Epilepsy affects approximately 1-2% of dogs and can be effectively managed with anticonvulsants, but seizure breakthrough and medication side effects create ongoing welfare challenges.
Canine epilepsy causes acute welfare harm during seizures - loss of consciousness, involuntary movement, and post-ictal disorientation are distressing events. Chronic medication side effects including sedation, polyphagia, and polydipsia affect daily quality of life. Owners managing epileptic dogs need support in balancing seizure control with medication burden. Quality of life assessment tools help owners track whether medication is improving net wellbeing. Some dogs with infrequent, mild seizures may have better welfare on minimal medication than on higher doses causing significant sedation.