For any dog owner, receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy for their beloved pet can feel overwhelming. Many questions immediately arise—one of the most pressing being: “Does epilepsy shorten my dog's life?” While epilepsy can certainly be a challenging condition to manage, understanding the true impact on your dog's lifespan is crucial to feel at ease and prepare yourself for the future. To put you at ease, the short answer is no, epilepsy in and of itself does not impact your dog’s lifespan. However, let’s dive into the science behind canine epilepsy, exploring what research says about life expectancy and the factors that truly influence the outcomes for dogs with this neurological condition.
What the Research Says About Lifespan of Epileptic Dogs
Multiple studies have shown that dogs with epilepsy have a statistically shorter lifespan compared to the general dog population. But, it’s important to understand what this statistic really means and what are the factors that go into this calculation.
In a study conducted by Mette Berendt et al., dogs diagnosed with epilepsy had a median lifespan of 7 years, which is shorter than the 10 years found in the general dog population (Proschowsky et al., 2003). This difference can sound alarming, but it’s not due to the disease itself. The research tells us that much of the shortened lifespan is influenced by euthanasia—a decision many owners make based on perceived quality of life for their dog and themselves.
The Role of Euthanasia in Shortening Lifespan of a Dog with Epilepsy
The decision to euthanise a dog is a deeply personal and often heartbreaking one, and epilepsy presents unique challenges that can lead owners to make this decision earlier than they might for other conditions. In the Berendt et al. study, euthanasia due to epilepsy-related reasons accounted for a significant proportion of the premature deaths in dogs with the condition. The study found that dogs euthanised due to their epilepsy had a median age at death of 4.5 years, compared to 12 years for dogs with epilepsy that died of other causes (their owners did not choose to put them down).
Why such a large difference? It’s largely due to how owners assess their dog's quality of life in relation to the frequency and severity of seizures, as well as the side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).
Seizure Frequency and Quality of Life Perceptions
Research shows that seizure frequency is a key factor that influences an owner's decision regarding their dog’s life expectancy. According to studies referenced in the article by Wessmann et al., seizure frequency has a profound impact on how owners perceive their dog’s quality of life. Dogs experiencing less than one seizure every six months were considered to have a relatively high quality of life. In contrast, dogs suffering from more than one seizure a week were perceived as having a much lower quality of life.
Frequent seizures often correlate with owners feeling less confident about their dog’s future health and well-being. This is a major driver behind the decision to euthanise, even though many dogs can live relatively normal lives with proper seizure management.
Treatment Challenges and Owner Wellbeing
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide, are commonly used to control seizures, but these medications can come with side effects that impact the dog's day-to-day life. These side effects, including increased lethargy, weight gain, and loss of coordination, often leave owners questioning their dog's overall happiness.
Many owners wrestle with the emotional burden of deciding whether the side effects of the medication outweigh the benefits of seizure control. For some, when both the seizures and the drug side effects become difficult to manage, euthanasia becomes a consideration, not because of the immediate physical danger posed by the epilepsy, but because the emotional toll of caregiving becomes overwhelming. This sentiment was echoed in the qualitative study by Pergande et al., where owners frequently described their fears and anxieties around their dog's seizures, often comparing them to a “ticking time bomb” of unpredictability. Many felt socially isolated, exhausted by the 24/7 vigilance required to monitor their pet.
Does Epilepsy Itself Shorten Lifespan?
Here’s the important part: epilepsy in itself does not necessarily shorten a dog's life. It is the management challenges—the frequency and severity of seizures, the side effects of medication, and the emotional toll on owners—that often influence lifespan outcomes.
Some dogs can live for many years with epilepsy, achieving seizure control through proper medication and lifestyle adjustments. In fact, a small percentage of dogs even experience remission, either spontaneous or drug-induced, with long periods of seizure freedom (Cockerell et al., 1994; Berendt et al., 2002).
However, the decision to euthanise is often based on the owner’s perception of the dog’s quality of life rather than the epilepsy itself being life-threatening. Owners who are able to work closely with their veterinary team, find appropriate seizure management strategies, and build a strong support network (both medical and emotional) may be more likely to extend their dog's lifespan.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Dog's Lifespan?
While seizures can be distressing, they don’t have to define the end of your dog’s life. Here are some ways to give your epileptic dog the best chance at a long, happy life:
Stay Positive
Maintaining a hopeful outlook is essential. Your mindset can influence how you manage your dog’s condition and navigate challenges along the way. A positive approach will help you cope better and see the progress in managing epilepsy.
Accept That Seizures Will Happen
While it’s difficult to watch, seizures are a part of living with epilepsy. Accepting this reality can reduce anxiety and help you better prepare for these episodes. By accepting that seizures will occur, you’ll be more empowered to take the necessary steps to manage them calmly.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing canine epilepsy. Learn about the condition, available treatments, and seizure patterns. By educating yourself, you can become a more confident advocate for your dog and make informed decisions about their care.
Find Support in Community
You are not alone. Many owners of epileptic dogs share similar experiences, and joining support groups, both online and locally, can provide emotional relief, practical advice, and camaraderie. Sharing stories with others who truly understand can help lighten the load.
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Speak Openly to Your Vet
Your veterinarian is your partner in managing your dog’s epilepsy. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or discuss any changes in your dog’s behaviour. Open communication will ensure that your dog receives the best possible care, tailored to their individual needs.
Maintain a Good Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and for epileptic dogs, consistency is especially important. Keeping a steady schedule for feeding, exercise, and medication can help reduce stress, which is known to trigger seizures in some cases.
Support Your Dog with a Holistic Lifestyle
A nutritious keto diet, regular physical activity, and mental stimulation are all crucial for your dog’s overall health. Consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or calming techniques if recommended by your vet. The goal is to support your dog’s wellbeing in every aspect.
Be as Kind to Yourself as You Are to Your Dog
Caring for an epileptic dog can be emotionally taxing. Remember to prioritise your own health and mental wellbeing. Take breaks, seek help when needed, and be kind to yourself. The more balanced and healthy you are, the better you’ll be able to care for your dog.
Conclusion: A Longer, Happier Life is Possible
Epilepsy is not a death sentence for your dog. The research shows that the true risk of premature death comes not from epilepsy itself, but from the quality of life concerns that both owners and dogs experience along the way. Understanding this can empower you to take a proactive role in managing your dog’s epilepsy, focusing on reducing seizures, improving quality of life, and finding the emotional support you need.
By being informed, seeking support, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can extend your dog’s life and ensure that their years are filled with love, care, and joy.
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References:
Wessmann, A., et al. "Quality‐of‐life aspects in idiopathic epilepsy in dogs." *Veterinary Record* 179.9 (2016): 229-229.
Wessmann, A., et al. "Evaluation of quality of life in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy." *Journal of veterinary internal medicine* 28.2 (2014): 510-514.
BERENDT, M., GREDAL, H., ERSBOLL, A. K. & ALVING, J. 2007. Premature death, risk factors, and life patterns in dogs with epilepsy. *J Vet Intern Med,* 21**,** 754-9.
Packer, R. M. A., H. A. Volk, and R. C. Fowkes. "Physiological reactivity to spontaneously occurring seizure activity in dogs with epilepsy and their carers." *Physiology & Behavior* 177 (2017): 27-33.
Pergande, Amy E., et al. "“We have a ticking time bomb”: a qualitative exploration of the impact of canine epilepsy on dog owners living in England." *BMC veterinary research* 16 (2020): 1-9.
Cockerell OC , Johnson AL , Sander JWAS, et al. Remission of epilepsy: results from the National General Practice Study of Epilepsy. Lancet 1994;346:140–144.
Berendt M, Gredal H, Gam Pedersen L, et al. A cross- sectional study of epilepsy in Danish Labrador Retrievers: Prevalence and selected risk factors. J Vet Int Med 2002;16: 262–268.
Proschowsky HF, Rugbjerg H, Ersbøll AK. Mortality of purebred and mixed-breed dogs in Denmark. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2003;58:63–74.
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