My senior dog had a seizure. Is it normal for her age or serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 16 years and 7 months old | 13 lbs
Hello, my dog had a seizure last night, she wouldn't stop shaking and when she did she kept crying and breathing hard. She also couldn't walk. She is fine now. She is about to turn 17 in November. Can this be due to old age or could she be sick?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 28th, 2017
I would be concerning that Hershey is sick. When I hear of an old dog having a seizure, unfortunately my first thought is that it may be related to cancer, such as a brain tumor. She could also be suffering from diabetes or liver failure causing the seizure. Seizures are not normal in dogs, even when they are old (old age is not a disease). She should see a vet first thing in the morning for physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis. If your dog seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near her mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor Hershey at all times during the seizure to ensure that she cannot hurt herself by crashing into furniture, etc - If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 18th, 2018
From your description of Dudley's symptoms, it sounds like seizures to me as well and dogs aren't necessarily always groggy afterwards. In a senior dog, I would be concerned it's a sign of something serious such as a tumor (brain or insulinoma for example), and I do recommend a visit to the vet for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis to start. Should he have another one of those episodes before you get a chance to take him into the vet, video it and I can give you some tips to handle it. If Dudley seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near his mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor him at all times during the seizure to ensure that he cannot hurt himself by crashing into furniture, etc - If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately I would make an appointment for him in the next couple of days. Good luck, I hope this help!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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