Epilepsy in Dogs: Treatment and Long-Term Management

Choosing the best course of treatment for epilepsy in dogs is guided by individual circumstances – the cause of your dog’s epilepsy and your (and your dog’s) lifestyle. It is also an ongoing process, as epilepsy is a long-term disease, and different approaches may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s response. However, many dogs respond well to treatment and lead long, happy lives.

Treatment for Epilepsy in Dogs^1,2

Once your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, your veterinarian will talk with you about whether it’s the right time to begin treatment. This decision is based on your dog’s overall health, the frequency and severity of seizures and how the treatment plan can best fit your dog’s needs and daily life.

Choosing the right approach to treatment is a collaborative process between you and your veterinary team. Together, you’ll consider your dog’s medical history, lifestyle and any concerns you may have about medication, monitoring or side effects. Your input is important every step of the way.

When is it Time to Start Treatment?

Veterinarians generally recommend starting antiseizure medication if your dog has:

• Two or more seizures within a six-month period
• A history of cluster seizures (multiple seizures in a short period) or status epilepticus (a seizure lasting more than five minutes or repeated seizures without full recovery in between)
• Very long or severe recovery periods after seizures
• Seizures that are becoming more frequent, lasting longer or getting more intense

Unfortunately epilepsy is not a condition that can be prevented. However, even though complete seizure control isn’t always possible, about 70% to 80% of dogs with epilepsy respond well to medication.¹ The goal is to reduce how often seizures happen and how severe they are, while helping your dog maintain a good quality of life.

Medications for Canine Epilepsy^1,2

Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) – dog epilepsy medications – are the foundation of epilepsy treatment. If an underlying condition is found, that will also be addressed, but most dogs will still need medication to help prevent future seizures.

Some common options for how to treat epilepsy in dogs include:

• Phenobarbital – A trusted, effective, and affordable medication
• Potassium bromide (KBr) – Used alone or in combination with other medications like phenobarbital; often chosen for dogs with liver concerns
• Zonisamide – Can be used on its own or added to improve seizure control
• Levetiracetam – Well tolerated with minimal side effects; often used with other medications or as a primary treatment in some dogs
• Gabapentin – More commonly used for chronic pain but can support seizure control; often used in combination with other seizure medications

Important Medication Tips

• Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely, and do not skip or change doses without guidance. Missing even one dose may trigger a seizure.
• Watch for side effects, especially when starting a new medication. Many side effects are temporary, but always report changes to your veterinarian.
• Routine monitoring through exams and bloodwork helps ensure your dog stays healthy while on medication.
• Track your dog’s seizures at home using a log or app. Noting the frequency, duration, and recovery can help guide treatment decisions.

Nutrition³

Nutrition can play an important role in supporting dogs with epilepsy. Research has shown that diets enriched with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may help reduce seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In a clinical trial, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy fed an MCT-enriched diet experienced fewer seizures compared to those fed a placebo diet.³ Other studies have found that MCT supplementation not only helps seizure control but may also improve cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving and trainability, which can sometimes be affected in dogs with epilepsy.⁴

Your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic diet such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare, which contains MCT oil and is specifically formulated to support dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Working closely with your veterinarian can help determine if this nutritional approach is a good addition to your dog’s treatment plan.

Living With Epilepsy in Your Dog: Ongoing Management and Monitoring

Epilepsy is a long-term condition, which means managing it is an ongoing process. Your veterinarian will need to evaluate your dog’s response to treatment regularly and make adjustments as needed over time.

One of the most important parts of managing epilepsy is keeping track of your dog’s seizures at home. Since your veterinarian doesn’t witness the seizures firsthand, your observations play a critical role in determining how well treatment is working.

To help with this:

• Keep a calendar or seizure diary.
• Record the date, time, duration and behavior before and after the seizure.
• Note any missed doses or changes in medication.
• Track any side effects, such as changes in energy, appetite or behavior.

The long-term outlook for dogs with epilepsy depends on the cause and how well they respond to treatment. Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs usually has a better prognosis than dogs with brain disease or other structural issues. Many can live happy, near-normal lives, although this is dependent on proper care. Complete remission is possible in about 15% of dogs, although it’s not common.³ Regular check-ins with your veterinarian and ongoing monitoring help give your dog the best chance for a good quality of life.

For more expert tips on epilepsy in dogs, explore the causes and diagnosis.

References

1. Seizures and other paroxysmal events. In: Nelson RW, Couto CG. Small Animal Internal Medicine [Kindle edition]. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2020.

2. Bhatti SFM, Risio LD, Muñana K, et al. International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: medical treatment of canine epilepsy in Europe. BMC Vet Res. 2015;11(1):176.

3. Law TH, Davies ESS, Pan Y, et al. A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(9):1438-1447. doi:10.1017/s000711451500313x

4. Berk BA, Packer RMA, Law TH, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides dietary supplement improves cognitive abilities in canine epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2021;114(pt A):107608. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107608