Can Dogs Sense Seizures Before They Happen?

Can Dogs Sense Seizures?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that dogs can sense seizures before they happen. However, there are many anecdotal reports of dogs behaving strangely or exhibiting unusual signs in the hours or days leading up to a seizure. These signs may include:

• Increased anxiety or restlessness
• Disorientation or confusion
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive vocalization
• Licking or chewing at their paws

It is important to note that these signs are not always indicative of a seizure, and they may also be caused by other medical conditions. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

The Science Behind Dogs Sensing Seizures

• Dogs’ noses have up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to only 6 million in humans. This gives them an extremely heightened sense of smell that allows them to potentially detect subtle biological changes that occur prior to a seizure.
• Studies have found that some epileptic patients emit a particular scent from their bodies about 30 minutes to 2 hours before having a seizure. It’s hypothesized that dogs can detect these odor changes.
• Dogs may also be responding to visual cues that humans can’t perceive, such as subtle muscle movements or dilated pupils prior to a seizure.
• While the ability to smell biochemical changes seems plausible, scientists caution that more research is needed to definitively prove that dogs can reliably warn of impending seizures.

Signs Your Dog May Sense an Oncoming Seizure

• Whining, barking, pacing, or anxiety before a seizure
• Clinging to the person who typically has seizures
• Nudging, pawing at, or staring intently at the person
• Becoming alert and focused on the person
• Displaying signs of fear or agitation
• Acting protective and trying to alert others nearby

What to Do if Your Dog Senses a Seizure

• Remain calm and gently move your dog away to prevent injury. Never restrain them or grab their collar.
• Time the seizure and let it run its course. Do not put anything in the person’s mouth.
• Cushion their head and turn them on their side to aid breathing.
• Speak to your dog in a soothing tone if they appear upset.
• When the seizure ends, stay with the person until full consciousness returns.
• Give your dog lots of praise for their help alerting you.

Can Dogs Be Trained as Seizure Alert Animals?

• While some dogs seem to innately detect oncoming seizures, they can also be trained.
• Look for dogs that demonstrate sharp attention, sensitivity to social cues, loyal bonding, and low reactivity.
• Use positive reinforcement to reward attention to seizure triggers like smells or odd behaviors.
• Dogs can learn to paw, nip, or bark to alert someone to an impending seizure.
• Not all dogs are suited to the intense focus needed to be seizure alert animals. An evaluation by a veterinary behaviorist can determine if your dog is a good candidate.

While more research is still needed, many epilepsy patients and families firmly believe their dogs have saved their lives by alerting to oncoming seizures. Pay close attention to your dog’s behaviors around the time of a seizure – they may be trying to warn you. With training, they may even become official service dogs, giving those with epilepsy greater confidence and independence.

Related Questions

What causes seizures in dogs?

Seizures in dogs can be caused by epilepsy, metabolic disorders, infections, exposure to toxins, tumors, trauma, and other issues. A veterinarian can run tests to determine the underlying cause.

How can you tell if your dog is having a seizure?

Signs of a seizure in dogs include collapsing, muscle rigidity, jerking movements, drooling, chomping, loss of consciousness, and temporary blindness. Seizures typically last 1-3 minutes.

Is there medication for dog seizures?

Yes, vets often prescribe anti-seizure medication like phenobarbital or potassium bromide to prevent recurrent seizures in epileptic dogs. These meds require regular blood monitoring.

What should you not do if your dog has a seizure?

Don’t restrain your dog, put anything in their mouth, or give any medication during a seizure episode. Just clear the area, cushion their head, and stay nearby until it passes.

When are dog seizures an emergency?

Seek immediate vet care if seizures last more than 5 minutes, occur in clusters, or your dog has difficulty breathing afterwards. These signal a life-threatening emergency.