Seizures in Older Dogs: What Jupiter Pet Owners Need to Know

You’re enjoying a quiet evening on the porch in Abacoa, listening to the crickets, when your senior dog suddenly collapses. Their legs paddle, their jaw clamps shut, and they don't respond to your voice. It’s a terrifying moment that leaves many Florida pet owners feeling helpless. While we often associate epilepsy with younger dogs, seeing a seizure start in a dog over the age of six usually points to a different, often more complex problem.

Seizures in older dogs aren't just a result of "old age." They are a symptom of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often triggered by an underlying health issue. In our experience, getting to the bottom of this quickly is the best way to protect your dog’s quality of life. Whether it’s a one-time event or a recurring issue, knowing what to look for—and when to call the vet—makes all the difference.

If you're facing a difficult diagnosis and need guidance on end-of-life options, including pet euthanasia, we are here to help you understand the compassionate choices available to you.

What Do Seizures Look Like in Senior Dogs?

A seizure in a dog looks like an uncontrolled surge of electrical activity that causes physical convulsions, but it doesn't always result in violent shaking. While a "grand mal" seizure involves the whole body stiffening and paddling, "focal" seizures might just look like fly-biting (snapping at the air) or a facial twitch.

In Florida’s heat, owners sometimes confuse heat exhaustion with a seizure. If your dog collapses after a walk along the Riverwalk, check their gums. If they are seizing, they will likely be unconscious or unresponsive. If they are awake but weak, it might be the heat. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Pre-seizure (Aura): Your dog may hide, whine, or act clingy minutes before the event.
• The Seizure (Ictus): Paddling legs, salivating, urinating, or stiffening muscles. This typically lasts 30 to 90 seconds.
• Post-seizure (Post-Ictal): Your dog may pace, act blind, or seem confused for hours afterward.

What Causes Seizures in Older Dogs?

If a dog starts having seizures after age six, it's rarely primary epilepsy. In older dogs, seizures are usually caused by an intracranial issue (inside the brain), like a tumor, or an extracranial issue (outside the brain), like liver or kidney failure.

When we examine senior dogs in Jupiter, we also look for environmental triggers specific to our area. High-toxicity plants like Sago Palms, which are common in Florida landscaping, can cause seizures if chewed. Additionally, metabolic conditions such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by insulinoma tumors are a frequent culprit in seniors.

Common causes include:

• Brain Tumors: Sadly, meningiomas and gliomas are common in breeds like Golden Retrievers and Boxers.
• Organ Failure: If the liver or kidneys can't filter toxins, those toxins build up and affect the brain.
• Strokes: While less common than tumors, vascular accidents can cause sudden seizures.

If a diagnosis reveals a terminal condition, many families begin researching in home euthanasia Jupiter to ensure their pet passes peacefully in familiar surroundings rather than a clinic.

How Does the Vet Diagnose the Cause?

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and blood work to rule out metabolic issues, typically costing between $150 and $300. If the blood work is normal, we look at the brain itself. Since older dogs are prone to tumors, an MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis.

However, advanced imaging is expensive. In Florida, a veterinary MRI scan typically costs between $2,500 and $4,500, depending on whether anesthesia and spinal fluid taps are included.

We typically follow this path:

1. History: We need to know if the dog got into trash, medications, or toxic plants.
2. Neurological Exam: We check reflexes to see if the issue is in the brain or spine.
3. Blood & Urine Tests: These rule out diabetes, liver issues, and kidney disease.
4. Advanced Imaging: If finances allow, an MRI or CT scan gives us a picture of the brain tissue.

We always encourage owners to video the seizure if possible. Seeing exactly how the dog moves helps us differentiate between a seizure, a fainting spell (syncope), or a vestibular episode.

Can Seizures Be Treated?

Yes, we can manage seizures in many older dogs using anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). The goal isn't always to stop every single seizure but to reduce their frequency and severity so your dog can live a happy life.

Phenobarbital and Levetiracetam (Keppra) are the most common medications. Phenobarbital is effective but requires regular blood testing to monitor liver levels. Keppra is safer for the liver, but must be given strictly every 8 hours. Medication costs vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per month, depending on your dog's size.

We also discuss quality of life. If a dog has a brain tumor, steroids like Prednisone can reduce swelling and buy quality time—sometimes months. When treatment is no longer effective, we can also assist with aftercare arrangements, such as pet cremation, to handle your pet’s remains with dignity.

When Is a Seizure an Emergency?

A single seizure that lasts less than two minutes is usually not an emergency, though you should call your vet the next day. However, immediate emergency care is required if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if they happen in a cluster.

Seek emergency help if:

• Status Epilepticus: The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. This can raise body temperature dangerously high, leading to brain damage.
• Cluster Seizures: Your dog has three or more seizures within 24 hours.
• Heat Stroke: If the seizure occurs after exercise in the Florida sun.

Managing Life with an Epileptic Dog

Living with a dog that has seizures requires a few changes to your home routine. Safety is the priority. If you live in a two-story home, use baby gates to block stairs so your dog doesn't fall during an episode.

Keep a "seizure log" on your fridge or phone. Record the date, time, duration, and what the dog was doing before it happened. This data helps us adjust medication dosages. Also, keep your home cool. Florida heat lowers the seizure threshold in some dogs, so keep those ACs running and limit walks to early mornings or late evenings.

For some families, despite medication, the seizures become unmanageable, or the underlying disease progresses too far. In these heartbreaking moments, choosing in home euthanasia Jupiter services allows your companion to rest without the stress of a final car ride.

Making Tough Decisions for Your Senior Dog

Seeing your older dog go through this is emotionally draining. We know how much you love them. If you're managing a chronic condition, regular check-ups (every 3-6 months) are vital to ensure your liver handles the medication well.

Eventually, there may come a point where the bad days outnumber the good. If your dog is confused, in pain, or having violent seizures despite medication, it may be time to discuss in home euthanasia Jupiter availability. We are here to support you through that conversation with honesty and compassion.

Need Help with Your Senior Dog?

You don't have to navigate your dog's senior years alone. Whether you need diagnostic advice or compassionate end-of-life care, we are here for you.

Contact Rover Veterinary Care at (775) 800-6463 to discuss your needs.