Watching your senior dog have a seizure is frightening. It can feel helpless to watch your dog’s body convulse while you wait for it to pass. Understanding seizures in older dogs can help you be more prepared and provide the best possible care for your furry friend.
A seizure is an involuntary neurological event caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures are more common in older dogs than in younger dogs. While one seizure doesn’t necessarily mean your dog has epilepsy, it’s important to monitor your dog closely and consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
In this article, we’ll cover the different types of seizures, potential causes, what to do during a seizure, prevention tips, and available treatment options for an old dog and seizures.
Recognizing and Differentiating Seizures
It can be scary to witness your dog having a seizure, but knowing what to look for can help you stay calm and get your dog the help they need. It’s also important to be able to tell a seizure apart from other conditions that can look similar.
What a Seizure Looks Like
During a seizure, your dog will experience involuntary muscle contractions. They may lose consciousness, paddle their limbs, and drool excessively.
Seizures typically happen in three phases:
- Pre-ictal phase (aura): This can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours. You might notice your dog is restless, anxious, or trying to hide.
- Ictal phase: This is the actual seizure, which can last from seconds to minutes.
- Post-ictal phase: This is the recovery period, which can also last from minutes to hours. Your dog might seem disoriented, confused, or even temporarily blind.
Distinguishing Seizures from Other Conditions
Sometimes, other conditions can mimic seizures, so it’s important to know the difference:
- Syncope (fainting): This is usually caused by a heart problem and involves a very brief loss of consciousness.
- Vestibular disease: This affects balance and coordination, causing your dog to tilt their head and circle.
- Stroke: This can cause sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your dog’s body.
Types of Seizures in Senior Dogs
Seizures can manifest in different ways, and recognizing the type of seizure your dog is experiencing is crucial for getting them the right care.
Grand Mal Seizures (Generalized Seizures)
These are the most recognizable type of seizure. During a grand mal seizure, your dog will lose consciousness, convulse, and may paddle their limbs. They might also drool and lose control of their bladder or bowels.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Focal seizures only affect one part of the brain and, consequently, one part of the body. You might notice twitching in a single limb or on one side of your dog’s face. They may also display changes in behavior.
Psychomotor Seizures
These seizures are characterized by unusual behaviors like snapping at the air, running in circles, or even aggression.
Cluster Seizures
Cluster seizures are defined as multiple seizures occurring within a short timeframe, such as 24 hours. This is considered an emergency, and your dog needs to see a vet immediately.
Status Epilepticus
This is a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures occurring one after the other without your dog regaining consciousness in between. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Why Seizure Identification Matters
Knowing what kind of seizure your dog is having helps your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. It also gives you, the owner, a better understanding of what your dog is going through and what to expect.
Potential Causes of Seizures in Senior Dogs
It’s always concerning when a dog has a seizure, but it’s especially worrisome in older dogs. Seizures in senior dogs are often triggered by an underlying medical condition.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that has no identifiable underlying cause. While it’s more common in younger dogs, it can sometimes show up in older dogs as well.
Brain Tumors
Tumors in the brain can disrupt normal brain function and cause seizures. Brain tumors are a relatively common cause of seizures in older dogs.
Kidney and Liver Disease
Kidney and liver diseases can lead to a buildup of toxins in your dog’s body. These toxins can affect brain function and trigger seizures.
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or electrolyte imbalances, can trigger seizures. If your dog’s blood sugar or electrolytes are out of whack, it can affect how their brain functions.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
The brain needs glucose, or sugar, to function properly. If blood sugar levels drop too low, it can trigger a seizure.
Head Trauma
Even if it happened years ago, a past head injury can lead to seizures later in life. If your dog has a history of head trauma, it could be a contributing factor.
Other possible causes
There are a number of other possible causes, including:
- Infections
- Strokes
- Poisoning (for example, from xylitol or chocolate)
Because there are so many potential causes, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s seizures. They may recommend blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Which breeds are at higher risk?
While seizures can happen in dogs of any breed, some breeds have a higher risk of seizures than others:
- Pugs
- Danish Labradors
- Belgian Shepherds
- Great Swiss Mountain Dogs
- Dutch Partridge Dogs
Why do some breeds have more seizures than others?
In many cases, the reason is genetics. Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to seizures.
Scientists are studying the genetic links and risks of seizures in specific breeds.
What to do during a seizure
Witnessing your dog having a seizure can be upsetting, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible. Your ability to react calmly will help you keep your dog safe and give your vet the information they need.
Keeping your dog safe during a seizure
Your first job is to keep your dog from being hurt during the seizure. To do this:
- Move any furniture or other objects away from your dog.
- If possible, cushion your dog’s head with a pillow or blanket.
Never try to restrain your dog. And never put your hands or anything else in your dog’s mouth.
Monitoring and documenting the seizure
Note the time the seizure begins so you know how long it lasts. Write down as many details as you can about what happens during the seizure, including any unusual behaviors. If possible, take a video of the seizure. A video can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian when they’re trying to figure out what’s going on.
Caring for your dog after the seizure
After the seizure is over, keep the room dark and quiet. Let your dog recover in a comfortable spot where they feel safe. If they seem able to drink, offer them some water.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Seizures in older dogs can be scary for everyone. Some situations require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away:
- A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes (this is called status epilepticus)
- Multiple seizures within a 24-hour period (cluster seizures)
- Failure to regain consciousness between seizures
- A first-time seizure
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures that are worsening or becoming more frequent
Diagnosis and treatment options
If your dog has started having seizures, your veterinarian will probably want to run some tests to figure out the cause. Common diagnostic tests include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- X-rays
- MRI or CT scans
Once the veterinarian has determined the cause of the seizures, they can recommend a course of treatment.
Treatment options
The most common treatments for seizures in dogs are anti-seizure medications, which can include:
- Phenobarbital
- Potassium bromide
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)
- Zonisamide
It’s important to follow the vet’s instructions exactly when giving your dog any medication.
Other therapies that may help include:
- MCT oil, which may help reduce seizure frequency in some dogs
- Special diets, such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NeuroCare or Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d Brain Aging Care
Some pet owners have also used CBD oil to help control their dogs’ seizures, but research on this treatment is limited.
Old dog seizure prevention tips
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to prevent seizures in older dogs, but it is possible to take steps to manage your dog’s health proactively.
Keeping your senior dog in top shape
A balanced diet and appropriate exercise can help keep your dog healthy and at a healthy weight.
If your dog has seizures, you may want to make sure they have access to a safe, comfortable place where they can rest and recover afterward.
Regular vet visits
Regular checkups with your veterinarian, even when your dog seems perfectly healthy, can help detect underlying conditions early.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a condition known to cause seizures, such as epilepsy, it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan closely.
When to consider euthanasia
Eventually, you may need to consider whether euthanasia is the right choice for your dog. This is a deeply personal decision, and it’s never easy.
Here are some things to think about:
- Are the seizures impossible to control with medication?
- Are the seizures significantly impacting your dog’s quality of life, even between episodes?
Talk openly and honestly with your veterinarian. They can help you assess your dog’s overall condition and make an informed, compassionate decision.
The Bottom Line
Seizures in senior dogs can be scary, but understanding what’s happening is the first step in providing the best possible care for your furry friend. As your dog’s owner, you are the most important member of their healthcare team. It’s up to you to be vigilant in observing their behavior, informed about their condition, and proactive in seeking veterinary care when needed.
Regular and open communication with your veterinarian is absolutely essential. They can help you determine the cause of the seizures, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and monitor your dog’s progress.
Remember, a diagnosis of seizures doesn’t have to mean the end of a happy life for your old dog. With proper management, medication, and lots of love, senior dogs with seizures can still live full and fulfilling lives.