Epilepsy in Dogs: Breeds, Signs, and What Vets Look For

Epilepsy in dogs is a brain disease in which sudden abnormal electrical activity in neuronal networks leads to seizures. Some breeds carry a well-documented genetic predisposition, and recognising early signs — from subtle behavioural changes to full convulsions — helps owners seek timely veterinary care. Diagnosis relies on seizure history, owner video, and advanced tests such as MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis when needed. This guide explains the main types of epilepsy, how common it is, which breeds are most affected, and what veterinarians look for, reviewed by Dr. Paulo Morouço, DVM.

BreedRisk — vet-reviewed epilepsy in dogs health guide

What Is Epilepsy in Dogs?

Epilepsy is a brain disease caused by sudden abnormal electrical activity in neuronal networks, leading to seizures. Veterinary consensus recognises three main types:

  • Idiopathic epilepsy: genetic origin, no structural brain lesion found
  • Structural epilepsy: caused by brain trauma, tumour, inflammation, or vascular events
  • Storage disease epilepsy: caused by gene defects such as Lafora disease, leading to progressive myoclonic epilepsy
Source: Berendt et al. (2015)

How Common Is Epilepsy in Dogs?

  • General population prevalence: 0.6–0.75% (Berendt 2015)
  • Heske et al. (2014) cohort of 665,000 insured dogs confirmed epilepsy as a significant cause of mortality
Source: Berendt et al. (2015), Heske et al. (2014)

Which Breeds Are Most Affected?

The following breeds have confirmed predisposition based on pedigree studies and high breed prevalence.

Source: Berendt et al. (2015), Hinze et al. (2025)

Signs Owners Notice First

  • Prodrome: hours to days before a seizure, owners may notice restlessness, irritability, or attention-seeking behaviour
  • Seizure signs: motor (convulsions, facial twitches, rhythmic jerking), autonomic (dilated pupils, hypersalivation, vomiting), behavioural (sudden anxiety, fear, clinging to owner)
  • Tip: filming the episode on a phone is one of the most useful things an owner can do — owner video is a primary diagnostic tool
Source: Berendt et al. (2015)

How Epilepsy Is Diagnosed

  • Clinical definition: at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart
  • Diagnostic tools: MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, DNA testing for hereditary forms
  • EEG: standard in human medicine but currently of limited routine clinical value in dogs
  • Owner history and video recordings are the most central diagnostic markers
Source: Berendt et al. (2015)

Risk Factors

  • Genetics and breed: inherited defects, channelopathies, high breed prevalence (>2%) is a strong indicator
  • Lafora disease: a specific autosomal recessive mutation in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds — a DNA test is available
  • Comorbidities: brain tumours can trigger secondary epilepsy
  • Multifactorial: environmental, developmental, and provoking factors can combine
Source: Berendt et al. (2015), Lohi et al. (2005), Hinze et al. (2025)

Epilepsy in Dogs — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a seizure and epilepsy in dogs?

A seizure is a single episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is the condition diagnosed when a dog has had at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart. Not every dog that has a seizure has epilepsy — a vet will investigate the underlying cause before reaching that diagnosis. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.

Which dog breeds are most prone to epilepsy?

Breeds with confirmed predisposition include the Beagle, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Bernese Mountain Dog, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Boxer, and French Bulldog, among others. High breed prevalence — defined as greater than 2% of the breed affected — is considered a strong indicator of genetic influence. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.

At what age do dogs usually develop epilepsy?

For idiopathic epilepsy, the typical age of onset is between 6 months and 6 years. This range is used by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force as a Tier 1 diagnostic criterion. A first seizure outside this window prompts vets to investigate structural or metabolic causes more thoroughly. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.

How is epilepsy diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis requires at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart. From there, vets use MRI, cerebrospinal fluid examination, and DNA testing to identify the underlying type. Because dogs cannot describe their experience, owner history and video recordings of the episode are among the most valuable diagnostic tools available. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.

Can dogs with epilepsy live a normal life?

Many dogs with well-controlled epilepsy live for years after diagnosis. Research shows that dogs whose seizures are managed effectively and who eventually die of unrelated causes survive a median of 8 years after their first seizure. Approximately 15% of dogs achieve remission — defined as seizure-free for more than three years. Dogs with poor seizure control have a shorter prognosis, with a median survival of around 1.3 years after onset. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian.

Epilepsy Research Sources

  1. Berendt et al. (2015) — International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report
  2. Berendt et al. (2007) — Epilepsy in dogs
  3. Erlen et al. (2018) — Canine epilepsy prognosis
  4. Heske et al. (2014) — Epilepsy mortality in insured dogs
  5. Lohi et al. (2005) — Lafora disease mutation
  6. Hinze et al. (2025) — French Bulldog epilepsy population study
  7. Fredsø et al. (2017) — Epilepsy survival and remission in dogs
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