Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, but its impact goes beyond seizures. Many affected dogs exhibit changes in behavior between seizure episodes, including increased anxiety, decreased trainability, or heightened attachment to their owners. These changes often affect both the animal’s quality of life and the bond with their families.
In their study of 70 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, Belén et al. (2025) collected behavioral data from owners before and after seizure onset. The researchers identified new or worsened behaviors post-diagnosis, such as separation-related distress, eating habit changes, and dementia-like symptoms. Importantly, the study revealed two distinct behavioral profiles: one marked by cognitive decline (learning difficulties, dementia-like signs) and another dominated by emotional issues (fear, aggression, and attachment behaviors).
These profiles were not only linked to differences in daily functioning but also to how well dogs responded to treatment. Recognizing such differences could help veterinarians tailor epilepsy management plans to each individual dog, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes and enhancing quality of life for both dogs and their owners.
Source: Belén, R., Jorge, P., Carolina, M., & Sylvia, G.-B. (2025). Neurobehavioral Comorbidities in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: New Insights into Cognitive and Emotional Domains. Animals, 15. Publication Date: May 29, 2025.
