Canine epilepsy affects 1-2% of dogs. Modern anticonvulsant therapy controls seizures in most affected dogs, but welfare management requires attention to both seizure events and treatment effects.
Epileptic dog welfare encompasses both acute seizure management and chronic quality of life considerations. Generalised seizures cause loss of consciousness and involuntary motor activity that may cause physical injury. Post-ictal periods involve confusion, disorientation, and temporary blindness causing significant distress. Regular anticonvulsant therapy prevents most seizures in well-controlled dogs, enabling normal behaviour and activity levels. However, some dogs experience drug side effects including sedation and polyphagia affecting quality of life. Owner education about seizure recognition, first aid, and emergency situations significantly improves welfare outcomes. Breed health initiatives reducing epilepsy prevalence through genetic selection address the problem at source.