What are the signs of epilepsy in dogs?

Collapse with paddling legs; Jaw chomping and drooling; Loss of bladder control during a seizure; Confusion or blindness afterwards; Focal twitching of one area.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

A seizure lasting over five minutes, or several in a row, is an emergency. Keep hands away from the mouth and time the episode.

Neurological · Updated 2026-09-29

Epilepsy in dogs

Recurrent seizures, usually starting between six months and six years of age; often well controlled with medication.

Urgent veterinary attentionDogs

Veterinary examination relevant to epilepsy in dogs

Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse — Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

Collapse with paddling legs
Jaw chomping and drooling
Loss of bladder control during a seizure
Confusion or blindness afterwards
Focal twitching of one area

Causes and risk factors

Idiopathic (inherited) epilepsy is most common; brain disease, toxins and metabolic problems must be ruled out.

How veterinarians diagnose it

Blood tests to exclude other causes; MRI and spinal fluid analysis in some dogs.

Treatment and management

Daily anti-seizure medication when seizures are frequent or severe, with blood monitoring. An emergency rescue plan for clusters.

Prevention

Not preventable; responsible breeding reduces inherited cases.

Outlook

Many dogs achieve good control and a normal lifespan.

Common questions

What are the signs of epilepsy in dogs?: Collapse with paddling legs; Jaw chomping and drooling; Loss of bladder control during a seizure; Confusion or blindness afterwards; Focal twitching of one area.
What causes epilepsy in dogs?: Idiopathic (inherited) epilepsy is most common; brain disease, toxins and metabolic problems must be ruled out.
How is epilepsy in dogs diagnosed?: Blood tests to exclude other causes; MRI and spinal fluid analysis in some dogs.
How is epilepsy in dogs treated?: Daily anti-seizure medication when seizures are frequent or severe, with blood monitoring. An emergency rescue plan for clusters.
Can epilepsy in dogs be prevented?: Not preventable; responsible breeding reduces inherited cases.
When should I contact a veterinarian?: A seizure lasting over five minutes, or several in a row, is an emergency. Keep hands away from the mouth and time the episode.