What Should I Do if My Dog Has a Seizure?

Posted by Petdirect on 18th Nov 2024

Seeing your dog have a seizure can be frightening, and it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do. Although seizures can stem from various causes, knowing how to respond can make a real difference for your dog. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to do if your dog experiences a seizure, how to recognise the signs, when to seek veterinary help, and tips for managing seizures in dogs with recurring episodes.

Recognise the Signs of a Seizure in Dogs

The first step in helping your dog is recognising the signs of a seizure. Seizures can manifest differently depending on the dog, but common signs include:

Uncontrolled muscle movements: These may range from mild twitching to intense paddling or shaking of the limbs.
Drooling or foaming at the mouth: Muscle spasms in the mouth can cause excessive drooling or foam.
Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness: During a seizure, your dog may seem disconnected from their surroundings.
Rigid or stiff posture: Your dog’s body may become tense, with their legs extending outward.
Involuntary urination or defecation: Some dogs lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure.
Vocalisations: Whining, barking, or whimpering may occur due to distress or discomfort.

Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes. When a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it is classified as an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Stay Calm and Keep a Safe Distance

Witnessing your dog’s seizure can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and composed. Dogs are highly sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and if you panic, it may add to their anxiety once they’re conscious.

Key Tips:

Avoid touching your dog during the seizure. Your dog is unaware of their surroundings during a seizure and may bite if you attempt to hold or move them. It’s safest to keep a distance, avoiding placing your hands near their mouths.
Clear the area. Remove any objects or furniture that could cause injury, but don’t try to move your dog unless absolutely necessary to prevent harm.

Time the Seizure

Time may seem to stretch during a seizure, but knowing the exact duration is essential information for your vet. Use a watch, timer, or phone to track how long the seizure lasts. This timing can help your vet assess the severity and influence future treatment.

Why Timing Matters:

Short seizures (under two minutes) can be alarming but are generally less dangerous.
Seizures lasting more than five minutes are considered prolonged and increase the risk of hyperthermia (overheating), oxygen depletion, and other complications.

If your dog’s seizure lasts beyond five minutes, or if multiple seizures occur in a short period (known as cluster seizures), seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Reduce Stimuli and Keep the Environment Quiet

Excessive noise or light can increase a dog’s distress during or after a seizure. Turn off any loud sounds, such as the television or radio, and dim the lights to create a calm environment. Avoid touching or talking to your dog until they are fully aware and responsive, as they may still feel disoriented and sensitive to touch.

Monitor Your Dog’s Behaviour Post-Seizure

After a seizure, dogs typically go through a recovery period called the post-ictal phase, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. During this time, your dog may show unusual behaviours such as:

Disorientation or confusion
Restlessness or pacing
Increased thirst or hunger
Temporary blindness or vision impairment

These behaviours should gradually subside. However, if your dog remains disoriented for a prolonged period or appears unusually weak, contact your vet.

Seek Veterinary Care and Document the Incident

Regardless of how long or severe the seizure was, it’s a good idea to call your vet after the episode. Your vet can provide guidance on what to do next and may want to examine your dog to investigate potential causes. Keeping a record of each seizure – including its date, duration, and any potential triggers – can help your vet assess patterns and determine if treatment is necessary.

Important Details to Record:

Date and time of the seizure
Duration of the episode
Unusual behaviour before or after the seizure (such as pacing, whining, or excessive thirst)

Some dogs may have a single, isolated seizure, while others may experience recurring seizures, known as epilepsy. A documented history can help your vet spot any trends or possible causes.

Be Prepared for Future Seizures

If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy or has a history of seizures, your vet may suggest steps for managing the condition at home. Here are some practical ways to prepare:

Discuss anti-seizure medication options: Some dogs with frequent or severe seizures may benefit from medication. Your vet can help determine if this is suitable based on your dog’s health and seizure history.
Maintain a consistent routine: Regular daily routines for feeding, exercise, and sleep may help reduce stress, which can be a seizure trigger in some cases.
Minimise exposure to known triggers: While not all seizures have identifiable triggers, it’s wise to avoid potential stressors like loud noises, bright lights, or sudden changes in routine if you think they may affect your dog.
Create a safe space: Prepare a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your dog can rest after a seizure. Include soft bedding, and ensure it’s free of any items that could cause injury.

Understanding Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Seizures can occur for many reasons, and identifying a cause can help guide treatment. Common causes of seizures in dogs include:

Genetic epilepsy: Certain breeds, such as Beagles, German Shepherds, and Border Collies, are more prone to epilepsy.
Infectious diseases: Conditions such as canine distemper or toxoplasmosis can lead to seizures.
Ingestion of toxins: Eating substances like chocolate, poisonous plants, or human medications can trigger seizures.
Head trauma: Injury to the head may lead to seizures, either immediately or at a later stage.
Metabolic imbalances: Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or liver disease can contribute to seizure activity.
Brain tumours: In older dogs, tumours may present with seizures as one of the first symptoms.

Your vet may suggest diagnostic tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or imaging, to identify any underlying cause contributing to your dog’s seizures.

Final Thoughts

While it’s normal to feel scared or anxious when witnessing your dog have a seizure, knowing how to respond can help you provide the best possible support. Stay calm, take note of essential details, and contact your vet for further advice and possible diagnostic work. With a proactive approach and proper care, many dogs with seizure disorders can live long, happy lives.

If your dog experiences a seizure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for personalised guidance. They can advise on specific treatment options or lifestyle adjustments to manage your dog’s condition and minimise the impact of seizures.