Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog Epilepsy: Managing Seizures and Reducing Suffering

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, causing recurrent seizures that are distressing for both dogs and owners without appropriate management.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Seizures themselves cause acute distress — dogs are often disoriented, frightened, and physically exhausted during and after episodes. The post-ictal phase involves confusion, temporary blindness, and anxiety that can last hours. Without medication, dogs with frequent seizures endure this repeatedly throughout their lives. Owners face significant emotional burden and the challenge of recognising seizure precursors and responding appropriately. Long-term anti-epileptic drug use requires monitoring for side effects including liver toxicity. Dogs with refractory epilepsy may face quality-of-life assessments when medication combinations fail to provide adequate seizure control.

What You Can Do