CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY IF:
- • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- • Multiple seizures occur within 24 hours
- • Dog doesn't wake up between seizures
- • This is your dog's first seizure ever
- • Dog has difficulty breathing during/after seizure
Quick Answer:
Stay calm. Do NOT restrain your dog or put anything in their mouth. Move away hazards, time the seizure, and speak soothingly. After it stops, keep them warm and contact your vet. Most seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Any seizure over 5 minutes is a medical emergency.
What to Do During a Seizure
- 1
Stay Calm
Your dog needs you to be calm. Panicking won't help. Take a deep breath.
- 2
Time the Seizure
Note when it started. Use your phone timer. This information is crucial for your vet.
- 3
Clear the Area
Move away furniture, stairs, and objects that could hurt your dog. Don't move your dog unless they're near a hazard like water or stairs.
- 4
Keep Hands Away from Mouth
Dogs do NOT swallow their tongues. You could be seriously bitten.
- 5
Speak Softly and Calmly
Your voice can be comforting. Speak gently to your dog throughout the seizure.
What NOT to Do
- ✕
DON'T restrain your dog
Holding them down can cause injury and won't stop the seizure.
- ✕
DON'T put anything in their mouth
This is a dangerous myth. You risk being bitten or injuring your dog.
- ✕
DON'T put your face near their mouth
Dogs can bite involuntarily during seizures without being aware.
- ✕
DON'T move them unless necessary
Only move them if they're near stairs, water, or other dangers.
- ✕
DON'T give food or water during/immediately after
Wait until your dog is fully alert and coordinated to prevent choking.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
Not all seizures look the same. Understanding the type can help your vet diagnose the cause:
| Type | What It Looks Like | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mal (Generalized) | Collapse, stiffening, jerking movements, paddling legs, loss of consciousness, drooling, urination/defecation | 30 sec - 2 min |
| Focal (Partial) | Twitching of one body part (face, one leg), may remain conscious, unusual movements | Seconds to minutes |
| Psychomotor | Strange behavior like fly biting, staring, chasing tail, attacking imaginary objects | 1-2 minutes |
| Cluster Seizures | Multiple seizures within 24 hours with recovery between | EMERGENCY |
Status Epilepticus - EMERGENCY
A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness is called status epilepticus. This is a life-threatening emergency. Get to an emergency vet immediately - brain damage or death can occur.
Three Phases of a Seizure
Understanding the phases helps you recognize what's happening:
1. Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura) - Minutes to Hours Before
Some dogs show warning signs before a seizure:
- • Restlessness, pacing, or anxiety
- • Seeking owner or hiding
- • Whining or unusual vocalization
- • Staring blankly
- • Drooling more than normal
2. Ictal Phase (The Seizure) - 30 Seconds to 2 Minutes
The actual seizure. What you might see:
- • Collapse and loss of consciousness
- • Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- • Jerking, twitching, or paddling legs
- • Chomping or jaw movements
- • Excessive drooling, foaming at mouth
- • Loss of bladder/bowel control
- • Dilated pupils
3. Post-Ictal Phase (Recovery) - Minutes to Hours
After the seizure, your dog may experience:
- • Confusion and disorientation
- • Temporary blindness
- • Walking into walls or furniture
- • Excessive thirst or hunger
- • Exhaustion and deep sleep
- • Pacing or restlessness
- • Not recognizing you (temporary)
The post-ictal phase is normal and expected. Your dog isn't in pain during this time - they're just recovering. Stay with them and keep them comfortable.
Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs
| Cause | Details | Common Age |
|---|---|---|
| Idiopathic Epilepsy | Most common cause - genetic, no known underlying disease | 6 months - 6 years |
| Toxin Ingestion | Chocolate, xylitol, medications, pesticides, plants | Any age |
| Brain Tumor | Primary or metastatic brain tumors | Over 5 years |
| Liver Disease | Hepatic encephalopathy from liver failure | Any age |
| Low Blood Sugar | Hypoglycemia, especially in small breeds and puppies | Puppies, diabetic dogs |
| Kidney Disease | Toxin buildup from kidney failure | Older dogs |
| Heat Stroke | Brain damage from overheating | Any age |
| Head Trauma | Previous or recent head injury | Any age |
Breeds More Prone to Epilepsy
Some breeds have higher rates of idiopathic epilepsy: Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, and Vizslas.
Post-Seizure Care
What to do after your dog's seizure has stopped:
- Stay with your dog - They may be confused and scared. Your presence is comforting.
- Create a calm environment - Dim lights, reduce noise, keep other pets away.
- Don't offer food or water immediately - Wait until they're fully alert and coordinated.
- Keep them warm - Their body temperature may drop. Use a blanket if needed.
- Block off stairs - They may be uncoordinated and could fall.
- Let them rest - Sleep is normal and healing after a seizure.
- Document everything - Write down what happened for your vet.
- Contact your veterinarian - Even if the seizure was brief, your vet should know.
When It's an Emergency
Go to Emergency Vet Immediately If:
- ⚠ Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (time it!)
- ⚠ Multiple seizures within 24 hours
- ⚠ Dog doesn't regain consciousness between seizures
- ⚠ First seizure ever (especially in puppies or senior dogs)
- ⚠ Seizure after ingesting something toxic
- ⚠ Difficulty breathing during or after
- ⚠ Dog is diabetic
- ⚠ Body temperature is high (heat stroke concern)
- ⚠ Dog seems in pain or distress after seizure
What to Tell Your Veterinarian
Document these details to help your vet diagnose the cause:
Seizure Information Checklist
- ☐ Date and time of seizure
- ☐ Duration - How long did it last?
- ☐ What did it look like? - Describe the movements
- ☐ Was your dog conscious?
- ☐ What was your dog doing before? - Sleeping, eating, playing?
- ☐ Any warning signs? - Unusual behavior beforehand
- ☐ Recovery time - How long until they seemed normal?
- ☐ Video if possible - Very helpful for diagnosis
- ☐ Any recent changes? - New food, medications, exposure to toxins
- ☐ Previous seizure history
Pro tip: If you can safely record a video of the seizure, this is extremely valuable for your veterinarian. It helps them identify the type of seizure and rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and frequency of seizures:
Diagnostic Testing
- Blood work: Check liver, kidney function, blood sugar, toxins
- Urinalysis: Kidney function assessment
- MRI or CT scan: Look for brain tumors or structural abnormalities
- Spinal tap: Check for infections or inflammation
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measure brain electrical activity
Anti-Seizure Medications
Dogs with epilepsy or frequent seizures are often prescribed anti-seizure medications:
- Phenobarbital: Most commonly prescribed, very effective
- Potassium bromide: Often used with phenobarbital
- Levetiracetam (Keppra): Newer option, fewer side effects
- Zonisamide: Alternative for dogs who don't respond to others
Medication Compliance is Critical
Once started, anti-seizure medications must be given consistently at the same times every day. Stopping suddenly or missing doses can trigger severe breakthrough seizures. Never adjust dosage without veterinary guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dog is having a seizure?▼
Stay calm and keep yourself safe. Do NOT restrain your dog or put anything in their mouth. Move away furniture and objects that could hurt them. Time the seizure. Speak calmly and soothingly. After the seizure stops, keep them warm and comfortable, and contact your veterinarian.
How long do dog seizures typically last?▼
Most dog seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Any seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Even brief seizures should be reported to your vet, especially if they occur in clusters or are your dog's first seizure.
Should I put something in my dog's mouth during a seizure?▼
No, never put anything in your dog's mouth during a seizure. Dogs cannot swallow their tongues. Putting your hand or an object in their mouth can cause serious injury to you or your dog. Keep your hands away from their mouth entirely.
When should I take my dog to the emergency vet for a seizure?▼
Go to emergency vet immediately if: the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, your dog has multiple seizures in 24 hours (cluster seizures), your dog doesn't regain consciousness between seizures, it's their first seizure ever, or they have difficulty breathing during or after the seizure.
What causes seizures in dogs?▼
Common causes include epilepsy (most common in dogs 1-5 years old), toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, medications), liver or kidney disease, brain tumors (more common in older dogs), low blood sugar, heat stroke, and head trauma. Many times the cause is idiopathic (unknown).
What should I do after my dog's seizure ends?▼
Stay with your dog as they recover. They may be disoriented, confused, temporarily blind, or restless (this is called the "postictal phase"). Keep them in a quiet, dark room. Don't offer food or water until they're fully alert. Document the seizure details and contact your veterinarian.
The Bottom Line
Witnessing your dog have a seizure is frightening, but knowing what to do can help keep them safe. Remember: stay calm, don't restrain them, keep hands away from their mouth, time the seizure, and comfort them during recovery.
Always contact your veterinarian after a seizure, even if your dog seems fine. Many dogs with epilepsy live long, happy lives with proper medication management.
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or your dog has multiple seizures in a day, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is critical in these situations.
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