What should you know about epilepsy in dogs?

A dog may suddenly fall, stiffen, paddle its legs, drool, vocalise, or lose bladder control. Other episodes are subtler: staring, lip-smacking, twitching in one area, or seeming briefly unaware. Afterward, a dog may be confused, restless, sleepy, hungry, or temporarily unsteady.

A seizure-like episode can have causes other than epilepsy, including poisoning, low blood sugar, illness, head injury, or a problem affecting the brain. Because dogs cannot describe their symptoms, the timing and video evidence can be useful to a veterinarian.

Keep your hands away from the mouth and do not try to pull out the tongue. Turn off loud sounds, move furniture and other hazards away, and prevent falls from steps or furniture if this can be done safely. Time the episode. Once the movements stop, keep the dog in a quiet, dim area and offer reassurance without forcing food or water.

Contact a veterinarian after a first episode and follow the prescribed medicine schedule if epilepsy has been diagnosed. Never give human medicine or change an anti-seizure dose without veterinary advice. Human GP services cannot assess or treat a dog's seizure.

Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, several seizures occur close together, the dog has trouble breathing, a serious injury, possible poisoning, or does not begin to recover. Take the suspected toxin or its packaging if safe, and keep the dog away from further exposure.

What should I record during an episode? Does my dog need ongoing medicine or blood monitoring? What is the emergency plan, and which changes in behaviour or recovery should prompt an urgent visit?