Dachshund Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

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When your dachshund has a seizure it’s a gut wrenching moment and you feel helpless. Watching your beloved companion go through something so distressing and not being able to make it stop is a situation no pet owner should have to go through. If you’re dealing with dachshund seizures know you’re not alone. Many dachshund owners have been in your shoes feeling the same fear and confusion when these seizures hit.

Dachshund seizures can be particularly scary especially since dachshunds are known for being playful and loving and they get them. As someone who loves their dog dearly it’s important to know what causes these seizures and how to manage them. This guide is here to give you the support, information and hope you need as you navigate life with a dachshund that has seizures. We’ll go through the causes, symptoms and steps you can take to help your dog live a happy and healthy life despite these episodes.

Do Dachshunds Get Seizures?

Yes dachshunds do get seizures. Seizures in dogs can be caused by many things and dachshunds are more likely to get them. Dachshunds are prone to seizures because of their genetic makeup. They are susceptible to certain inherited diseases such as epilepsy and Lafora disease which we’ll get into later.

Seizures can be scary to watch but knowing the underlying cause can help you act fast and give your dachshund the right care.

What Causes Dachshund Seizures?

The causes of wiener dog seizures can vary but some common triggers are:

Epilepsy: One of the most common causes of dog seizures, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause recurrent seizures in dachshunds. There are two types of epilepsy: idiopathic epilepsy where the cause is unknown and symptomatic epilepsy where there is a known cause such as a brain tumor or infection.
Lafora Disease: A form of myoclonic epilepsy, Lafora disease is an inherited disorder that affects dachshunds especially miniature long-haired dachshunds. This disease causes abnormal sugar deposits in the brain leading to seizures. Unfortunately it’s a progressive condition with no cure but early detection can help manage symptoms.
Head Trauma: Any injury to the head can cause seizures in dogs. Dachshunds are active and sometimes fearless so they may get into situations where they can hurt themselves and get head injuries that can trigger seizures.
Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins such as pesticides, household cleaning products or even certain human foods like chocolate can cause dog seizures. Keep harmful substances out of reach from your dachshund.
Infections: Some infections especially those that affect the brain such as canine distemper or meningitis can cause seizures in dogs.
Metabolic Issues: Hypoglycemia, kidney disease or liver disease can cause seizures. These conditions disrupt the body’s normal function and cause abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Genetics: Certain breeds, including dachshunds, are more prone to inheriting conditions that can cause seizures. Lafora disease is one of those conditions that is more common in dachshunds than other breeds.

Seizure Symptoms in Dachshunds

Seizures in dachshunds can look different depending on the severity and underlying cause. Knowing what to look for will help you know when your dog is having a seizure and what to do.

Dachshund Seizure Signs

Twitching or Jerking: This is the most obvious sign of a seizure. Your dog will suddenly start twitching or shaking.
Stiffening: During a seizure, dachshunds will stiffen and their body will be rigid for a few seconds to a few minutes.
Loss of Consciousness: Some seizures will cause a dog to lose consciousness. Your dachshund will collapse and be unresponsive for a short time.
Foaming at the Mouth: While it might be scary, foaming at the mouth is a common seizure symptom in dachshunds.
Drooling: Excessive drooling is another sign that your dog is having a seizure.
Uncontrolled Urination or Defecation: Dogs will lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure.
Pacing or Disorientation: After a seizure, your dachshund will be confused or disoriented. Some dogs will pace or be dazed.

Types of Seizures in Dachshunds

Generalized Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and cause the dog to lose consciousness. The body will stiffen and then convulse.
Focal Seizures: These are localized to one area of the brain and can cause twitching in a specific part of the body, such as the face or a limb. Focal seizures can progress to generalized seizures.
Cluster Seizures: If a dachshund has multiple seizures in a short period (within 24 hours), they are called cluster seizures. These are serious and need immediate vet attention.
Status Epilepticus: This is a life threatening condition where a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures occur without the dog regaining consciousness between them. Status epilepticus is an emergency and your dachshund will need urgent care.

Seizure Treatment for Dachshunds

Treating seizures in wiener dogs is a combination of vet care, medication and at-home management. If your dachshund has a seizure, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Dog Safe

During a seizure, make sure your dachshund is in a safe area where they can’t hurt themselves. Move any furniture or objects that could harm them and if possible, cushion their head. Don’t put your hands near their mouth as they can bite during a seizure.

2. Duration of the Dachshund Seizures

If your dog is seizing, try to time how long it goes on. Seizures over 5 minutes require immediate vet attention as they can cause permanent brain damage.

3. Vet Visit

After the seizure, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will do a full exam and may recommend some diagnostic tests like blood work or imaging to figure out what caused the seizure. If epilepsy is diagnosed, your vet will develop a long term plan.

4. Medications for Seizures in Dachshunds

If your dachshund is diagnosed with epilepsy or another condition causing recurring seizures, your vet may prescribe medication to help control the seizures. Commonly prescribed medications are:

Phenobarbital: This is one of the most common anticonvulsant drugs used to manage seizures in dogs. It reduces the frequency and severity of seizures.
Potassium Bromide: Often used in combination with phenobarbital, potassium bromide helps control seizures and is less likely to cause liver damage than other meds.
Zonisamide and Levetiracetam: These are newer anticonvulsant meds that may be prescribed if phenobarbital or potassium bromide don’t work.

5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Dachshund Seizures

In addition to medication, some dachshunds benefit from dietary changes. A ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) has been shown to help with seizures in some dogs with epilepsy. Consult your vet before making any big changes.

6. Monitoring and Adjusting

You’ll need to work closely with your vet to monitor your dachshund. Regular check ups and blood work will ensure the medication is working and not causing any side effects. Seizure frequency should be recorded so your vet can adjust your dachshund’s plan.

Is Lafora Disease Treatable?

As mentioned above, Lafora disease is a progressive form of epilepsy that is common in dachshunds. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Lafora disease but there are treatments to manage the symptoms and improve your dog’s life. Anti-seizure meds (like those used for epilepsy) can be prescribed to reduce seizure frequency. Early diagnosis is key to managing the disease so if you see signs of seizures in your dachshund get to the vet ASAP.

Do All Dachshunds Have Seizures?

Not all dachshunds will seize but they are more likely to than some other breeds due to their genetic predisposition to epilepsy and Lafora disease. Dachshunds with a family history of seizures are at higher risk. Regular vet check ups and early intervention can help minimize the damage.

Dealing With Dachshund Seizures: Wrapping Up

Seizures in dachshunds can be alarming, but with proper care and treatment, your dog can lead a happy, healthy life. Whether the seizures are caused by epilepsy, Lafora disease, or another underlying condition, working closely with your vet will help you manage your dachshund’s condition. Stay observant, keep a detailed record of your dog’s seizures, and always seek veterinary advice when needed.

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