November is Epilepsy Awareness Month (#NEAM)
- apiperburgi
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
Living with Canine Epilepsy: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope
I’d like to take this opportunity to share some insight into living with canine epilepsy—a subject very near and dear to my heart. The two dogs pictured above were my beloved “Epi-warriors,” Lana and Darren. They weren’t just pets; they were family.
Both were still young when epilepsy entered our lives. Darren was only two, Lana four. Within the span of just two days, they each suffered their first seizures. The diagnosis—Idiopathic Epilepsy, meaning seizures with no identifiable cause—changed all our lives forever.
I did everything I could to give them the care, dignity, and joy they deserved. But in the end, Darren suffered a massive stroke, and Lana lost her battle with bladder cancer. They passed away within four days of each other. Losing them so close together was devastating beyond words. To work through my grief and to raise awareness, I wrote Living with Canine Epilepsy, a book about their journey and the lessons they taught me. My hope has always been that others will see that dogs with epilepsy can still live happy, meaningful lives.
So today, I share this story in honor of all the Epi-warriors out there. May they stay seizure-free for as long as possible. 💜
Epilepsy: Not Just a Human Condition
When most people hear the word epilepsy, they think of humans. After all, more than 65 million people worldwide live with the condition. But did you know dogs can be affected too?
In fact, up to six percent of the canine population suffers from some form of epilepsy. It’s the most common canine neurological disorder, though it often goes undiagnosed. That’s because seizures tend to strike when dogs are resting or asleep—in the middle of the night or early in the morning—when their owners may not witness them.
That’s why raising awareness is so important. Each November, during Epilepsy Awareness Month, I wear purple not just for humans with epilepsy, but also for the countless dogs who quietly fight this battle every day.
What Is Canine Epilepsy?
Epilepsy manifests in frightening, often traumatic ways. A seizure can cause sudden, uncontrolled convulsions, rigid muscles, or vacant staring spells. The ancient physician Hippocrates once called epilepsy the “sacred disease.” But as any dog parent who has witnessed it will tell you—there is nothing sacred about watching your beloved companion suffer.
Veterinarians generally divide canine epilepsy into two main types:
Genetic Epilepsy: Passed down through bloodlines. Certain breeds are more predisposed than others.
Idiopathic Epilepsy: The form my Lana and Darren had. Its causes remain unknown, and its triggers unpredictable.
While epilepsy is incurable, it is manageable. With medication, routine, and dedicated care, dogs can still enjoy a rich, joyful life.
A Day in the Life with Epi-Warriors
Caring for two dogs with epilepsy reshaped every part of my daily life. Our days revolved around medication, structure, and vigilance.
On the good days,
life had a comforting rhythm:
Wake-up call courtesy of two cold, wet noses at 6:00 a.m.
Breakfast and first round of medication by 7:00.
A walk or jog outside (or a treadmill workout on rainy days) by mid-morning.
Errands, playtime, and quiet companionship throughout the afternoon.
Dinner and evening meds by 7:00 p.m.
Snuggles and bedtime soon after.
Eventually, Darren had to switch from Phenobarbital to Keppra due to liver complications. That meant dosing three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our schedule became stricter, but routine gave us stability.
On the hard days,
seizures tore through that stability like a storm. Most often, they struck between midnight and 5:00 a.m. I’d leap from bed to find one or both dogs convulsing. My first task was always to keep them safe—wiping away saliva, cleaning them gently, slipping Valium in a pill pocket to help prevent cluster seizures, and offering food and water once the storm passed.
Then came cleanup: replacing soiled bedding, scrubbing carpets, giving sponge baths to restore dignity. Sometimes I sat on the floor beside them until their breathing slowed and sleep returned. And sometimes, the seizures returned before we could even catch our breath, sending us spiraling into another exhausting cycle that might end in an emergency trip to the vet.
It was relentless. It was exhausting. And yet, I would do it all again for the love they gave in return.
How to Help Your Pup Through a Seizure
For anyone caring for an Epi-warrior, here are some practices I learned over four years with Lana and Darren:
1. Keep Them Safe
If you sense a seizure coming—restlessness, pacing, whining—guide your dog to a safe space away from stairs, sharp edges, or breakable objects. If they’re on furniture, gently move them to the floor if it’s safe to do so. During the seizure itself, do not try to move them; instead, pad the area with towels or cushions to prevent injury.
2. Reduce Stimuli
Seizures overwhelm the brain with abnormal electrical activity. Extra stimuli—bright light, loud noise, or excessive touching—can prolong the episode. Turn off the TV, dim the lights, remove other pets, and remain calm. And remember: dogs cannot swallow their tongues. Do not put your hands in their mouths, as you risk injury.
3. Time It
Though it feels endless, most seizures last only a few minutes. Time them with a watch or phone, and if possible, record the episode for your vet.
4. Know When It’s an Emergency
Call your veterinarian immediately if:
It’s your dog’s first seizure.
The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
Your dog has more than three seizures in 24 hours.
5. Keep a Journal
Track every episode: duration, symptoms, loss of bladder/bowel control, behavior before and after. Patterns may help your veterinarian fine-tune treatment and identify triggers.
A Final Word of Hope
During Epilepsy Awareness Month—and every month—I want dog parents to remember this:
A diagnosis of canine epilepsy is not the end of the world. It is not a death sentence. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, there will be sleepless nights, vet bills, and heartbreak. But it can be managed. And in between the challenges, there will still be tail wags, muddy paw prints, snuggles, and unconditional love.
Living with canine epilepsy taught me patience, resilience, and above all, the power of love. Lana and Darren may no longer be here physically, but their legacy endures in every story I share and in every Epi-warrior still out there fighting.
Take a deep breath. Take it one day at a time. And hold onto the joy your dog brings—even in the shadow of epilepsy.
Want to learn more about Living with Canine Epilepsy? Click here
Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.