Watching your Yorkie have a seizure is frightening, but knowing what to do in the moment — and understanding the causes — can make a huge difference. Yorkshire Terriers are prone to seizures for several breed-specific reasons, and most can be managed effectively with proper veterinary care.
What to Do During a Seizure
Use the START method to stay calm and keep your Yorkie safe:
- Stay calm — Your Yorkie is unconscious and not in pain. Your dog cannot sense your panic, but staying calm helps you think clearly.
- Time it — Look at a clock and track the exact duration. A seizure lasting more than 3-5 minutes is a veterinary emergency.
- Clear the area — Move furniture and objects away. Do NOT put anything in your dog’s mouth — dogs cannot swallow their tongues, and you risk being bitten.
- Video it — If you can safely record, the footage is invaluable for your vet’s diagnosis.
- Temperature check — Seizures raise body temperature. If the seizure continues, apply cool, damp cloths to your Yorkie’s paws.
When to Go to the Emergency Vet
- The seizure lasts longer than 3-5 minutes (status epilepticus)
- Your Yorkie has more than two seizures in 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- Your dog does not fully regain consciousness between episodes
Why Yorkies Have Seizures
Seizures in Yorkies can have several causes:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — Yorkies, especially puppies, are prone to sudden drops in blood sugar, which can trigger seizures. This is one of the most common causes in the breed.
- Liver shunt — A congenital liver shunt allows toxins to bypass the liver and reach the brain, causing neurological episodes including seizures.
- Idiopathic epilepsy — When no underlying cause is found, the diagnosis is epilepsy. This typically appears between 1 and 5 years of age.
- Toxins — Chocolate, xylitol, human medications, and certain plants can trigger seizures.
- Head injury or brain tumours (in older dogs).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet will run blood work to check for hypoglycemia, liver shunt, and other metabolic causes. If these are ruled out, a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy may be made. In complex cases, referral to a veterinary neurologist for an MRI may be recommended.
Anti-epileptic medications (phenobarbital, levetiracetam/Keppra, or potassium bromide) can manage epilepsy effectively. Most epileptic dogs on medication live normal, happy lives. Never stop medication abruptly — this can trigger severe, life-threatening seizures.
Living With an Epileptic Yorkie
With proper veterinary care, a Yorkie with seizures can enjoy a good quality of life. Keep a seizure diary (date, time, duration, and what happened before) to help your vet fine-tune treatment. Stick to medication schedules strictly, and always have an emergency plan in place.
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