Can Dehydration Cause Seizures in Dogs? What Every Owner Needs to Know

As a veterinarian and dog lover, I know how frightening it can be to witness your beloved pup having a seizure. The feelings of helplessness and panic are overwhelming. Many owners have asked me if dehydration, something seemingly benign, could be to blame. While seizures are complex and have numerous potential causes, the role of hydration is worth exploring. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge to keep your dog healthy and reduce their seizure risk.

How Common are Dehydration and Seizures in Dogs?

Dehydration is a relatively frequent finding in veterinary patients, with one retrospective study of canine emergency room visits documenting a prevalence of 5.2%.¹ The risk is higher in very young or old animals, those with chronic health conditions, and during the hot summer months. Most cases are mild and easily treated with fluid therapy.

Seizures are also surprisingly common, reported in up to 5% of the general dog population according to some estimates.² For reference, that‘s nearly 1 in 20 dogs. While any seizure incident is scary, it doesn‘t always indicate a serious or progressive problem. In fact, 60-75% of dogs that experience seizures without an obvious trigger are eventually diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, meaning no underlying disease process is found.²

So while dehydration and seizures are independently prevalent issues that require veterinary evaluation, rest assured that most dogs will not experience the two together. Let‘s explore why.

The Danger of Dehydration

Every cell in your dog‘s body relies on adequate water to function properly. Hydration is essential for:

• Maintaining optimal blood volume and pressure
• Regulating body temperature
• Lubricating joints and tissues
• Promoting digestion
• Flushing toxins through the kidneys
• Transporting nutrients and oxygen

When fluid losses exceed intake, dehydration results. The severity depends on the percent of body weight lost – milder cases reflect a 4-5% loss, while losses greater than 12-15% can be life-threatening without aggressive treatment.³ Prolonged dehydration strains the kidneys, decreases blood flow to vital organs, and disrupts the delicate balance of electrolytes and glucose that normally keeps the brain and other tissues functioning.

To put it in perspective, let‘s look at the daily water needs of a sampling of dog breeds:⁴

Of course, these are just rough estimates and individual needs vary. The important thing is making sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water and drinks regularly throughout the day.

Dehydration and Seizure Risk

Now that we understand how vital hydration is, let‘s examine the connection with seizures. The vast majority of dogs with mild to moderate dehydration are not at risk of seizure activity. Significant electrolyte disturbances are unlikely until the degree of dehydration becomes severe.

One retrospective study of dogs presenting to an emergency clinic for seizures found that only 2.9% were attributable to an electrolyte disorder.⁵ Even then, most imbalances were linked to an underlying disease like kidney failure rather than simple water loss. Additional studies estimate total body water loss of at least 20% is necessary to trigger seizures from electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities alone.⁶

With such extremes rarely encountered in the typical home environment, dehydration is an unlikely sole cause of seizures for the average family dog. That said, there are two scenarios where the risk exists:

Heat Stroke

Imagine an 80-pound Labrador Retriever that escapes the yard fence and goes missing on a 90-degree summer day. By the time he‘s found panting and collapsed on a neighbor‘s porch hours later, he‘s lost over a liter of water through heavy respiration as his body struggled to cool down. That represents an estimated 9-10% loss relative to his total water content.⁷

Without immediate treatment, escalating heat stroke and dehydration can cause dangerous electrolyte shifts, direct neurological damage, organ failure, and blood clotting abnormalities that manifest as seizures.⁸ Dogs experiencing these symptoms need emergency care including IV fluids, cooling measures, and close monitoring to correct their metabolic derangements and prevent permanent injury.

Underlying Disease

Diseases affecting the kidneys or endocrine system can disrupt a dog‘s ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes well before you notice any changes in their water intake. For example, Addison‘s disease is an endocrine disorder that leads to sodium depletion and potassium accumulation, often presenting as lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.⁹

Similarly, acute kidney injury from toxins, infections, or decreased blood flow causes an inability to excrete excess potassium and other metabolic waste products that contribute to neurological symptoms.¹⁰ In these cases, dehydration is a byproduct of their underlying disease rather than the primary issue.

The takeaway? Dehydration can lower a dog‘s seizure threshold, but it‘s rarely the sole trigger outside of extreme circumstances. Maintaining hydration is still crucial for overall health and mitigating additional complications in dogs with preexisting conditions that predispose them to seizures. So what should you do if the unthinkable happens?

Responding to a Seizing Dog

Witnessing your dog seize is terrifying, but staying calm is key. Move any nearby objects that could cause injury and make note of when the seizure started. If possible, record a video to share with your vet. Contrary to popular belief, you should never put your hands or any objects in a seizing dog‘s mouth – they will not choke on their tongue and you risk being badly bitten.¹¹

Most seizures last 1-2 minutes, after which your dog will be disoriented and exhausted. Let them recover in a quiet, comfortable space and contact your vet for guidance. While a single short seizure isn‘t a medical emergency, any of the following warrant an immediate trip to the nearest clinic:¹²

• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
• Multiple seizures within a 24-hour period
• Physical injury during the seizure
• Persistent disorientation or aggression
• Known exposure to toxins or extreme heat
• Difficulty breathing or other signs of distress

Your vet will perform a thorough exam and diagnostic workup to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan. If your dog experienced severe dehydration or heat stroke, expect 24-48 hours of hospitalization for IV fluids, electrolyte monitoring, and supportive care. Prognosis is generally good with prompt intervention, but varies depending on the underlying trigger and duration of their symptoms prior to treatment.¹³

Preventing Dehydration in Your Dog

As a dog lover myself, I know you‘d do anything to protect your pup. While some seizure disorders can‘t be avoided, preventing dehydration is a key aspect of responsible dog ownership. Commit to:

1. Providing clean, fresh water at all times. Rinse and refill your dog‘s bowl daily.

2. Monitoring your dog‘s water intake. Track how frequently they drink and how much water you‘re adding to the bowl. Refer to the breed chart above for minimum goals.

3. Encouraging your dog to drink. Add warm water or low-sodium broth to dry food. Offer ice cubes as treats. Praise your dog when you see them drinking.

4. Accommodating special needs. Senior dogs, those with mobility issues, and dogs on diuretic medications for heart disease or high blood pressure may need additional water bowls in convenient locations.

5. Planning for temperature extremes. Limit your dog‘s exercise and provide extra water on hot days. Consider a pet water bottle or collapsible bowl for long walks and car rides.

6. Adjusting for activity level. Dogs that hike, hunt, or participate in sports will need more water to replenish losses from panting and exertion.

7. Being proactive about health issues. Any vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased eating warrants a vet visit to prevent rapid dehydration, especially in small dogs.

If you‘re concerned about your dog‘s hydration status, you can check their skin turgor at home. Gently pinch the skin between their shoulder blades – it should snap back into place quickly. If it stays "tented," your dog is likely dehydrated and needs to see a vet.

Another option is starting a hydration log. Simply record your dog‘s water intake, urine output (if they use pee pads), and any other relevant symptoms each day. Share this information with your vet at your next wellness visit or if any concerns arise.

The Unbreakable Bond

At the end of the day, keeping our dogs hydrated is about so much more than seizure prevention. It‘s a fundamental way we nurture them and keep them strong for years of companionship.

Your dog looks to you for all of their needs – both physical and emotional. They greet you with a wagging tail and unconditional love, even on your worst days. In return, you have the privilege of ensuring they live the healthiest, happiest life possible.

That‘s the beauty of the human-canine bond. It‘s a partnership built on mutual adoration, trust, and respect. By staying vigilant about your dog‘s hydration and overall health, you‘re holding up your end of the deal.

As a vet, I‘m honored to support that partnership. I promise to always give you the facts, tools and guidance you need to make informed decisions for your dog. Together, we‘ll navigate the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.

So here‘s to celebrating the incredible dogs in our lives in every way possible. Keep those water bowls full and tails wagging!

References

1. Reineke EL. Evaluation and triage of the critically ill or injured emergency animal patient. In: Drobatz KJ, Hopper K, Rozanski E, et al. (eds.). Textbook of Small Animal Emergency Medicine. John Wiley & Sons; 2018:1-8.
2. Podell M, Volk HA, Berendt M, et al. 2015 ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Statement on Seizure Management in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(2):477-490.
3. Rittle AJ, Clark DL, Jones BR. Fluid therapy. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, Côté E (eds.). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 8th ed. Saunders; 2017:500-503.
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5. Bennett S, Arredondo LL, Drobatz KJ, Reineke EL. A retrospective evaluation of electrolyte abnormalities in dogs presenting for seizures to an emergency service. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2020;30(5):571-578.
6. DiBartola SP, de Morais HA. Disorders of potassium: hypokalemia and hyperkalemia. In: DiBartola SP (ed.). Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice. 4th ed. Saunders; 2012:92-118.
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11. Lowrie M, Garosi L. Seizures. In: Platt S, Garosi L. Small Animal Neurological Emergencies. 1st ed. CRC Press; 2012:155-172.
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13. Bruchim Y, Kelmer E, Cohen A, et al. Hospitalized dogs recovery from naturally occurring heatstroke; does serum heat shock protein 72 can provide prognostic biomarker? Cell Stress Chaperones. 2016;21(1):123-130.