How Common Are French Bulldog Seizures?

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Griselda M.

Dogs can suffer from health problems just like humans, which is why some Frenchie owners wonder how common are French Bulldog seizures. These pups, just like all other dog breeds, can suffer from conditions that cause seizures (such as epilepsy), which is why it’s crucial to inform yourself in case your dog is suffering from these. In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at how common seizures are with French Bulldogs, what causes them, and what to do in case they happen.

Seizures Are Often A Symptom

A seizure is a temporary, involuntary disturbance of brain function, often causing uncontrollable muscle movement – the same definition applies to both dogs and humans. Most often, seizures result in fits and a dog shaking on the ground uncontrollably.

We need to know that there’s a difference between epilepsy and a single seizure, as epilepsy is a repeated episode of seizures, often with the same problem causing them. Out of all possible neurological health conditions in dogs – seizures are the most common problem.

A seizure is most often just a symptom of an illness – a way that the problem manifests. In dogs, the most common cause for seizures is idiopathic epilepsy, but it’s also possible for seizures to happen because of brain tumors, liver diseases, and brain trauma. Even toxins, for example getting bitten by a snake, can be a cause for a seizure.

A seizure doesn’t only have to manifest through uncontrollable convulsing on the floor. The dog could also be running in circles, it could fall on the floor and seemingly lose consciousness, or start uncontrollably urinating and defecating.

Helping Your Dog During A Seizure

The most important thing is to recognize that the seizure is even happening. If your dog starts convulsing on the floor, sit next to it. In the largest number of cases, your dog won’t feel any pain – remember that there’s usually no injury at play here, just the nerves not working properly.

They’re usually aware that something is happening and your dog will feel panic and fear, but you don’t have to worry about pain. Just like with humans, there’s nothing you can do to stop the seizure, so what you should do is try to comfort your dog.

Your first instinct might be to pet your dog, but remember that it might reflexively bite you out of fear. Only pet your dog on spots it can’t reach with its mouth to comfort them. Additionally, don’t put your hands in your dog’s mouth – it won’t choke on its tongue, and the only thing you’ll get from it is a nasty bite.

Try to move your dog to a more comfortable location, a pillow for example, and try to cool it down as seizures usually get their temperature up. Speak comfortingly to it and let your dog know that you’re there.

As soon as the seizure is over, though, take your dog to the vet. Seizures are nothing to joke about and they’re usually an indicator of something serious.

Read more about Why Is My French Bulldog Shaking?

Treating Dog Seizures

There’s not much you can personally do about your dog having fits, but your vet certainly can. Different causes of seizures are treated differently, so you should take your dog to the vet and have them examine your pup.

There isn’t an absolutely working treatment for all seizures, but some causes for seizures can be treated and the seizures can be stopped. For example, if the seizures are happening as a result of a snake bite, the vet can treat the venom that’s in your dog’s bloodstream. If it’s caused by a tumor, the vet might be able to treat the tumor.

There are, however, many causes for seizures that can’t be treated, which is why there’s no definitive answer to the question of seizures.

The vet will want to treat the seizures if your dog suffers more than one fit a month, or if they happen in a cluster – one after the other. The best way to go about this is to use medication, but this medication won’t solve the root problem – it will only stop or at least minimize the seizures.

Once your dog starts taking these meds, it’ll need to keep taking them for the rest of its life. If they stop, they’re actually risking the development of more intense seizures. You shouldn’t stop giving the meds to your dog if your veterinarian hasn’t told you to do so,

In Conclusion

Seizures are known to happen to dogs and they’re most likely just a symptom of an illness. They can be treated, though, usually through medication that prevents seizures. French Bulldogs aren’t any more susceptible to seizures than other breeds of dog, and if your dog has a seizure – stay calm, wait for it to pass, and visit the vet as soon as possible.

Read more about The Challenge Of French Bulldog Breathing Issues

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