Can a puppy have seizures (epilepsy)?

Yes, unfortunately dogs, including young ones, can suffer from a neurological condition called epilepsy. In fact, it is one of the most common genetic disorders among dogs. If you suspect your puppy is one of them, here is an overview on the signs and symptoms, the cause, potential treatment and which breeds are at higher risk. Please note that in any case you should seek out a vet and have your puppy checked if you believe it to be affected.

Observing your beloved pet experiencing a seizure can be a distressing and unsettling experience. During a grand mal seizure, dogs often exhibit specific symptoms, including stiffening of their body, collapsing to the ground, excessive salivation, involuntary leg paddling, and, in some cases, loss of bladder and bowel control or vocalization. 

Seizures occur when brain cells become overly excited and surpass a critical threshold, triggering this abnormal neurological event. When no underlying cause can be identified, the presumptive diagnosis for recurrent seizures is termed idiopathic epilepsy, which means it lacks a known basis.

Managing epilepsy in dogs primarily involves the administration of anticonvulsant medications. Depending on the individual dog's needs, veterinarians may prescribe a single drug or a combination of medications to control and mitigate the occurrence of seizures. It's important to note that epilepsy in dogs cannot be completely cured; therefore, the main objective of therapy is to effectively manage seizures by reducing both their frequency and intensity.

Which breeds suffer more frequently from epilepsy?

While further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding, studies have suggested that epilepsy can be an inherited trait in specific dog breeds. Notable among these breeds are German Shepherds, Beagles (see photo above), Belgian Tervurens, Keeshonds, Dachshunds, as well as Golden and Labrador Retrievers.