How to Know if My Dog Has Epilepsy or Convulsions

Canine epilepsy occurs in all breeds and mixed types. The most prominent feature identifying epilepsy is seizure. Several types of seizure exist, each with specific duration, intensity and risk. Seizures can occur in primary epilepsy, that is, when a dog has a genetic defect predisposing it to the brain disorder or secondary epilepsy, meaning that a toxic substance, head injury, malnourishment or disease, such as hyperthyroidism or cancer, triggers seizures. Diagnosing primary epilepsy, tracing it to a genetic cause, is more difficult, however, most dogs with idiopathic disease experience seizures before they reach five years old, says Alicia Wiersma-Aylward, founder of Epi-K9, a resource covering many aspects of canine epilepsy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch for a change in your dog's mood or behavior. Your dog might hide or uncharacteristically demand lots of attention a few days or hours before having a seizure.

    • 2

      Monitor your dog's activities. The sudden appearance of saliva or drool at its mouth or restlessness and pacing could mean a seizure is imminent. Its pupils might also dilate during this phase.

    • 3

      Go to your dog's side calmly if its muscles begin to stiffen. Usually you'll see rigidity in its muscle tone---an indication of the "tonic part" of seizure, or the ictus, according to Bulldog Information. "This tonic phase is usually very brief (less than 30 seconds) and followed by rhythmic movements (the clonic part)," explains Bulldog.

    • 4

      Sit on the floor next to your dog and stroke it calmly or hold your dog to prevent injury. Seizures usually last under five minutes and can be characterized by uncoordinated muscle movements, vomiting or collapse.

    • 5

      Keep a log of the symptoms before, during and after the seizure; the time the seizure struck; and type and amounts of medication administered. This information can help you understand the warning signs so you know what to do to keep you and your dog safe.