardless of the duration immediately to avoid the risk of your dog developing a brain injury.
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