Do dog owners get the support they need for canine epilepsy?

Posted 4 March 2021

Caring for the welfare of man’s best friend can be a full-time job, with dog owners constantly turning to veterinary professionals for advice and guidance. 

But what if your canine companion suffers from epilepsy. Is there sufficient support and awareness available to the owners of these pets? 

One Harper Adams University student is attempting to answer just that. Emily Clark, 22, is in her final year of a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree and is undertaking a research project entitled ‘Management and awareness of canine epileptic pets - Are veterinary clients sufficiently supported?’. 

“I am investigating whether clients with epileptic dogs feel sufficiently supported by their veterinary professionals and understand the information provided to them. I am also investigating whether these clients know warning signs their dogs show prior to having a seizure,” Emily said. 

“I am interested in this topic and feel that many clients are given medication for their dog and not much else support wise.” 

Emily has been surveying veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses across the UK to see whether they feel they provide enough support to owners of dogs suffering from canine epilepsy.  

Emily, who is from Kent, chose her degree course as she has always loved animals and wanted to have a career working with them.  

“I love caring for them and want to help make them feel better. I really enjoy studying at Harper, it provides good opportunities for work and social life,” she added.