Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs: What Every Owner Should Know

Witnessing a dog having a seizure can be incredibly distressing. Recognising the common causes of seizures in dogs is crucial to ensuring prompt treatment and helping your pet live a healthy life. While epilepsy often comes to mind first, seizures may arise from various conditions affecting dogs of all ages.

Understanding Seizures in Dogs

Seizures are sudden episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild twitching to severe convulsions and loss of consciousness. They are a symptom, not a disease itself, typically indicating an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.

1. Idiopathic Epilepsy: The Most Common Cause

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most frequent cause of seizures in dogs aged between six months and six years. "Idiopathic" means the seizures occur without an identifiable cause but are believed to be genetic. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition, including the Border Collie puppies, Labrador Retriever puppies, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Beagles. Responsible breeders avoid breeding dogs with a history of epilepsy to reduce hereditary risks.

Epileptic seizures may start suddenly in any dog, often appearing before the age of five. Vets usually manage epilepsy with medication such as anticonvulsants, especially if seizures occur frequently or in clusters. Many dogs live happily with proper treatment and monitoring.

2. Brain Disorders and Tumours

Seizures in adult dogs without a history of epilepsy or previous head trauma could be a sign of brain tumours or other neurological disorders. Tumours tend to cause seizures alongside symptoms like changes in behaviour, unusual gait, and sensitivity to pain or light. These signs usually emerge after the dog is older than five years.

Treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, or medication to improve quality of life. Early veterinary evaluation and imaging can aid diagnosis and inform the best approach.

3. Metabolic Causes: Blood Sugar and More

Imbalances in blood sugar are another notable cause. Dogs with diabetes may experience seizures if their blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycaemia) or after excessive insulin administration. Small or toy breeds also sometimes have delicate blood sugar control requiring careful diet management.

Other metabolic causes include low calcium levels (hypocalcaemia), liver disease or portosystemic shunts causing toxin build-up, kidney disease, and anaemia. These disorders affect the brain’s function and can lead to seizures.

4. Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Brain infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, including conditions like canine distemper or lungworm that spread to nervous tissue, may trigger seizures. Encephalitis—inflammation of the brain—is a serious cause that requires urgent veterinary care.

Always seek prompt medical attention if your dog shows signs of infection or illness, or has suffered head trauma, to reduce the risk of seizure complications.

5. Heatstroke and Environmental Triggers

Severe heatstroke during hot weather can lead to a dangerously raised body temperature, fainting, and potentially seizures. Dogs are especially vulnerable on summer days, so keeping them cool and hydrated is essential.

If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your dog to a cooler area and seek veterinary emergency care.

6. Poisoning and Toxicity

Ingesting toxins such as chocolate, nicotine, antifreeze, certain pesticides, or slug bait can cause seizures and other life-threatening symptoms. If your dog has a seizure after eating something suspicious, contact your vet without delay and bring the packaging for identification.

7. Head Trauma and Brain Injury

Physical injury to the head from accidents or fights can damage brain tissue, leading to seizures either immediately or later on. Monitor any dog with a head injury closely and seek veterinary evaluation while watching for abnormal behaviours or seizure signs.

How to Recognise a Seizure and Provide First Aid

During a seizure, your dog might collapse, twitch, paddle their legs, drool excessively, or lose consciousness. It is crucial to keep them safe by:

• Moving objects away to prevent injury, but never restrain their movements.
• Not putting anything in their mouth.
• Timing the seizure and noting its duration.
• Comforting them calmly once it ends and seeking immediate veterinary advice if it lasts more than five minutes or if seizures continue in clusters.

Early intervention improves outcomes, so contact your vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Final Thoughts: Responsible Care and Support

Seizures in dogs can stem from diverse causes, from genetic epilepsy to emergencies like poisoning or heatstroke. Understanding these causes helps you act quickly and seek appropriate veterinary care. If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy or another chronic condition, remember that with responsible management, many dogs lead fulfilling, happy lives.

If you are considering getting a dog, especially from susceptible breeds, seek reputable breeders who prioritise health screening and responsible breeding to support future generations’ wellbeing.