How to Know if Your Dog Is Prone to Seizures

Seeing a dog in the throws of a seizure can be a scary experience for a pet owner. However, knowing if a dog is prone to seizures and being prepared for one can help relieve anxiety. Seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of activity in the brain and can have many causes. Seizure disorders can be inherited or acquired, so it's important to go over multiple factors when deciding whether a dog is prone to seizures or not.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the breed of your dog as certain breeds are more prone to seizures. These breeds include (but are not limited to) beagles, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, poodles, St. Bernards, and Siberian huskies.

    • 2

      Bring your dog to a veterinarian, and go over your pet̵7;s health history. Head trauma, liver disease, kidney failure, worm infections, hypoglycemia and lead poisoning can cause seizures.

    • 3

      Discuss with your vet whether tests are needed. An EEG or MRI may be needed to check for brain lesions, blood tests can check for lead poisoning, and a glucose-tolerance test can check for hypoglycemia.

    • 4

      Scan your household for factors that could trigger a seizure. Some dogs have seizures after being in contact with household cleaners (especially pine-scented ones), lawn chemical sprays and tick or flea medications. Discuss with your vet what medications would be best for your dog.

    • 5

      Look for changes in your dog's behavior. A change in mood or behavior can occur days to hours before a seizure.