Can Dogs Get Seizures From Stress? A Veterinarian‘s Perspective

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, one of the most frightening experiences an owner can face is watching their beloved pup have a seizure. Seizures are a relatively common neurological disorder in dogs, affecting an estimated 0.7-5.7% of the canine population, according to a 2015 review. While many potential causes exist, owners often ask me if stress and anxiety could be to blame for their dog‘s seizures.

The connection between stress and seizures is a complex one, but the short answer is that while stress alone is unlikely to cause seizures in an otherwise healthy dog, it is a well-established seizure trigger for dogs with pre-existing epilepsy. In this article, I‘ll dive deeper into the science behind stress and seizures, share my experience treating epileptic dogs, and provide practical tips for owners to manage this challenging condition.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

First, let‘s define what a seizure actually is. In simple terms, a seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that causes physical convulsions, thought disturbances, and/or loss of consciousness. Seizures can have many underlying causes, both within the brain itself and elsewhere in the body.

Some of the most common causes of seizures in dogs include:

• Epilepsy (genetic or idiopathic)
• Brain tumors
• Toxin exposure
• Metabolic disorders (liver disease, low blood sugar, etc.)
• Head trauma
• Infectious diseases (distemper, rabies, etc.)

Epilepsy is by far the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs. Epilepsy simply refers to recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause. It‘s estimated that up to 5% of all dogs are affected by epilepsy, with certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Beagles at higher risk. Most dogs with epilepsy have their first seizure between 6 months to 6 years of age.

If your dog suddenly starts having seizures, it‘s critical to see your veterinarian right away. They will likely recommend blood tests, urinalysis, and sometimes advanced brain imaging to check for underlying health issues before diagnosing epilepsy.

How Does Stress Trigger Seizures in Dogs With Epilepsy?

While stress is unlikely to cause seizures out of the blue in healthy dogs, it‘s a major concern for those with pre-existing epilepsy. Studies show that stress is one of the most commonly reported seizure triggers in epileptic dogs, even more so than sleep deprivation, certain foods, or hormonal changes.

In one study of 229 epileptic dogs, 28-32% of dogs experienced seizures in response to stressful situations or anxiety. So how exactly does stress trigger these electrical storms in the brain? Let‘s look at the physiology.

When a dog feels stressed, their body releases a cascade of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones can have significant effects on the brain, including:

• Altering electrical activity in the amygdala and hippocampus (brain regions involved in seizures)
• Changing levels of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate that regulate brain cell excitability
• Triggering inflammation in the brain
• Causing changes in blood flow and oxygenation to the brain

In a nutshell, all of these stress-induced brain changes can lower the seizure threshold in dogs with epilepsy, making it more likely that a seizure will occur. This is why owners often report their dog‘s seizures happening during high-stress events.

Common Stress Triggers for Seizures

So what types of situations are most likely to trigger stress-related seizures in epileptic dogs? While it can vary by individual, some common ones I see in my practice include:

• Vet or groomer visits: All the poking, prodding, and unfamiliar handling is very stressful for many dogs. The car ride alone is enough to induce anxiety in some.

• Boarding and kennel stays: Being separated from their owners and confined to an unfamiliar environment surrounded by strange dogs and people is understandably stressful.

• Changes in the home: Moving homes, furniture rearrangements, new babies or pets, houseguests, and owners‘ schedule changes can all be very disruptive to a dog‘s sense of stability.

• Loud noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, construction, and other sudden loud sounds are common phobias and seizure triggers.

• Busy social gatherings: Even friendly, well-meaning attention from visiting friends and family can be overwhelming for an anxious epileptic dog.

I‘ll never forget one sweet epileptic Border Collie I treated named Luna. Her owner reported that Luna would almost always have a seizure within 12 hours of returning home from boarding, like clockwork. We worked together to reduce this trigger by having a pet sitter stay with Luna at home instead, and her seizure frequency decreased significantly. It just goes to show how impactful stress management can be.

How Common Are Stress-Related Seizures?

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine looked at the prevalence of specific seizure triggers in 100 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. They found that:

As you can see, stress and emotional arousal were by far the most common triggers reported by owners. Interestingly, the study also found that female dogs were more likely to have stress-related seizures compared to males.

Recognizing Seizures in Dogs

Another key aspect of managing seizures is knowing how to recognize them. Seizures can vary quite a bit in their appearance depending on what part of the brain is affected. The two main types are:

1. Generalized (tonic-clonic) seizures: These are the most dramatic and what most people think of as a typical seizure. The dog will usually collapse on their side, lose consciousness, extend their limbs rigidly, and exhibit rhythmic jerking motions. They may also salivate excessively, urinate or defecate.

2. Focal (partial) seizures: These are more subtle and can be easy to miss. Signs may include facial twitching, a dazed expression, fly biting (snapping at imaginary flies), dilated pupils, vomiting, and/or compulsive behaviors like licking or pacing.

Some dogs will exhibit warning signs before a seizure called the "pre-ictal phase" where they may seem anxious, restless, or clingy. This can last seconds to hours. After the seizure ends, the dog enters the "post-ictal" phase where they are often disoriented, uncoordinated, and very tired. This recovery period can last anywhere from minutes to days.

What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure

Staying calm is easier said than done when your dog is having a seizure, but it‘s critical for both your safety and your dog‘s. Here‘s what I advise:

1. Move your dog away from stairs, furniture, and other hazards to prevent injury. If possible, move them to a soft surface like carpet or a rug.

2. DO NOT put your hands near your dog‘s mouth. Despite the common myth, dogs cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure. But they can bite you involuntarily.

3. Time the seizure if possible. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, your dog is at risk for brain damage from continuous seizing. See a vet immediately.

4. Once the seizure ends, keep your dog in a quiet, dim room to recover. Let them rest and don‘t force food or water right away.

5. If it was your dog‘s first seizure or different than previous ones, see your vet as soon as possible for an exam and bloodwork. For a known epileptic dog, still inform your vet but they may not need to be seen if it was an uncomplicated, typical seizure for them.

Reducing Stress Triggers in Epileptic Dogs

Thankfully, there are many things we can do to help reduce stress and anxiety in our furry friends with seizures:

• Maintain a predictable daily routine for feeding, walking, playtime, and bedtime.

• Avoid boarding and instead have pet sitters stay with your dog at home when you travel.

• Create a quiet "safe space" in your home with your dog‘s bed or crate where they can retreat from high stimulation.

• Work on training your dog to "settle" on cue and reward calm behaviors throughout the day.

• Consider medications like trazodone or natural supplements like Zylkene and Adaptil that reduce anxiety. Work with your vet on the best options for your dog.

• Make vet visits less stressful by practicing handling exercises at home, bringing high value treats or toys, and using calming pheromone sprays.

• Ensure your dog gets plenty of aerobic exercise to release stress – at least 45-60 minutes per day broken up into multiple sessions. Puzzle feeders and nose work are also great ways to provide mental stimulation.

Multiple studies have found that implementing stress reduction protocols like these alongside anti-seizure medications led to a 33-45% decrease in seizure frequency in epileptic dogs. So while we can never completely eliminate stress, reducing exposure to triggers can make a huge difference in your dog‘s quality of life.

The Financial and Emotional Costs of Canine Epilepsy

Caring for an epileptic dog often takes a significant financial and emotional toll on owners. The costs of diagnosis (MRI and spinal tap can cost $2500+), anti-seizure medications, regular bloodwork monitoring, and emergency vet visits add up quickly.

One study estimated the median annual veterinary cost of owning an epileptic dog at $967, significantly higher than other common chronic conditions like diabetes ($862/year) and arthritis ($523/year). Over a dog‘s lifetime, owners may spend $10,000 or more to manage uncontrolled seizures.

In addition to the financial burden, the unpredictable nature of seizures and constant vigilance takes a mental toll. Research shows that owners of epileptic dogs experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

If you are struggling with the challenges of your epileptic dog, know that you are not alone and help is available. Consider reaching out to a veterinary social worker, joining a canine epilepsy support group, or working with a veterinary behaviorist on a comprehensive stress reduction plan. Prioritizing your own self-care is essential too – you can‘t pour from an empty cup after all.

Key Takeaways

In summary, while stress is unlikely to cause seizures in healthy dogs with no prior history, it is a major seizure trigger for dogs with pre-existing epilepsy. By understanding your dog‘s unique stress triggers, working closely with your vet on an integrative treatment plan, and taking steps to create a calm, predictable environment, you can significantly reduce seizure frequency and improve your epileptic dog‘s quality of life.

Remember, you are your dog‘s best advocate and greatest source of comfort. Armed with knowledge and a support system, you and your beloved pup can navigate this challenging journey together.