Dog Seizures When to Put Down: Here’s All You Need to Know

Last Updated on March, 2025

Deciding to put down your dog due to seizures is a TOUGH decision. 

The timing for making the decision to euthanize your dog is not set in stone; it varies according to your circumstances and various factors, including your financial ability to cover your dog’s treatment, your caregiving commitments, and your dog’s long-term prospects. 

Therefore, we have got down the essential points you must know BEFORE deciding to put down your dog. 

For example, identify the seizure type, causes, best food, treatments, symptoms, and more to help – decide the best and find alternatives for you and your furry friend. 

So, read till the END!

What are Dog’s Seizures?

Dog seizure is a neurological condition caused in dogs. (1)

It causes a disturbance in the normal brain of a dog due to uncontrollable muscle activity. 

Therefore, if your dog has a seizure, it will have the symptoms of fit or convulsion. 

Next, have you heard the term ‘Epilepsy‘ in dog’s seizures? Epilepsy is the repeated occurrence of seizures. 

Are seizures in dogs caused single or in clusters? Frequent or happens rarely? It is determined solely based on the pup’s body and health conditions. 

Seizures in dogs can occur both as a single seizure or as cluster seizures. Also, it can happen frequently or rarely as well. 

Many reasons cause seizures (More on this below). 

Therefore, make sure to protect your dog from unusual habits to maintain the quality of life. 

What Are the Types of Seizures Dogs Have?

Is it essential to know the type of seizure that affects your dog? Yes, identifying the type of seizures in dogs is necessary to maintain a long-term treatment plan and analysis. 

There are 4 main types of dog seizures as follows: 

• Generalized seizure
• Focal seizure
• Psychomotor seizure
• Idiopathic Epilepsy

Generalized Seizure

A generalized seizure is also called a Grand mal seizure. (2)

An abnormal electrical activity occurs in this type of seizure, causing brain damage. 

So, how long does Grand Mal last? The seizure lasts for about a few seconds. 

What happens to your dog during that brain damage? It causes convulsions, and your dog can lose consciousness. 

Focal Seizure 

What do Focal or partial seizures do to the brain? During a focal seizure, abnormal electrical activity exists in a part of the dog’s brain. (3)

What are the dog’s symptoms during this seizure? You will notice sporadic or unusual movements only on one side of the dog’s body. It may also cause one limb. 

So, how long does it last? It lasts for only a few seconds. But focal seizures can grow into generalized seizures, too. 

Psychomotor seizure

Does your dog have weird behaviors? For example, attacking an imaginary object, going behind its tail, and more!

Then, that’s a symptom of Psychomotor seizure. (4)

Even though it does not affect the dog’s body, it will show weird behaviors. Some sort of ‘craziness’ follows! 

Idiopathic Epilepsy

When seizure attacks happen due to an unknown cause, it is called Idiopathic epilepsy. (5)

Idiopathic epilepsy happens to dogs aged 6 months to 6 years, including seniors. 

Causes and Symptoms of Seizures 

Here’s a list of the leading 8 symptoms causing seizures in dogs. 

1. Liver Disease

If your dog has liver disease, seizures could be one of the symptoms that indicate it.

In addition, one or more of the following main symptoms may also appear:

• Loss of appetite
• Digestive upsets such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation
• Abdominal swellings
• Yellow color skin, gums, and mucous membranes (Also known as Jaundice)

The above symptoms may show up before the seizure occurs. 

Liver diseases can grow into liver cancer and chronic hepatitis, too. So, be aware of it!

2. Cancer

Prolonged brain tumor can lead to cancer. 

It can start from one part of the body and begin to spread. For example, it can spread to the brain and cause dangerous issues. 

Generally, dogs with cancer can show seizures as symptoms. 

Therefore, the lifetime may vary and be less than 2 months. 

3. Kidney Disease

Kidney diseases or kidney failures are caused by a buildup of toxins in the blood that don’t find their way out to excrete. 

The following are the symptoms you observe during kidney diseases:

• Increase in thirst.
• Increase in urination.
• Being lethargic.
• Weight loss.
• Nausea.

Generally, seizures occur when your dog’s kidney disease reaches an advanced stage. 

4. Diabetes

Your dog might already have diabetes, or they could develop seizures if they exhibit signs of chronic insulin resistance, especially with increased insulin usage.

If your dog has a seizure and gets insulin, it can lead to diabetic conditions. 

If the diabetes stage gets intense, it leads to diabetic ketoacidosis. 

Depending on the diabetic level, the life expectancy may vary. 

Generally, a diabetic dog lives up to 60 days during the extreme stages. 

5. Hypoglycemia

If your dog has low blood sugar, it leads to hypoglycemia. 

What is the science behind this disease? When the brain doesn’t get sufficient glucose levels, it leads to hypoglycemia. 

The following are the symptoms of hypoglycemia:

• Collapse or faint
• Trembling
• Restless
• Loss of coordination in the body

6. Adverse Reaction to Medication

Certain medications given to your dog may have side effects. 

When you consult for diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, these medications may cause side effects such as seizures. 

7. Environmental and Other Toxins

There are environmental toxins causing seizures for your dog. 

Here’s a quick list:

• Insect poisons
• Lead paint
• Antifreeze
• Insecticides
• Carbon monoxide Poisoning/Smoke Inhalation
• Garden weedkiller
• Rodent poison

Therefore, analyze the above materials and remove them from the environment. 

It helps to avoid further seizures for your dog. 

8. Head Trauma or Injury

If your dog has injuries in the brain, it can lead to seizures. 

You may not have noticed it, but consult your dog to the vet for proper examinations. 

It could cause brain damage and bleeding. 

If your dog has an illness or stroke, ensure to consult the vet soon!

What Do Seizures Look Like?

Seizures may look like fits for your dog. 

It will cause a decrease in the energy supply and the blood level. Therefore, it can develop into life-threatening issues. 

Seizures can last for about 5 minutes or less. But there are instances when it lasts longer than 5 minutes. If that happens, immediate attention is required. (7)

Are There Dog Breeds Prone to Seizures?

Even though seizures are common for all dog breeds, there are specific dog breeds that are more prone to seizures. 

The following are such dog breeds:

• Australian Shepherds
• Beagles
• Belgian Tervurens
• Border Collies
• Collies
• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers

Do Dogs Feel Any Pain During a Seizure?

No, the seizures don’t cause any pain for your dog. Your dog may experience shaking or going unconscious, but it doesn’t cause pain. 

Of course, your dog can panic due to the trauma caused in its head. Your dog may look to be in pain, but in reality, there will be no physical pain during a seizure.

How to Identify the Cause of Seizures?

Your vet will help to identify the cause and seizure medications effectively. 

The following are the ways to identify the origin of seizures:

• Perform physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Examining samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 

The above tests help to identify various issues in your pup. 

For example, it helps to analyze blood sugar levels, liver issues, kidney health, exposure to poison, trauma, and electrolytes. 

These tests may vary depending on the hospital’s or your vet’s facilities. 

How Many Seizures Can Dogs Have Before Dying?

There is no prescribed number of seizures your dog has before dying. However, the time and frequency of seizures play a significant role. 

Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes are life threatening for dogs. 

If your dog’s seizures last about 5 or more minutes, you must take the necessary steps immediately. 

Next, if your dog has more than one seizure in just 24 hours, that too is dangerous. 

Why? Because the brain activity may get shut down and lose its energy. It will cause significant harm to your dog. 

Therefore, the frequency and facing multiple seizures at a time significantly affect your dog’s lifetime. 

How Long Can a Dog Live With Seizures?

The longevity of your dog depends on several factors. 

These include the seizure type your dog possesses, the causes of seizures, the method of control and precautions taken, and the treatments followed. 

However, if your dog has idiopathic epilepsy, the survival time is about 66 months. Epilepsy is the common cause of seizures. 

Next, if your dog has brain tumor conditions during seizures, the survival time is about 8 months. 

Therefore, without further delay, ensure you get the proper treatment to increase the survival time of your dog. 

Treatments for Seizures

Before getting the treatment for seizures, treatments are followed under certain conditions. 

If your dog has the below behaviors, then treatments are followed:

• Your dog has more than one seizure per month.
• Your dog has a cluster of seizures. Having continuous seizures followed by one another is called a Cluster of seizures.
• Your dog has had Grand mal seizures for a long time. 

If your dog faces the above issues, then the following treatments are taken:

• Getting anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).
• Phenobarbital treatment.
• Potassium bromide treatment.
• Combination therapy.
• Anticonvulsants and newer anticonvulsants treatments.

There are other treatments and precautionary methods, as follows:

• Avoiding triggers: In some instances, some triggers cause seizures. You can closely look at and identify these triggers to avoid them. 
• A specialized diet: A diet enriched with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) can help your dog’s seizures. But get your vet’s advice.

However, the treatment may vary depending on the current conditions and the type of seizure your dog possesses. 

Best Food for Dogs Seizure

Consider the foods falling under the below categories for dogs with seizures: 

• Foods with a high level of animal protein
• Omega fatty acids
• B Vitamins
• Has Natural ingredients
• MCT oil
• Animal fats 
• Moist carrier foods such as applesauce for multivitamin supplements
• Cooked whole vegetables such as green beans and potatoes
• Has No Artificial ingredients
• Gelatin picked from grass-fed animal sources
• Muscle meat and organ meats such as beef, salmon, and chicken 

The leading natural supplements that help dogs’ seizures are MCT oil, B-complex vitamins, omega fatty acids, and gelatin. 

What Foods Should You Avoid Feeding for Dog Seizures?

The following is a list of foods considered unhealthy for dog seizures:

• Artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors
• BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin
• High concentration of salt
• Gluten
• Dairy products
• Soy products
• Corn
• Complex carbohydrates
• Casein
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol
• Glutamate
• Chocolate
• Raw potatoes

When to Take Your Dog to Vet Immediately?

You can consult your dog to the veterinarian immediately when it’s facing a seizure, especially when your pup is facingprolonged-duration seizures. 

Once you get to your veterinarian, fill in the details as much as possible. It will help them to give the right veterinary medicine and prescribe medication. 

Allow your vet to do the necessary tests, physical exams, MRI, diagnostic imaging, and lab work. 

It helps to get a detailed analysis and help your pup to go through seizures. 

Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog

The following are the acts you can do to help your dog with seizures:

• Sit closer to your dog: Sit and pet your dog. It gives comfort and helps to overcome the seizure.
• Stay calm: Never shout or yell at your dog. It will frighten your pup.
• Calculate the seizure time: Keep a stopwatch to calculate the seizure time. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, immediately take your dog to the vet. 
• Speak comfortably: Speak in low tones and a comfortable manner. It helps to overcome the seizure.
• Decrease the body temperature of the dog: Seizure may cause an increase in body temperature. So, you can place cool washcloths on your dog’s feet after the seizure. 
• Let your dog consume food: Sometimes, you would be hungry after a seizure. So, feed some food. But ensure your dog is conscious and not wobbling. Also, don’t force the food intake. 

What are the Stages of Seizures?

There are three stages to seizures as follows:

• Pre-ictal or Aura stage
• Ictal Phase
• Post-Ictal Phase

Pre-ictal or Aura stage

Pre-ictal is the beginning stage. In this stage, the seizure DOES NOT occur. 

Here, the dog begins to feel unusual. It determines and feels the unpleasant experience it senses. 

How does your dog behave in the Pre-ictal stage:

• Your dog is restless.
• Acts anxious and hides itself somewhere.
• Dogs may try to communicate with the pet owner (primarily by whining).
• Dogs may show symptoms such as drooling and shaking.

The above symptoms are seen before the seizure actually occurs. 

Ictal Phase

The ictal phase is the actual phase! It is where the seizure OCCURS. 

How does your dog behave in the Ictal stage:

• The dog experiences mental changes.
• Your dog can lose mental awareness and have a dazed look.
• Your dog shivers and loses consciousness.
• Face abnormal electrical activity.
• You will notice the muscles move irregularly.
• Your dog can show paddling movements with its legs.
• May look paralyzed.
• Increase in body temperature.
• The dog’s head is drawn backward.
• Consequences such as salivation, defecation, and urination may occur.

How long does this stage last? It may last about five minutes. However, there are instances where seizures may last longer. 

If it lasts longer than five minutes, your dog faces status epilepticus or prolonged seizures. 

Next, don’t put anything inside your dog’s mouth during the seizure because it may cause more harm to your pup. 

Also, you may get bitten by the dog since it is unaware of its actions. 

So, be aware of how to behave and what actions you must take to control seizures for your pup.

Post-Ictal Phase

Post-ictal phase is the stage of passing the seizure. So, the seizure is over. 

How does your dog behave in the Postal-Ictal stage:

• Your dog will wake up immediately or a couple of seconds after the seizure
• May continue salivating 
• Your pup will be restless and confused 

Depending on the seizure attack, your dog may take a few seconds to a few minutes to recover. 

When to Put Down a Dog With Seizures?

If your dog has canine epilepsy, there is NO CURE! 

But, if it has regular seizures, consult the vet and take the necessary measures. 

Having a dog with epilepsy is complicated and challenging. But there is no specific time you need to put down your dog. It is entirely your decision. 

You can have your dog as long as you want. 

We know it’s hard to put down your dog with seizures. 

But, having seizures in dogs shortens your pup’s lifetime and quality of life. 

If you have concerns about when to put down your dog, please consult your vet and get the best advice. 

3 Factors Need to Consider Before You Put Down a Dog

Considering the following factors before putting down your dog would be best. 

We know it’s a difficult time for you and your pup, but yours and your pup’s well-being matter. 

So, make a wise decision. 

Can You Afford the Treatment Bills?

When you consult a veterinary neurologist, the cost and time spent on the treatment can be high. 

Make sure to consider whether you can afford to pay the bills. 

Can you commit to spending more time on your pup? Because you will have to visit frequently for checkups, blood tests, and treatments. It might take an hour when you visit the vet. 

It may take a long time for your pup to recover. 

So, before you put down your dog, check your affordability and time consistency. 

What are the Treatment Options?

Before putting down your dog, check out the treatment options available. 

You can consult your veterinary neurologist to get insights into the treatments. 

Depending on the seizure type and symptoms, the treatments vary. Therefore, contact your vet and let them know the symptoms you notice. 

After further analysis, your vet will give the best treatment. These treatments help to prevent additional episodes of seizures. 

Future of Your Dog

The future of your dog solely depends on your decision. 

Remember, if your dog has continuous lines of episodes, it won’t be able to live a normal life. 

Sometimes, it wouldn’t play, protect, and be a great member to you and your family. So, are you okay with it?

Episodes of seizures are heartbreaking! But slight seizures wouldn’t harm your dog. It would get back to normal. 

But your dog craves your presence after a seizure. Since you care for it as a pet owner, your existence matters to your pup. 

Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:

• My Dog Ate a Stick of Butter

Final Thoughts

You can consider the above factors, treatments, and foods to help your dog recover from a seizure. 

If you still need clarification about whether to put down your dog, get your vet’s advice. But you can always help your dog during and after seizures to overcome this challenging phase. 

We wish you and your dog the best of luck in recovering from the dog seizure. 

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