Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog just had a first seizure. Should I be worried about more?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 4 years and 10 months old | 28 lbs

5 year old cocker bitch had a first seizure this morninglasting 2 mins. Taken to local vets, glucise levels normal. How likely is one seizure to develop and become a more serious condition?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2017

I'm sorry Bella had a seizure! It is difficult to tell if seizures will become more frequent without consulting a neurologist and likely getting an MRI. Some seizures can be caused by toxins or infection so that would likely be a one-time event, while in senior dogs we worry more about a brain tumor. Generally it is recommended to put dogs on seizure medications if they have more than 3 seizures in a 6 month period. I hope that helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This is a tough question because seizure disorders can vary widely from dog to dog. Since Bella's blood work was normal she likely has idiopathic epilepsy, which means she is having seizures but we don't know why. This is most common in dogs aged 1-5 years so it fits with Bella. With cases of idiopathic epilepsy the current recommendations are to not start antiseizure medication unless the dog is having 2 or more seizures a month and/or the seizures are increasingly long and violent. I would recommend you assess any changes that Bella has undergone recently that may have been related to the seizure (like a change in food, environment). It is also helpful to keep a seizure journal so you can keep track of how many and how often Bella has seizures. If the seizure start increasing in frequency or severity, then it would be time to start medication. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck with Bella!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored