Seizures in Dogs: What to Do Before, During, and After

Seizures in dogs are frightening for pet parents, but proactive trigger management and an effective safety plan can greatly improve outcomes.

Whether your pet has a medical condition that makes them prone to seizures or you simply want to be prepared for a possible episode, the right support will help your canine companion avoid injury and get the right follow-up care. 

Why Do Dogs Have Seizures?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can affect a dog’s movement, behavior, and awareness. Some seizures are dramatic, while others are subtle and easy to miss.

The most recognizable type is a generalized (grand mal) seizure, where a dog may:

• Collapse
• Twitch or paddle their legs
• Drool or foam at the mouth
• Lose consciousness 
• Involuntarily urinate or defecate 

Some dogs experience less-obvious focal seizures, which can involve tremors localized to one part of the body, unusual eye movements, or brief episodes of disorientation.

Common Causes of Seizures

Seizures themselves are a symptom, not a disease. They can happen for a wide range of reasons, and sometimes, veterinary teams aren’t able to identify an underlying medical cause. In these cases, dogs may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

Idiopathic epilepsy is a relatively common disorder that primarily affects dogs under five years old. Certain breeds are more prone to the condition, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. It’s not generally curable, but very manageable with medications and trigger reduction. 

Other possible causes include: 

• Toxins: The ingestion of toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol, certain plants, or medications can trigger seizures.
• Metabolic issues: Low blood sugar, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction can disrupt brain activity.
• Neurological conditions: Brain tumors, inflammation, or infections (such as encephalitis) can lead to seizures.
• Trauma: Head injuries can contribute to seizures, sometimes long after the initial event.

Because causes can vary widely, a first-time seizure always warrants a vet visit, even if your dog seems to recover quickly. 

What to Do Before a Seizure

It’s not always possible to prevent a seizure, but you can stay prepared for one. If your dog has a known history of seizures, talk with your veterinarian about creating a plan for:

• Medication management: If prescribed, anti-seizure medications must be given consistently.
• Triggers: Some dogs have identifiable seizure triggers, such as stress, excitement, disrupted routines, or even weather. Learning and avoiding triggers can reduce the frequency of episodes. 
• In-home safety: Get your home ready for an episode before it occurs by removing hazards and minimizing sharp edges.
• Emergencies: Know when a seizure becomes an emergency and who to call after hours.

If seizures are chronic, your vet may recommend keeping a log that includes the date, duration, and details of each incident. This information can be very helpful for designing an effective treatment plan. 

What to Do During a Seizure

When a seizure happens, your primary role is to keep your dog safe and monitor the situation.

Try to keep calm and focus on safety. Clear the area of objects and reduce lights and noise if possible. Set a timer, and stay nearby while the seizure runs its course. 

Do not:

• Put your hands inside your dog’s mouth.
• Try to restrain them forcefully.
• Offer food or water during the episode.

It’s a myth that dogs are at risk of swallowing their tongue during a seizure (its physiological structure makes this impossible). Keep away from your dog’s mouth to avoid being injured during involuntary movement.  

Know When a Seizure Is an Emergency

Seek immediate veterinary care if:

• A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
• Multiple seizures occur close together (cluster seizures)
• Your dog does not regain awareness between episodes
• This is your dog’s first seizure

What to Do After a Seizure

The recovery period immediately following a seizure is known as the post-ictal phase. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. During this time, your dog may experience: 

• Disorientation or confusion
• Temporary blindness
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive thirst or hunger

Reassure your dog and be patient. It may take time for them to recognize you and their surroundings. 

Once they are fully alert, offer water and allow them to rest quietly. If anything about the seizure is new or unusual, let your vet know right away. Changes to their condition can inform treatment strategies. 

How Are Seizures Treated?

Not every dog that has a seizure will need medication. Treatment depends on the frequency and severity of seizures, your dog’s overall health, and whether an underlying cause can be identified. 

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy are often prescribed anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam. They can be very effective, but they typically require ongoing monitoring and regular bloodwork to adjust dosing and monitor for side effects. 

Reducing Seizure Frequency and Improving Quality of Life

If your dog is managing a seizure condition, small changes to your routine can make a big difference. 

Dogs with epilepsy often do best with predictably daily activity, regular feeding times, and consistent medication schedules. If you notice patterns (for example, that seizures tend to follow intense excitement or stress), try to minimize triggering situations as much as possible. 

Good nutrition and gentle movement can also be helpful. Your veterinarian may recommend dietary adjustments or supplements to support your dog’s overall neurological health. 

Supporting a Dog with Epilepsy

Though the condition is scary, many dogs who experience seizures manage to stay happy and healthy. With treatment, 60-70% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy attain good seizure control and live out normal lifespans. 

Work with your veterinarian to determine the best strategy for preventing and preparing for episodes. Good planning can reduce your feelings of helplessness and help you focus on keeping your dog safe and comfortable while they ride out the seizure and recover.