Seizures in dogs, especially in senior dogs, can be frightening. A seizure happens when there’s a sudden burst of unusual electrical activity in the brain. This can cause your dog to convulse, twitch, or lose consciousness.
Sadly, seizures are more common as dogs age. Understanding what’s happening, what to do, and when to get help is crucial for any pet owner. Knowing the signs and how to respond can significantly improve your senior dog’s quality of life and help you know when immediate veterinary care is needed.
This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to understanding and managing seizures in senior dogs. We’ll cover the different types of seizures, their potential causes, what to do if your dog has a seizure, and what steps you can take to help prevent them.
Types of Seizures in Senior Dogs
Seizures in senior dogs can take many forms, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Here are some of the most common:
Generalized Seizures (Grand Mal Seizures)
Grand mal seizures are what most people think of when they think of seizures. During a grand mal seizure, your dog will lose consciousness and convulse, possibly losing bladder or bowel control. You might see your dog paddling its legs, drooling, or vocalizing. It’s a scary sight.
If your dog has a grand mal seizure, note how long it lasts. After the seizure (in what’s called the post-ictal phase), your dog may be confused, disoriented, or even temporarily blind.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Focal seizures only affect a small part of the brain, so the symptoms can vary quite a bit depending on which area is involved. For example, you might see facial twitching, limb jerking, repetitive movements, or changes in awareness. Your dog might snap at the air or make odd vocalizations.
Cluster Seizures and Status Epilepticus
Cluster seizures are defined as multiple seizures within a short period, typically 24 hours. Status epilepticus is a single seizure that lasts longer than five minutes. Both of these conditions are extremely dangerous and require immediate veterinary attention.
Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes can cause permanent brain damage, so don’t delay in seeking emergency veterinary care.
Psychomotor Seizures
Psychomotor seizures can cause unusual behaviors, such as aggression or tail chasing. Your dog may seem to be hallucinating or acting strangely.
Potential Causes of Seizures in Senior Dogs
Seizures in older dogs can stem from a variety of underlying health issues. Here are some of the more common culprits your vet will likely investigate.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is the term vets use when a dog has seizures, but they can’t find an identifiable reason why. It’s a relatively common cause of seizures in dogs, particularly in certain breeds, and it’s thought to have a genetic component, although the exact cause remains unknown.
Diagnosing idiopathic epilepsy usually involves a process of elimination. Your vet will run blood tests, do imaging studies, and perform neurological exams to rule out other potential causes. They’ll also pay close attention to the patterns of the seizures themselves.
Structural Brain Disease
Brain tumors are a significant concern for senior dogs experiencing seizures. These tumors can disrupt normal brain function and trigger seizures. Diagnosing a brain tumor typically requires advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the specific type of tumor.
Metabolic Disorders
Kidney and liver disease can also lead to seizures in older dogs. When these organs aren’t functioning properly, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, affecting brain function and potentially triggering seizures. Similarly, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can also cause seizures, especially in diabetic dogs.
Other Causes
While less common, other factors can also contribute to seizures in senior dogs. These include:
- Head trauma
- Infections, such as encephalitis
- Strokes
- Exposure to toxins or poisons
If your older dog starts having seizures, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Which breeds are at higher risk?
If you’re a pet parent to a senior dog, it’s worth knowing which breeds tend to experience seizures more often than others.
Genetic predisposition
Genetics plays a big role in whether a dog develops seizures. Certain breeds are more prone to epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
For instance, research shows that Pugs are about three times as likely to have seizures as Labrador Retrievers.
And sadly, about 3% of Danish Labradors have epilepsy.
Nearly 10% of Belgian Shepherds, specifically the Groenendael and Tervueren types, may develop epilepsy at some point in their lives.
Male Great Swiss Mountain Dogs also tend to be severely affected by idiopathic epilepsy, which is epilepsy with no known cause.
Why some breeds are more prone
Scientists have even found a specific spot on the Dutch Partridge Dog’s genes that seems to be linked to their risk of seizures.
Breeders and veterinarians are studying these breed-specific genetic links in the hopes of reducing the number of dogs affected by seizures.
Responsible breeding practices, such as screening dogs for genetic predispositions to seizures, can help lower the number of seizures in vulnerable breeds.
Caring for Your Senior Dog During a Seizure
If your senior dog has seizures, you can take steps to keep your dog safe and comfortable during and after a seizure.
Creating a Seizure-Safe Environment
One of the most important things you can do is make your home as safe as possible, since a seizure can happen at any time.
Walk through your house and remove anything sharp or pointy that your dog might bump into during a seizure. Pad any hard surfaces, such as tables, with blankets or towels. If your dog has a seizure near stairs or a balcony, they could fall and injure themselves, so keep them away from those areas if possible.
What to Do During a Seizure
Even though it can be scary to witness your dog having a seizure, it’s important to stay calm. Your dog can sense your anxiety, which could make the seizure worse.
Here’s what you should do if your dog has a seizure:
- Clear the area around your dog to prevent them from hitting anything.
- Protect your dog’s head by putting a pillow or blanket underneath it.
- Time the seizure so you can tell your vet how long it lasted.
Here’s what you should never do during your dog’s seizure:
- Don’t restrain your dog. You could injure them.
- Don’t put anything in your dog’s mouth. They won’t swallow their tongue, and you could be bitten.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Some seizures require immediate veterinary attention. Call your vet right away if:
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- Your dog has more than one seizure in a 24-hour period.
- Your dog doesn’t seem to recover fully between seizures.
- Your dog has trouble breathing during or after the seizure.
These could be signs of a serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed right away.
Old dog seizure prevention tips
If your senior dog has experienced a seizure, you’re probably wondering what you can do to prevent future episodes. The good news is that a few lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference.
Maintaining overall health
Proactive health management is key when it comes to preventing and managing seizures. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk.
To help your senior dog stay healthy, make sure they get the right amount of exercise for their age and physical condition. Feed them a balanced diet, and keep their weight within a healthy range. A balanced diet is especially important because it helps prevent metabolic imbalances that could trigger a seizure.
Regular veterinary checkups
Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, regular vet visits are essential. These checkups can help detect underlying health problems early on, before they lead to seizures or other complications.
If your vet diagnoses your dog with epilepsy, they may prescribe anti-seizure medication. These medications can help control seizures and dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life.
Identify seizure triggers
Keep a close eye on your dog and try to identify any potential seizure triggers. Common triggers include stress, anxiety, and loud noises. Once you know what sets off your dog’s seizures, you can take steps to minimize their exposure to those triggers.
In Summary
Seizures in senior dogs can be frightening for both the dog and their owner. Understanding seizures – what they look like, what might cause them, and how to respond – is crucial for providing the best possible care and improving your dog’s quality of life.
As we’ve discussed, there are different types of seizures, with numerous potential underlying causes, ranging from easily treatable to more serious. Knowing how to care for your dog during a seizure is essential, as are preventative measures like consistent medication and a safe environment.
However, this article is no substitute for a thorough veterinary exam. Managing seizures in senior dogs requires a close partnership with your veterinarian. They can accurately diagnose the cause of the seizures and develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring.
With proper care, consistent treatment, and a supportive owner, senior dogs with seizures can still live happy and fulfilling lives.