Managing epilepsy in dogs to preserve quality of life alongside seizure control.
Epilepsy management in dogs involves balancing seizure control against the welfare costs of antiepileptic medications, which can cause sedation, increased thirst and appetite, and liver toxicity. The welfare of epileptic dogs depends on individualized treatment that considers both seizure frequency and the side effect burden of medication, as heavy sedation from high-dose anticonvulsants can reduce quality of life as much as uncontrolled seizures. Owner and veterinary ability to monitor quality of life holistically - including activity levels, social engagement, and appetite alongside seizure logs - enables treatment optimization that genuinely serves the dog's welfare.