Epilepsy can’t be cured but it can be controlled
; there are drugs available to help your dog live a seizure-free life. Speak to your daytime vet if you’re concerned.
How long can a dog live with seizures?
Approximately 40-60 percent of dogs with epilepsy have one or more episodes of cluster seizures or status epilepsy, and a mean lifespan of only
8 years
, compared to 11 years for those with epilepsy without episodes status epilepsy.
Will my dog continue to have seizures?
The seizures will likely continue
, but hopefully, they will be less severe and happen less often. About 70% of dogs are able to be well-controlled; unfortunately, that means there is additional 30% of dogs that are not able to be well-controlled.
How can I stop my dog from having seizures permanently?
Phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital has been used for decades to suppress seizures in dogs
and is typically the first medication prescribed by vets for dogs experiencing seizures. It is estimated that 80% of dogs on phenobarbital experience a decrease in seizure frequency of 50% or more.
How long does it take a dog to recover from a seizure?
Once the seizure has ended, dogs will have a prolonged post-ictal recovery period. This period may last
up to 24 hours
, depending on the individual dog. During the post-ictal period, dogs are typically confused and disoriented.
Can you leave a dog with epilepsy alone?
Postictal: Immediately following the seizure. Pets are confused, disoriented, restless, temporarily blind and want to drink a lot.
Pets should not be left alone during this time
and should be kept away from stairs. Can last anywhere from one hour to one to two days.
Are seizures painful in dogs?
Despite the dramatic and violent appearance of a seizure,
seizures are not painful
, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure.
How many seizures is too many for a dog?
Yet, several seizures in a row or a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is considered an emergency situation that can be life-threatening. Call your vet immediately. The occurrence of
more than three seizures in a 24-hour period
is also an urgent matter that requires a trip to the vet right away.
What triggers dog seizures?
Causes of Seizures in Dogs
Heat Exhaustion
. Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency. Low blood sugar levels. Liver disease.
Do seizures damage a dog’s brain?
That said, seizures can be a serious health concern and
even short seizures could cause brain damage
. If your dog suffers a seizure that continues for more than 30 minutes serious permanent brain damage could result.
How many seizures is too many?
Some experts define a cluster as having
two or three seizures within 24 hours
, recovering between each one. Others define it as having several seizures and recovery periods within a few hours.
Do cluster seizures in dogs cause permanent brain damage?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not common. Seizures are generally short-lived, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes. As such, they have little lasting effect on the brain. However, multiple seizures over a short period of time – called “cluster seizures” –
can result in brain damage
.
How can I stop my dog from having seizures at home?
- Essential Fatty Acids. Pet owners and veterinarians alike recommend routinely introducing fatty acids into a dog’s diet. …
- Dietary Changes. …
- Homeopathic Oils. …
- Acupressure. …
- Melatonin. …
- Honey.
What dog breeds are more prone to seizures?
Your dog is most likely to suffer from seizures if he or she is a
Belgian Tervuren, Shetland sheepdog, beagle, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, keeshond, or vizsla
. Other breeds more prone to seizures include the Finnish spitz, Bernese mountain dog, Irish wolfhound, and English springer spaniel.
What natural remedy can I give my dog for seizures?
In both capsule and tincture form, many natural over-the-counter Western herbs — including
milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw
— are used to treat seizures. Milk thistle is often recommended by holistic veterinarians to be used in conjunction with phenobarbital.
What should I expect after my dog has a seizure?
Postictal phase: After the seizure, many dogs exhibit a postictal phase characterized by disorientation. This may last minutes to hours. The most commonly reported signs are
behavior changes, prolonged sleepiness, confusion, transient blindness, and eating voraciously
.
Are dogs conscious during seizures?
These seizures are described as either simple or complex, depending on your dog’s level of awareness while the seizure is occurring.
Dogs usually remain conscious during a simple focal seizure
, whereas consciousness is likely to be more impaired if your dog has a complex focal seizure.
What are the after effects of seizures in dogs?
After the seizure ends, dogs often experience post-seizure signs. These can differ but can include
restlessness, weakness, disorientation, panting, hyperactivity, fatigue, and even unprovoked aggression
. These signs can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.
Should I let my dog sleep after a seizure?
After your dog is alert and awake again, he may be very tired. Let him sleep; you may check up on him periodically, but
it’s best to let him rest
.
Do dogs with epilepsy suffer?
Injuries can happen during seizures, but
most dogs do not hurt themselves and do not need to go to the vet unless epilepsy has not been diagnosed
. These occur in only one half of the brain and within a particular region.
Why do dogs have seizures at night?
We know that some dogs inherit idiopathic epilepsy from their parents, but the exact reasons they occur are unknown. Other causes of dog seizures while sleeping are
kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, liver disease, toxins, neoplastic growths, metabolic disorders, and more
.
What not to feed a dog that has seizures?
Things to Avoid
Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin
may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.
