Last Updated: 12/02/2026
Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats
Has your pet been diagnosed with epilepsy? Read through our comprehensive guide to the causes symptoms and treatment of epilepsy in dogs and cats.
Author: Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizure events. Seizures occur due to sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disrupt normal brain function. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, seizures can cause a wide range of physical and behavioural changes.
Epilepsy can affect both dogs and cats and may vary in severity from mild, infrequent episodes to more serious, frequent events requiring ongoing medical management. While a single seizure does not necessarily mean a pet has epilepsy, repeated unprovoked seizures are typically required for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of epilepsy
Most people are familiar with what is referred to as a generalised or grand mal seizure.
Grand mal seizures typically cause the pet to:
- Collapse
- Lose consciousness
- Have muscle rigidity
- Paddle their limbs
- Salivat
- Sometimes void their bladder and bowels
Seizures can come in other forms such as repeated, involuntary behaviours (referred to as psychomotor) or repeated movements of a particular part of the body (focal seizures).
Seizures can be divided into three phases:
- Pre-ictal phase: The change in behaviour that occurs before the seizure event (ie pacing, nervousness, hyperactivity, attention seeking)
- Ictal phase: The seizure event itself
- Post-ictal: A period after the seizure event where there is display of abnormal behaviours such as lethargy, confusion or a voracious appetite. The length of the post-ictal phase can vary from minutes to hours.
What causes epilepsy in dogs and cats?
There are numerous causes of seizures and can include:
- Brain trauma
- Structural changes in the brain ie a tumour
- Toxins
- Underlying disease ie kidney or metabolic disease
- Genetics
- Unknown cause which is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy
Which pets are affected by epilepsy?
Idiopathic epilepsy can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in young and middle aged pets and tends to occur more regularly in males than females.
Breeds commonly affected by epilepsy are Border Collies, Labradors, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Hungarian Vizslas, Golden retrievers, German Shepherds and Poodles.
A breed or genetic association has not been as strongly proven in cats as it has in dogs.
Diagnosis of epilepsy
Because there are numerous causes of seizures often multiple tests are needed to determine the cause of epilepsy. Investigation usually includes blood tests and urine tests to check for problems outside the brain and imaging such as CTs or MRIs to check for structural changes in the brain. Referral to a veterinary neurologist is sometimes recommended.
If all the tests come back normal then this is when the epilepsy is referred to as idiopathic.
Treatment of epilepsy
Currently there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy so treatment is aimed at management. Depending on how frequent and severe the seizures are your veterinarian may prescribe anti-seizure medication. The aim of treatment is to reduce the seizures enough to ensure a good quality of life. If the seizures are caused by another issue such as a tumour or metabolic disease then treatment is aimed at controlling or treating these primary causes.
Some recent studies have also shown that dietary change may help some patients with epilepsy management.
My pet has started epilepsy medication, now what?
1. Continue medications as recommended by your vet. Do not stop or adjust doses without first consulting your veterinarian.
2. Ensure recommended revisits and checks are followed as these are often needed to ensure the correct dosing of medication.
3. Keep a calendar or journal of your pets seizures and what is happening before, during and after the seizure occurs. This information may be important for preventing or predicting future episodes.
4. Always have a good supply of medication on hand and do not let medication run out as this will affect seizure control.
5. Ensure potentially hazardous areas like swimming pools are inaccessible to your pet to prevent serious injury should a seizure occurs in these areas.
What to do if your pet is having a seizure
- Move away objects or furniture from your pet to avoid them injuring themselves
- Keep other animals or children away from the pet
- Keep your hands away from their mouth to avoid being accidentally bitten
- Try to time how long the seizure goes for. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or having multiple seizures within a short period of time can be an emergency and your pet should be checked by a vet asap
- Keep your pet in a safe, calm and dimly lit environment after a seizure until he/she recovers from the post-ictal phase
Prognosis for epilepsy in pets
Once diagnosed epilepsy is a chronic disease that usually requires lifelong medication and management. As most animals are normal between seizures those with well managed epilepsy are able to live a good quality of life.
References
Bow Wow Insurance - https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-care/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/
Vet Voice - https://www.vetvoice.com.au/ec/pet-ownership/epilepsy-in-animals/#:~:text=Pets%20that%20experience%20epilepsy%20frequently,to%20twelve%20months%20are%20recommended
Veterinary Partner - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951440
VCA Animal Hospitals - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-and-epilepsy-in-cats
National Library of Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398089/
Todays Veterinary Practice - https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/nutritional-management-of-idiopathic-epilepsy-in-dogs/
Articles recommended for you
Our vet authored guide to the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food plus tips and advice for introducing it into their regular menu.
See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.
Thinking of getting a fish? Check out our guide for setting up a tank and home care tips!
Looking to understand horse feeds better? This comprehensive guide covers feeding recommendations for horses of all ages and disciplines.
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu Feb 12 2026
Edited by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Author, BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Dr Josepha graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2015 and has spent her time in small animal practice in Melbourne. She has a special interest in diagnostic imaging, nutrition and geriatric medicine. She is currently completing further study in animal nutrition and her favourite part of being a vet is helping senior animals to live happily and comfortably into their twilight years.
