Epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy in dogs is a long-term neurological condition that causes recurring seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It’s one of the most common chronic brain conditions seen in dogs, and while it can’t be cured, it can often be managed successfully with ongoing treatment.

For many dogs, epilepsy means lifelong medication, regular veterinary check-ups, blood tests, and sometimes emergency treatment if seizures occur in clusters or become difficult to control. This can lead to ongoing costs over time, which is why many owners consider lifetime pet insurance early on. It can help cover the cost of long-term care if a condition like epilepsy develops later in life.

What is epilepsy in dogs?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition where abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures. These seizures can range from brief moments of unusual behaviour or twitching through to more dramatic episodes involving collapse and loss of consciousness.
The most common form is idiopathic epilepsy, which means there’s no identifiable underlying cause. It’s usually diagnosed after a vet has ruled out other conditions that can also trigger seizures, such as toxin exposure or organ disease.

Causes of epilepsy in dogs

In idiopathic epilepsy, the exact cause isn’t known, but a hereditary component has been identified in some breeds.

Seizures that are not epilepsy can be caused by other underlying health issues, including:

Because of this, vets usually carry out a range of tests before confirming a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Commonly affected breeds

Epilepsy can affect any dog breed, but it’s seen more frequently in some, including:

• Border Collies
• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• German Shepherds
• Hungarian Vizslas
• Poodles
• Boxers

This suggests a genetic predisposition in certain lines, although any dog can develop the condition.

Types of epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy can be divided into different types depending on the underlying cause.

Reactive epilepsy

Reactive epilepsy happens when seizures are triggered by an underlying issue elsewhere in the body. This could include problems with the liver, kidneys or heart, changes in blood salts, or poisoning. In these cases, treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition.

Structural epilepsy

Structural epilepsy is caused by changes in the brain itself. This may be due to injury, inflammation or infection, developmental problems, or tumours.

Idiopathic epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is when no underlying cause can be found. It’s thought to have a genetic link, which means it can be inherited and is more common in certain breeds. Diagnosis is usually based on how old the dog is when seizures first start, normal behaviour between episodes, and ruling out both reactive and structural causes.

Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure, but may include:

• Sudden collapse
• Stiffening or jerking movements
• Paddling of legs
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Loss of consciousness
• Urination or defecation during a seizure
• Temporary confusion or restlessness afterwards (known as the postictal or recovery phase)
• Unusual behaviour before a seizure in some dogs

Most dogs appear normal between episodes.

What to do if your dog shows signs of epilepsy

If your dog has a seizure, the most important thing is to stay calm and focus on keeping them safe from injury. If possible, move furniture or any nearby objects out of the way, but don’t try to restrain your dog or put anything in their mouth.

If you can do so safely, time the seizure, as this information can be very helpful for your vet. It can also be useful to record the episode on your phone, as video footage can help your vet understand what happened.

You should always contact your vet after a first seizure, or sooner if seizures are prolonged or happen repeatedly.

What age could you expect epilepsy in your dog?

Idiopathic epilepsy most commonly develops between six months and six years of age.

Dogs outside this range can still experience seizures, but in younger puppies or older dogs, vets are more likely to investigate other underlying causes first before diagnosing epilepsy.

How to manage epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy is usually a lifelong condition, but many dogs respond well to treatment and can live full, happy lives. Management often includes:

• Daily anti-epileptic medication
• Regular blood tests and veterinary monitoring
• Keeping a seizure diary to track frequency and patterns
• Adjusting medication over time if needed
• Monitoring for any potential triggers, although these are not always identifiable

Even with treatment, some dogs may still have occasional breakthrough seizures.

Does pet insurance cover epilepsy?

Pet insurance may cover epilepsy if your dog develops the condition after the policy starts and any waiting periods have passed.

Once diagnosed, epilepsy is typically classed as a chronic condition, meaning it usually requires ongoing treatment such as medication, check-ups, diagnostics, and emergency care in some cases.

This is where lifetime dog insurance can be particularly valuable, as it can help cover eligible ongoing costs year after year, as long as the policy is renewed and conditions are met. It’s important to note that epilepsy wouldn’t usually be covered if symptoms appeared before insurance was taken out, which is why early cover is important.

Epilepsy treatment options

There’s no cure for epilepsy, but treatment aims to reduce how often seizures happen and how severe they are.
Treatment may include:

• Anti-epileptic medication (commonly including phenobarbital or imepitoin in the UK)
• Regular blood tests to monitor medication levels
• Emergency medication in some cases
• Adjustments to dosage or medication type over time

The goal is usually to achieve the best possible control with the fewest side effects.

When to speak to a vet

You should contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog has a seizure for the first time, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if your dog has multiple seizures in a short period of time (known as cluster seizures). In these cases, urgent veterinary advice is important.

You should also seek veterinary advice if recovery after a seizure seems unusually slow or severe, or if seizures become more frequent or change in pattern. Seizures can sometimes be linked to underlying health issues, so prompt veterinary advice is always recommended.

Epilepsy in dogs FAQs