Epilepsy in dogs is a manageable chronic condition, and owner education on seizure first aid and quality of life monitoring dramatically improves outcomes.
Seizures are frightening events for both dogs and owners, but most individual seizures do not cause significant suffering in the dog during the event (though the post-ictal recovery period includes confusion and anxiety). Chronic, well-controlled epilepsy allows dogs to live normal, happy lives. The welfare burden falls most heavily on dogs with poorly controlled seizures who experience frequent, prolonged episodes.