PDSA offers some advice on caring for pets with epilepsy

Many of the illnesses pets suffer from are the same as humans. Epilepsy is one example and, although there is no cure, it can be controlled and managed.

“It can be very distressing to see your beloved pet have a seizure,” says PDSA vet Olivia AndersonNathan. “They occur when large groups of nerve cells in the brain suddenly fire at the same time.

“In younger pets, seizures are often due to ‘idiopathic’, or primary, epilepsy. The exact cause of this is unknown, but it is often manageable with medication. Other causes can include tumours, trauma or inflammation in the brain.

Idiopathic epilepsy is hereditary, but is more common in certain dog breeds such as Border Terriers, Poodles, German Shepherds, Collies, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Pets usually have their first seizure between six months and six years of age.”

Sometimes, a pet will behave in an unusual way before the seizure. Signs include restlessness, whining, shaking or hiding.

This is known as an ‘aura’. In a full seizure, the pet usually will fall on their side, and lose awareness of their surroundings.

They may kick or paddle their limbs, and lose control of their bladder and bowels.

Olivia’s tips on what to do if your pet has a seizure:

Switch off the TV, radio and any bright lights to create a calmer environment

Move hazards such as furniture to prevent them hurting themselves

Do not try to move or touch your pet until they are recovered. But do move them onto the floor if they are at risk of falling

Time how long the fit lasts, or film it on a phone to show your vet

Be careful, as fitting pets can hurt themselves or you as they are not aware of what they are doing

If a fit lasts longer than two minutes, or your pet has more than one seizure in 24 hours, contact your vet immediately

“Once the seizure is over, pets often feel disorientated and may be unsteady on their feet,” says Olivia. “Stay close to them at this time as your presence will be a comfort while they regain consciousness.”

Pets which have never had a seizure before should see a vet.

“Make a note of when the seizure occurred, the signs your pet showed whilst it was happening and how long it lasted to give to your vet,” says Olivia.

“They will assess your pet and, if they suspect epilepsy, an run tests to rule out the possible causes.

“If idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed, your vet can discuss treatment based on how often and how severe your pet’s seizures are.

“Although there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy, it’s often possible to reduce the number of seizures a pet is having so they can enjoy a good quality of life.”