What Breeds of Dogs Are Prone to Seizures and Why

Some breeds are more prone to seizures than others, and it's essential to know which ones to watch out for. The Canaan Dog breed is one of them, with a seizure prevalence of up to 4.8%.

The breed's unique genetic makeup is a contributing factor to their susceptibility. The Canaan Dog's genetic diversity, while beneficial in some aspects, also increases their risk of developing neurological disorders.

The English Springer Spaniel is another breed that's prone to seizures, with a prevalence of up to 3.4%. Their genetic predisposition to this condition is linked to their ancestry.

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Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from genetic conditions to external influences.

Genetic conditions such as idiopathic epilepsy are a common cause of seizures in dogs, and heredity is thought to play a role.

Some foods and substances can also trigger seizures in dogs, including chocolate, caffeine, and the artificial sweetener xylitol.

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Low blood sugar levels, liver disease, and head injuries are also potential causes of seizures in dogs.

Infectious diseases like rabies and distemper can also cause seizures in dogs.

The following list highlights some of the potential causes of seizures in dogs:

Symptoms of seizures in dogs can be quite varied and may not always be easy to recognize. A seizure can manifest as mild facial tics or whole-body shaking.

Some common symptoms include unusual barking, a dazed look, staring into space, twitching, drooling, chomping, stumbling, falling, tongue chewing, foaming at the mouth, paddling motions with their legs, uncontrollable peeing or pooping, and loss of consciousness.

Before a seizure, some dogs may seem nervous and restless, whine, shake, or drool. Afterward, they may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind, and walk in circles and bump into things.

Dogs with generalized seizures may experience an aura or pre-ictal phase, during which they may seem to experience unusual sensations. The seizure itself can be tonic-clonic, with symptoms including stiffness and paddling, or clonic, with only paddling without stiffness.

A fresh viewpoint: Dog Seizure Types

Symptoms of seizures in dogs can be quite varied and may not always be easy to recognize. A seizure can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and if it lasts more than 5 minutes, it's essential to get your dog to a vet right away.

Some common symptoms of seizures in dogs include unusual barking, a dazed look, staring into space, twitching, drooling, chomping, stumbling, falling, tongue chewing, foaming at the mouth, paddling motions with their legs, uncontrollable peeing or pooping, and loss of consciousness.

Before a seizure, some dogs may seem nervous and restless, whine, shake, or drool. Afterward, your dog may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind, and may walk in circles and bump into things.

During a seizure, your dog may show alterations in their level of consciousness, become unconscious, or experience a change in muscle tone, causing stiffening of the legs and neck. They may also exhibit jerking motions of the muscles and/or paddling of their legs.

It's also possible for dogs to experience focal seizures, which only affect a particular region within one side of the brain, and may seem like nothing more than strange behavior, such as hallucinations, fur standing on end, dilated pupils, or balance issues.

Here are some common symptoms of seizures in dogs:

It's essential to keep your dog in a safe place during a seizure, away from any potential hazards, and to keep your hands and face away from their mouth to avoid being bitten unintentionally.

If your dog is having a seizure for the first time, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention right away. The veterinarian will need to look for any underlying health problems that could have caused the seizure.

A thorough health history, physical exam, and neurological exam will be the first steps in the diagnostic process. Blood work, a urinalysis, and a fecal exam will likely follow.

If initial testing is inconclusive, a veterinary neurologist may recommend further testing such as a CT scan, an MRI, or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap. This will help gather more information on your dog's condition.

Some dog breeds are more prone to seizures than others.

If you're considering bringing one of these breeds into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.

Herding dogs with the MDR1 gene commonly experience seizures. These breeds include Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Longhaired Whippets, as well as Old English and Shetland Sheepdogs.

Large herding and retriever dogs may be prone to seizures, including German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers.

Bull Terriers can suffer from an inherited form of epilepsy which causes behaviors such as tail chasing, irrational fear, and unprovoked aggression.

Breeds with short, flat noses such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs can also be more prone to experiencing seizures.

Here are some dog breeds that are more prone to seizures:

If your dog is prone to seizures, treatment will depend on the severity and frequency of the seizures. If your dog only has occasional seizures, they may not need treatment, but if they have more than one seizure a month, or seizures that last 5 minutes or longer, they'll need anti-seizure medications.

These medications can include levetiracetam, phenobarbital, potassium bromide, and zonisamide, which your vet may prescribe to control seizures. Your dog may need to take more than one medication, and it's essential to follow your vet's instructions for when and how to give the medicine.

Some breeds, such as border collie, golden retriever, German shepherd, Irish setter, Keeshond, husky, or Saint Bernard, are more prone to serious seizures. If your dog is one of these breeds, your vet may recommend anti-seizure medications or other treatments.

To manage your dog's seizures, your vet may also recommend keeping a seizure diary to track trends in seizure frequency and severity. This can help your vet adjust your dog's treatment plan as needed.

If your dog has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, anticonvulsant medication will likely be prescribed to prevent or reduce seizure occurrence. This type of medication can be effective in controlling seizures, but it's essential to follow your vet's instructions for administering the medication.

Some breeds are prone to serious seizures, such as border collies, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Irish setters, Keeshonds, huskies, and Saint Bernards. These breeds may require anti-seizure medications.

Anti-seizure medications, such as levetiracetam, phenobarbital, potassium bromide (K-BroVet), and zonisamide (Zonegran), may be prescribed by your vet. It's not uncommon for dogs to require more than one medication to manage their seizures.

Your vet may also recommend other treatments, such as vagal nerve stimulation, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, or prescription food, to help manage your dog's seizures. However, it's crucial to consult with your vet before trying any alternative treatments.

Here are some common signs that may trigger seizures in dogs:

If you notice any of these triggers, try to avoid them or take steps to minimize your dog's exposure. By working closely with your vet and following their recommendations, you can help manage your dog's seizures and improve their quality of life.

If your dog has a brief seizure lasting a few seconds to a couple of minutes and quickly recovers, call your vet to let them know.

Most seizures are short, lasting less than 3 minutes, but can still cause brain damage.

Your vet may suggest bringing your dog in for an examination or simply make a note in your dog's records and ask you to bring them in if it happens again.

While many dogs will experience a 'one off' seizure, others continue to have seizures throughout their life due to illness or epilepsy.

Dogs with epilepsy may need to take anti-seizure medications for the rest of their lives.

The goal of treatment isn't necessarily to eliminate seizures, but to reduce them to a level where they don't interfere with a dog's quality of life.

Regular monitoring of your dog's drug levels and bloodwork is crucial to ensure treatment is safe and effective.

Keeping a seizure diary at home can help you quickly note trends in seizure frequency and severity.

Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy will have their symptoms controlled with medication.

Seizures in dogs can be categorized into several types, including generalized seizures, focal seizures, psychomotor seizures, and idiopathic epilepsy.

Generalized seizures are the most common type, also known as grand mal seizures, and can cause a dog to lose consciousness and convulse. They usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Focal seizures, on the other hand, occur when abnormal electrical activity happens in only part of the brain, causing unusual movements in one limb or one side of the body. These seizures may start as focal and then become generalized.

Psychomotor seizures involve strange behavior, such as attacking an imaginary object or chasing one's tail, and can be tricky to distinguish from odd behavior.

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is a type of seizure that affects dogs between 6 months and 6 years of age, and is more common in breeds such as border collies, Australian shepherds, and Labrador retrievers.

Here are some key differences between types of seizures:

It's worth noting that while seizures can be scary, most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that take anti-seizure medication can live normal lives, even if they still have occasional seizures.

Most vets won't initiate pharmaceutical treatment if the seizures occur less than once a month. This means that if your dog is only having occasional seizures, your vet may recommend monitoring and observation rather than immediate medication.

If your dog does need medication, it's often required for life and must be given at least twice per day. This can be a significant responsibility, but it can also help extend your dog's life.

Dogs with epilepsy can live happy, normal lives with infrequent seizures, and many owners have reported this outcome.

If your dog is having a prolonged seizure, it's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. A seizure lasting over five minutes or a series of seizures in rapid succession is called status epilepticus.

Contact your vet immediately if there's a chance your dog is having a seizure due to poisoning, or if their seizure lasts longer than three minutes, or if they have more than one seizure in a row. This is crucial to prevent brain damage and other complications.

A seizure can be a serious health concern, even if it's short, lasting less than three minutes. Proper treatment can help your dog lead a normal life, but it's essential to seek veterinary care if you suspect a seizure.

If your dog is having a seizure that lasts more than a couple of minutes, they're at risk of overheating. Turn a fan on your dog and put cold water on their paws to cool them down.

The prognosis for dogs with seizures is a topic that's close to many pet owners' hearts. Most vets won't initiate pharmaceutical treatment if the seizures occur less than once a month.

If your dog does start medication, it's a lifelong commitment. These drugs have side effects, but if they help manage your dog's seizures, the benefits might outweigh the risks. Medications are often required for life and must be given at least twice per day.

Many dogs with epilepsy live happy, normal lives with infrequent seizures.