It was 11:47 p.m. on a Tuesday when the call came in. I was just finishing charts in the clinic after a long day of spays and vaccines. The phone buzzed“Doctor, my dog is dying!” A frantic owner on the line. Their 4-year-old Golden Retriever had collapsed mid-snore. Body rigid. Eyes rolled back. Legs paddling like he was chasing rabbits in his sleep. Foam at the mouth. No response to his name.
I told them: “Stay calm. Time it. I’m on my way.”
Spoiler: That dog walked out of my clinic the next morning, tail wagging, begging for treats. But that night? It changed how that family and hundreds like them see their pets forever.
If you’re a pet owner and you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can dogs get seizures?” the answer is yes. And if you’re here at 2 a.m. Googling “causes of convulsions in dogs” with your heart in your throat breathe. I’ve been the doctor on the other end of that call more times than I can count. This guide is for you. No jargon. No fear-mongering. Just straight talk from a vet who’s held shaking dogs, calmed crying owners, and sent healthy pups home.
Can Dogs Get Seizures? (Short Answer: Yes 1 in 20 Will)
Can dogs get seizures? I’ve seen it in puppies, seniors, athletes, and couch potatoes. About 5% of dogs (1 in 20) will have at least one seizure in their life. It’s not a death sentence—it’s a brain glitch.
Think of it like a power surge in your house. Lights flicker. Everything goes haywire for 1–3 minutes. Then it resets. Your dog isn’t in pain. He’s just… unplugged.
I See This Every Week: “Doc, My Dog Had a Seizure!”
Over 15 years, I’ve treated hundreds of seizure cases. Here’s what owners say when they rush in:
“He was fine! Then boom. Stiff as a board. Eyes rolled back. Pee everywhere. I thought he swallowed his tongue!”
Nope. That’s a myth. Dogs don’t swallow their tongues. But they do have convulsions and the causes of convulsions in dogs fall into 6 main buckets.
Causes of Convulsions in Dogs: The 6 I Check First
| Cause | % of Cases I See | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Idiopathic Epilepsy | 60–70% | 6 months–6 years old, no other symptoms |
| 2. Toxins | 15% | Ate chocolate, gum, rat bait |
| 3. Low Blood Sugar | 10% | Tiny breeds, skipped meals |
| 4. Liver/Kidney Disease | 8% | Bad breath, yellow gums |
| 5. Brain Tumors/Trauma | 5% | Head injury, older dogs |
| 6. Heatstroke/Stress | 2% | Hot car, fireworks |
Case Study: A Beagle ate xylitol gum. Seizure within 30 minutes. We induced vomiting + IV fluids. Full recovery in 24 hours.
Why Do Dogs Get Seizures? (The Science, Simplified)
Why do dogs get seizures? It’s an electrical storm in the brain. Neurons fire chaotically. The result? Convulsions.
- Epilepsy = faulty wiring (genetics)
- Toxins = chemical overload
- Metabolic = fuel shortage (sugar, oxygen)
No matter the cause 80% of dogs live normal, happy lives with treatment.
Dog Breeds with Seizures: The High-Risk List
Some breeds are wired for drama. Here’s who I screen early:
| Breed | Risk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pug | ★★★★★ | Pug Dog Encephalitis |
| Beagle | ★★★★☆ | Classic epilepsy |
| German Shepherd | ★★★★☆ | MDR1 gene (drug sensitivity) |
| Boxer | ★★★★☆ | Brain tumors |
| Golden/Lab | ★★★☆☆ | Genetic + cancer |
| Border Collie | ★★★☆☆ | Stress-triggered |
Pro Move: DNA test high-risk breeds. $99 can save thousands in diagnostics.
Symptoms Dog Seizures Eyes: The #1 Sign Owners Miss
Symptoms dog seizures eyes this is what tips me off 9/10 times.
During:
- Eyes roll back or stare blankly
- Rapid blinking or twitching
- Pupils dilated
After:
- Temporary blindness (bumps into walls)
- Confusion, thirst, hunger
Owner Tip: Film the seizure. I diagnose 50% faster with video.
What to Do Right Now If Your Dog Is Seizing
- Time it (over 5 min = ER)
- Clear space (no furniture crashes)
- Cool the body (wet towel on groin/paws)
- NO hands in mouth (myth!)
- Call me—I’ll talk you through it
Emergency? Clusters (2+ in 24 hrs) or status epilepticus (non-stop) = rush in.
Diagnosis & Treatment: What Actually Works
| Test | Cost | Why I Order It |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodwork | $120 | Rules out sugar/liver |
| MRI | $600–$1,200 | Checks for tumors |
| Meds | $30–$80/month | Keppra, Phenobarbital |
Success Rate: 80–90% seizure-free with meds.
Natural Option: CBD (vet-grade only). Helps 30% of resistant cases.
Prevention: How I Help Owners Stop the Next One
- Feed on schedule (3x/day for small dogs)
- Toxin-proof home (lock cabinets)
- Yearly bloodwork (catch issues early)
- Stress reduction (thunder shirts, calm music)
- Seizure diary (track triggers)
Final Words from Your Vet
Can dogs get seizures? Yes. Causes of convulsions in dogs? Many but treatable. Why do dogs get seizures? We’ll find out together.
I’ve seen dogs seize in my arms… and walk out wagging.
You’re not alone. Call your vet. Start the log. Love your dog through the storm.
You’ve got this.
Related:
FAQS
Do Dogs Have Seizures from Stress?
Yes—stress can trigger them in epileptic dogs
How Long Can a Dog Live with Seizures?
Indefinitely with treatment many thrive!
Are Seizures Painful for Dogs?
No, but post-ictal confusion can be scary.