Purple March: Dogs are heroes in the fight against epilepsy

Pet Newspaper | March 28, 2025

Epilepsy affects around 3 million Brazilians and represents a major daily challenge for many patients. In the first episode of the new season of Biolab Cast ConectadosAt the event, experts discuss the fundamental role of dogs in the lives of people living with the condition, offering emotional and practical support at the most critical moments. The initiative is promoted by Biolab Farmacêutica's Central Nervous System (CNS) line, with the support of Avert® Biolab Saúde Animal, its animal health division.

Presented by psychiatrist Dr. Luiz Dieckmann and neurologist Dr. Paula Dieckmann, the web series explores the relationship between the health of humans and animals, with the participation of Emi Parente, a specialist in dog-assisted educational intervention and founder of the Alice Program - PATAE (Alice Assisted Educational Therapy Program), as well as neuropediatrician and clinical neurophysiologist Dr. Charlington Cavalcante.

Purple March is the month chosen to raise awareness of epilepsy, a condition characterized by loss-of-consciousness seizures, often accompanied by convulsions, which occur unpredictably. "Epilepsy is an electrical dysfunction in the brain. During an episode, the patient may experience cardiac and respiratory changes. In addition, there are different types of seizures, which can involve loss of consciousness, motor manifestations or not," explains Dr. Charlington Cavalcante.

What about pets? Can they also have epilepsy? According to Emi Parente, animals can also be affected by the condition, either through genetic predisposition or trauma. She stresses the importance of differentiating epileptic seizures from other convulsive episodes, such as those caused by distemper. In addition, some behavioral signs can indicate epilepsy in dogs, such as repetitive head movements or obsessive tail chasing.

The presence of a dog can make all the difference for epileptic patients. Specially trained service dogs are able to identify imperceptible changes in their guardians' behavior and can predict epileptic seizures before they occur, helping to ensure their safety. "Service dogs receive specialized training to act both in the pre-seizure phase and during the seizure. For example, before a seizure, the dog can perceive subtle signs and bring the medication, helping to prevent or minimize the episode," says Emi Parente.

The connection between humans and animals goes far beyond affection. In many cases, these animals become true silent heroes, providing security, comfort and quality of life for those who face epilepsy on a daily basis.

To find out more, listen to the podcast in full. Access: https://youtu.be/N4sn50l0Ro8?si=vUpk3l50u5VN3XzP

See the full article: Purple March: Dogs are heroes in the fight against epilepsy