Epilepsy affects approximately 1-2% of dogs and requires long-term anticonvulsant medication, with welfare implications around seizure frequency, medication side effects, and end-of-life decision-making.
Seizures themselves cause pain, confusion, and fear — particularly the post-ictal phase with prolonged disorientation. Dogs with poorly controlled epilepsy experience recurrent distressing events that affect their ability to exercise, socialise, and engage with normal activities. Phenobarbital side effects including sedation, polyphagia, and polyuria affect daily welfare. Dogs with cluster seizures face risk of brain damage from prolonged seizure activity. Quality of life should be assessed using validated scales that weight the interictal period, not just seizure frequency.