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Dog Seizures: Symptoms and What You Can Do

Dr. Brooke Butler

May 27, 2020

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If you’ve ever seen a dog having a seizure, you know how scary it can be! One minute you’re playing fetch with your pup and the next moment he’s on the ground completely stiff, maybe twitching, or even completely unconscious.

Dog seizures happen due to a variety of factors, including diet, age, hereditary problems, underlying disease, and epilepsy. And while some breeds are more prone to seizures than others (i.e. brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Boxers, as well as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels), all dogs can suffer from them—so look out for any combination of these symptoms in your pet.

Symptoms of Dog Seizures

  • Running in circles
  • Falling to the floor immediately, instead of laying down as usual
  • Twitching
  • Stiff muscles
  • Going completely unconscious
  • Being unable to look at you or anything else
  • Drooling
  • Biting
  • Urinating or defecating uncontrollably
  • Staring blankly, but remaining standing

If your dog is having a seizure, here’s what you can do to help:

Stay Calm and Close, but Be Careful

Don’t get in your dog’s face or cry and yell at them; you may make the situation even more scary than it already is! Sit near your dog, but be careful when petting them, as seizures can cause dogs to bite uncontrollably; they may also bite out of fear, pain, or confusion.

Time Your Dog’s Seizures

Seizures lasting less than two minutes are not usually cause for alarm. Two to five minutes is a warning zone, so take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Dogs having seizures lasting more than five minutes, or those who have several seizures in the span of a few minutes without waking up should be treated immediately by a vet.

Make Sure Your Dog is Safe

During a seizure, this might mean carefully moving them to a safer location if they’re near the stairs or the edge of the bed. Afterwards, this can mean checking your dog’s body temperature, as seizures can cause it to rise quickly—but only do this once your dog has woken up. To bring it down, place cool washcloths over your dog’s feet.

Comfort Your Dog

Speak in low, comforting tones. If your dog seems alert and back to normal, you can also wrap them in a towel or blanket to comfort them.

Let Your Dog Resume Normal Activity—If They’re Up To It

Your dog may be extremely hungry or thirsty, but don’t let them eat or drink right away. Once they’re alert and able to stand without wobbling or experiencing confusion, they can have something to drink or eat. Your dog may also be extremely tired after a seizure, so let them sleep if that’s what they need.

Call And/Or Visit Your Local VEG

If this is the first time your dog has had a seizure, or if a seizure lasts longer than usual, call VEG immediately and find out if you should bring them in. If you think your dog ingested something toxic that caused a seizure, bring them in right away. Only a vet can tell you why a seizure happened and how to treat it going forward. There might be an easy solution, such as diet or lifestyle changes, or medication if your dog has epilepsy or an underlying disease.

If you are concerned about your pet because of a seizure or other medical emergency, you can always call VEG and get answers straight from a doctor, or bring them in for emergency care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.