Do Dogs Have A Sixth Sense For Seizures?

Seizure-alert dogs, often referred to as “seizure prediction dogs,” possess a remarkable ability to detect the imminent onset of a seizure in their human partners. These dogs exhibit a keen sense of awareness, alerting their companions to an impending seizure well in advance. This unique skill has been observed to manifest anywhere from a few seconds to as much as 45 minutes before the actual seizure occurs. This early warning system provides individuals with epilepsy valuable time to take precautionary measures, seek help, or prepare for the upcoming seizure, significantly enhancing their safety and quality of life.

Do dogs experience fear during seizures? Many dogs exhibit signs of distress in the moments leading up to a seizure, often referred to as a “focal onset” or aura. These pre-seizure symptoms can include confusion, dazed behavior, fear, stress, anxiety, and attempts to seek comfort or assistance from their owners. Understanding how dogs may feel during this pre-seizure phase is essential for providing them with appropriate care and support.