Introduction
Seizures in dogs can be a scary experience for pet owners. This article provides an overview of the potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of seizures in dogs while sleeping. We will examine common triggers that can provoke seizures during sleep, steps owners can take to reduce seizure risk, first aid tips, and when it’s necessary to seek veterinary care.
The content that follows will provide dog owners with the information needed to understand why seizures happen, how to respond if a sleeping dog experiences a seizure, ways to identify potential triggers, and proactive measures to minimize future episodes.
Causes
There are several potential causes for seizures in dogs while sleeping:
Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures in dogs. This is when seizures occur for unknown reasons and no underlying cause can be identified. Idiopathic epilepsy frequently begins between 1-5 years of age and causes recurring seizures (Source 1).
Brain tumors are another potential cause of seizures in dogs while sleeping. Brain tumors put pressure on the surrounding brain tissue which can lead to seizures. Seizures caused by brain tumors tend to develop slowly over time (Source 2).
Metabolic issues such as low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, liver or kidney disease can also trigger seizures in dogs. The abnormal metabolism causes changes in the brain that lead to seizures.
Toxin exposure or poisoning is another cause of seizures in dogs while sleeping. Toxins from human foods, medications, plants, or chemicals can cause seizures. The toxins interfere with normal brain function (Source 3).
Head trauma from an injury or accident can also lead to seizures in dogs while sleeping. Brain injury damages neurons and alters normal brain activity resulting in seizures.
Breed Predisposition
Certain dog breeds are more prone to having seizures and epilepsy. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, herding breeds like Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies are more susceptible. Retrievers like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers also have a higher incidence of epilepsy and seizures. Other predisposed breeds include German Shepherds, Beagles, Keeshonds, Belgian Tervurens, and English Springer Spaniels.
Seizures and epilepsy have a genetic component in these breeds. Responsible breeders should screen their dogs for epilepsy and not breed dogs that have epilepsy in their lineage. While any dog can develop epilepsy, prospective owners of the susceptible breeds should be aware of the higher risk.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of seizures in dogs while sleeping include:
- Muscle twitching – You may notice rhythmic muscle twitching, typically on one side of the dog’s body. This can involve the face, legs, or other body parts.
- Chomping – A dog having a seizure may repetitively open and close their mouth as if chewing or chomping. This is sometimes accompanied by saliva pooling in the mouth.
- Limb paddling – The dog’s legs may move in a rhythmic paddling or swimming motion. This often indicates seizure activity originating in the brain.
Other symptoms can include crying, whining or barking, urinating or defecating, dilation of pupils, temporary blindness, and disorientation or confusion when the dog wakes up. Mild cases may involve subtle muscle tremors or lip smacking motions during sleep. Identifying seizures requires differentiating from movements associated with dreaming.
According to the AKC, episodes lasting longer than a few minutes could signal a seizure rather than dreaming. Seizures also tend to be more pronounced and violent in nature compared to the twitching typical of dreaming dogs. Owners should monitor symptoms and consult a veterinarian, especially if seizures are recurrent.[1]
Diagnosis
A veterinarian will perform a full neurological exam on a dog exhibiting seizure activity during sleep to determine the cause. This involves evaluating the dog’s mental status, posture and gait, cranial nerves, spinal reflexes, and sensation.
The veterinarian may also recommend bloodwork to check for underlying conditions like organ disease, electrolyte imbalances, or infections that could be triggering the seizures. According to the AKC, bloodwork allows the vet to “search for reversible medical conditions that could be managed with medications.” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dreaming-vs-seizures-in-dogs/
If initial diagnostics are not conclusive, the veterinarian may recommend an MRI to examine the dog’s brain for structural abnormalities or lesions. As noted by VCA Hospitals, “the MRI is the preferred technique for identifying such lesions in the brain and is considered the gold standard.”
Treatment
The main treatment for dogs having seizures while asleep is medication, typically anticonvulsants prescribed by a veterinarian. Common anticonvulsant medications include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, and zonisamide. These help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. The specific medication, dosage, and treatment plan will depend on the individual dog and type of seizure disorder. It usually takes some trial and error under veterinary guidance to find the most effective medication protocol. Many dogs require lifelong medication to control seizures.
In addition to medication, it’s important to avoid potential seizure triggers. Flashing lights, loud noises, chemical cleaners, overstimulation, stress, and lack of sleep should be minimized. Some dietary changes may help, like switching to grain-free food or a ketogenic diet under veterinary supervision. Supplements like melatonin, valerian root, and fish oil can also aid seizure control. Overall, medication combined with lifestyle changes provides the best seizure management.
Prevention
There are some things you can do to help prevent seizures during sleep in dogs prone to them:
Maintain a consistent daily schedule for your dog, including regular times for feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping. Avoiding abrupt changes to their routine can help reduce potential seizure triggers related to stress or excitement (Source).
Try to avoid overstimulating your dog before bedtime. Provide a relaxing wind-down period before sleep by keeping playtime calm, limiting excessive physical activity, and maintaining a peaceful environment (Source). This can help prevent seizures triggered by heightened energy and adrenaline levels.
Your veterinarian may recommend anti-seizure medication to be given before bed, which can help control nighttime seizure activity. Always follow your vet’s dosage instructions.
First Aid
If your dog has a seizure while sleeping, it’s important to provide proper first aid. Here are some tips:
- Protect the head – Gently cradle your dog’s head and neck to prevent injury. Don’t restrain your dog or place anything in their mouth.
- Keep the airway open – Check that your dog’s breathing is not obstructed. Clear the area around their mouth of any objects.
- Time the seizure – Note when the seizure starts and ends. Most seizures last 1-3 minutes. Call the vet if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
Stay calm during the seizure, speak reassuringly, and keep children and other pets away. Do not put yourself in danger. Provide first aid, but call your veterinarian if your dog experiences multiple seizures within a short period of time.
Prognosis
The prognosis for dogs with seizures depends on the underlying cause. Many dogs can live normal lives with proper treatment and management of their condition. According to the VCA Hospitals, “the long-term prognosis for pets with idiopathic epilepsy is generally good.” However, the prognosis is worse for dogs with structural epilepsy caused by brain tumors, inflammation, trauma, or other damage to the brain. With appropriate treatment, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have a normal life expectancy. Frequent monitoring, medication adjustments, and veterinary care can help control seizures and allow dogs to live happily.
The prognosis also depends on the seizure frequency and severity. Dogs with cluster seizures or status epilepticus have a guarded prognosis compared to dogs with occasional mild seizures. However, the overall goal is to minimize seizures and side effects of medication so dogs can enjoy a good quality of life.
When to See a Vet
If your dog experiences a first-time seizure, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Even if the seizure was brief, the underlying cause needs to be determined. Getting a prompt diagnosis and starting treatment can help prevent future seizures.
You should also rush your dog to the vet if they have cluster seizures, which are multiple seizures within a 24-hour period. Cluster seizures indicate a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. According to PetMD, more than three seizures within 24 hours is considered an emergency.
Additionally, any seizure lasting more than 3-5 minutes is considered status epilepticus and requires emergency veterinary care, as noted by Pets Best [1]. Status epilepticus can lead to brain damage or even death if left untreated. The Veterinary Emergency Group advises immediate treatment is needed for seizures exceeding 5 minutes [2]. If a seizure continues beyond a couple minutes, you may need to administer rectal valium at home before getting to the vet.
In summary, prompt veterinary care is crucial for a first seizure, cluster seizures, or any seizure lasting over 3-5 minutes. Doing so gives your dog the best chance at getting a diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment.