Scary Signs: What Causes Seizures in Older Dogs and How to Help
It’s honestly one of the scariest moments any pet parent can go through—watching their senior dog suddenly collapse or shake uncontrollably, unsure of what’s happening. I’ve seen this firsthand more times than I’d like to count while working as a veterinary assistant, especially with a focus on nutrition. One of the most common and alarming reasons owners bring in their older pups is to ask: what causes seizures in older dogs? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the causes can range from totally manageable to more serious underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Seizures in Senior Dogs
1. Brain Tumors and Neurological Changes
As dogs age, their bodies—and brains—go through changes. In older dogs, one of the most concerning reasons for seizures is the presence of a brain tumor. It’s not always cancerous, but any kind of mass in the brain can trigger abnormal electrical activity, which often results in seizures.
From my experience, dogs with brain tumors may also show signs like walking in circles, acting confused, or pacing aimlessly before the seizure even begins. If you’re noticing these behaviors in addition to seizures, it’s something to bring up with your vet ASAP.
2. Liver Disease (Hepatic Encephalopathy)
This one tends to catch a lot of pet parents off guard. The liver plays a big role in filtering toxins from the blood. When it’s not doing its job—often due to age-related liver disease—those toxins can build up and affect the brain. That condition is called hepatic encephalopathy, and yes, it can cause seizures in older dogs.
I once helped care for a sweet old lab mix who’d started having mild seizures at night. Turns out, her liver values were way off the charts. With a low-protein diet and medication, her symptoms improved dramatically. It’s a great example of how nutrition really can make a difference.
3. Kidney Failure and Toxin Build-Up
Similarly, the kidneys are another filter system that can go south as your pup ages. Chronic kidney disease is super common in senior dogs, and when the kidneys stop properly removing waste, toxins can build up and lead to neurological issues, including seizures.
In some cases, even a seemingly healthy dog could have been drinking more water or peeing more frequently—a red flag for kidney trouble. Always worth checking if your older dog has started having those subtle changes in bathroom habits.
How Metabolic and Systemic Conditions Trigger Seizures
4. Blood Sugar Imbalances
Ever heard of insulinomas? They’re tumors on the pancreas that mess with insulin levels, causing dangerously low blood sugar—also called hypoglycemia. And yep, that can cause seizures. While insulinomas are rare, hypoglycemia itself isn’t. It can happen from poor diet, skipping meals, or even as a side effect of medications.
I remember a small terrier who started having episodes after her owners unknowingly changed her diet to something with way too little protein. Once we adjusted her meals and timing, those seizure-like spells stopped completely.
5. Electrolyte Imbalances and Dehydration
Older dogs tend to be more prone to dehydration, especially if they have any underlying health problems like kidney disease, diabetes, or even certain medications that act as diuretics. Low calcium, sodium, or potassium levels can throw off the body’s internal balance and potentially cause seizures.
- Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Low sodium (hyponatremia)
- High sodium (hypernatremia)
It doesn’t always take much. One bad bout of vomiting or diarrhea, and suddenly your dog’s whole system is out of whack. Always keep an eye on hydration—especially with our seniors.
6. Heart Disease and Reduced Oxygen Flow
Seizure-like activity can sometimes be mistaken for fainting spells, especially when caused by poor heart function. If the heart isn’t pumping enough oxygen to the brain, dogs might collapse, twitch, or even lose consciousness for a few seconds—mimicking a seizure.
In my experience, this is more common in breeds prone to heart disease, like Cavaliers or older Chihuahuas. If your vet suspects this, they might suggest an EKG or heart ultrasound to rule it out.
Underlying Conditions You Might Not Expect
7. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggy Dementia)
Okay, this one is becoming more and more common in older dogs, and it’s something I wish more pet parents knew about. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a lot like Alzheimer’s in humans. It messes with a dog’s brain over time, and yes—seizures can sometimes show up in the mix.
Not every senior dog with CCD will have seizures, but I’ve seen a few that start pacing, whining at night, and even getting stuck in corners—then out of nowhere, they seize. It’s heartbreaking but treatable in many cases. Supplements, special diets, and anti-anxiety meds can do wonders. I’ve personally seen older pups start sleeping better and acting more like themselves again.
8. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the vet world, but it absolutely should—especially in seniors. When blood pressure spikes too high, it can cause retinal damage, disorientation, and yes, seizures.
One little tip I always give clients: if your vet offers blood pressure monitoring, say yes. It’s painless and quick. And if your dog has kidney disease or is on certain meds, it’s even more important to monitor regularly.
What Causes Seizures in Older Dogs Due to External Factors?
9. Toxins and Environmental Exposure
You’d be shocked how many times I’ve seen a dog come in seizing because they got into something they weren’t supposed to. Older dogs don’t always have the same sharp senses they used to, and they might wander into places where cleaning products, rat poison, or even certain houseplants are left out.
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and baked goods)
- Rodenticides and slug bait
- Certain essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus)
I once treated a senior schnauzer who licked up a tiny bit of antifreeze from a garage floor. Just a few drops—yet it was enough to trigger seizures and a kidney crisis. Luckily, the owner caught it quickly, but it’s a powerful reminder: older dogs need a super-safe environment.
10. Medication Side Effects
Sometimes it’s the very thing we give to help them that can turn around and cause issues. Older dogs often take multiple medications—heart meds, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, you name it. When these stack up or interact, side effects like seizures can sneak up on you.
I’ve seen a senior dog on a cocktail of meds suddenly start twitching and spacing out. After a medication review, we realized one drug was amplifying the effects of another. Once adjusted, the seizures stopped entirely. So always loop in your vet before adding anything new—even supplements or CBD.
When Is It Time to Worry?
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
As someone who’s worked closely with senior dogs and their families, I can tell you—trust your gut. If something feels “off,” you’re probably right. Some signs that mean it’s time to call the vet immediately:
- Seizures lasting longer than 2 minutes
- Multiple seizures in one day (called cluster seizures)
- Disorientation or pacing that continues for hours afterward
- Sudden aggression or extreme lethargy post-seizure
Even if it’s “just one” seizure, don’t write it off. Older dogs don’t bounce back the way younger ones do, and that one episode might be the first clue something deeper is going on.
Getting a Diagnosis
Diagnosis often means playing detective. Vets may recommend blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, or even an MRI if they suspect something serious like a tumor. Honestly, the full workup can feel overwhelming—I get it—but it’s the best shot at understanding the root cause and giving your pup the best care.
From my side of the table, I always appreciated when clients came in with a journal of symptoms—what time the seizure happened, how long it lasted, what their dog did before and after. That kind of info? Invaluable for narrowing things down.
Managing Seizures in Older Dogs at Home
Creating a Safe Environment
So, let’s say your senior dog just had their first seizure, and you’ve been to the vet, started some diagnostics or meds—what now? Well, step one is making your home as safe and stress-free as possible. During a seizure, dogs can thrash around or become disoriented, and that puts them at risk for injury.
- Keep furniture edges padded or covered if your dog seizes often.
- Block off staircases with baby gates.
- Make sure they’re never left unsupervised near pools or high decks.
- Set up a cozy, quiet area where they can rest and recover post-seizure.
In my experience, it helps to keep lights dim and voices soft while they come out of the episode. Some dogs may be confused or even temporarily blind right afterward—it’s incredibly important to stay calm. Your energy will ground them.
Tracking Episodes and Symptoms
One of the most helpful things a pet parent can do is keep a seizure log. And I mean write down everything—what time it happened, what your dog was doing beforehand, how long it lasted, what the recovery looked like. Patterns often emerge.
I once worked with a golden retriever named Bella. Her seizures seemed random at first, but after a few weeks of tracking, her owner noticed they always occurred after her evening walk—when she was more overheated. Turned out, heat was her trigger. That small realization changed everything.
What Causes Seizures in Older Dogs: When Medication Is Needed
Anti-Seizure Medications (AEDs)
If your vet recommends meds, don’t panic. Most anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) used in dogs today are well-researched and safe when monitored properly. Common options include:
- Phenobarbital – tried-and-true, affordable, but needs blood monitoring
- Potassium Bromide – can be used alone or with other meds
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) – newer, fewer side effects, often used in older dogs
- Zonisamide – another good choice for dogs with liver issues
I’ve seen lots of seniors live very normal lives while on seizure meds. The key is finding the right dose and doing routine bloodwork. Sometimes it’s trial and error in the beginning, but don’t lose hope—it’s worth it when you find that balance.
Holistic and Supportive Approaches
Alongside traditional meds, some owners explore more holistic tools to reduce seizure frequency. While I’m all about science, I’ve also seen how a mix of approaches can really help. A few options worth discussing with your vet:
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (brain support)
- CBD oil (use only under vet supervision—dosing matters!)
- Dietary changes—especially low-carb or prescription neuro-support diets
I’ve personally watched a senior husky respond really well to a therapeutic diet paired with Keppra. Her seizures dropped from three a week to one every few months. Every dog is different, but nutritional support can be a powerful piece of the puzzle.
How to Support a Seizure-Prone Senior Dog Emotionally
Patience, Love, and Routine
Living with a senior dog who has seizures is emotionally tough—I won’t sugarcoat it. You’ll have moments of panic, frustration, even guilt. But here’s the thing: dogs don’t dwell. They live in the now. And what they need most is you.
Keep routines consistent. Walks, mealtimes, play—routine creates security. Speak softly, pet gently, and never punish or raise your voice after a seizure (some dogs may seem aggressive or confused during recovery—it’s not their fault).
There’s a senior beagle I cared for whose owner used to sing to her after every episode. Nothing fancy, just a soft tune that calmed them both. It was their ritual. And honestly? It mattered. Those little moments build trust, even during the scariest times.
Lean on Your Vet and Community
Never feel like you’re in this alone. Your vet team is your best ally. Ask questions, get second opinions if needed, and don’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure what to do.” That’s what we’re here for.
There are also great communities online—pet parent forums, Facebook groups, and veterinary resources that can help you navigate the ups and downs. It makes a big difference knowing you’re not the only one dealing with this.
References
- https://vcahospitals.com/
- https://www.avma.org/
- https://www.petmd.com/
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience as a veterinary assistant and general veterinary knowledge. It’s meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog is having seizures or showing unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for a personalized treatment plan.
