Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs and requires careful management to minimise the welfare impact of seizures and long-term medication.
Dogs with epilepsy experience acute welfare harm during seizures including loss of bodily control, fear, and physical injury from falling or collision. The post-ictal phase, which can last hours, involves confusion and distress in a dog that cannot understand what has happened. Cluster seizures and status epilepticus are life-threatening emergencies causing severe suffering. Long-term medication substantially improves welfare by reducing seizure frequency and severity in most dogs, but carries its own welfare implications through potential adverse effects including sedation, increased appetite, and liver effects. Informed owner management including seizure diary keeping and prompt veterinary review empowers optimal care.