Understanding and Caring for Dogs with Seizures

If your dog is having a seizure, stay calm and try to keep his surroundings quiet and comfortable. Don't move or touch him unless you need to prevent him from hurting himself.

If your dog is having a seizure, stay calm and try to keep his surroundings quiet and comfortable. Don't move or touch him unless you need to prevent him from hurting himself (for example, if he's at the top of a flight of stairs).

Don't try to pull the dog out of it. You cannot stop a seizure by shaking or shouting at the dog or slapping its face. Do not put your hands in his mouth -you could get bitten as muscles spasm involuntarily. Don't hold his tongue down (tongue-biting is not a problem with seizures). Don’t try to open the dog’s jaws or force anything between them; don't stick your fingers down his throat or try to make him vomit. These actions can result in injury for both you and your dog. Also avoid restraining your dog if he is active during a seizure as this can cause more harm than good.

Also remember that while they are somewhat distressing to watch, seizures per se don't usually cause pain (it's what caused the seizure that might be painful), so don't worry about hurting him when trying to protect him from injuring himself during the seizure—just do what you must do without getting bitten!

If your dog seems overheated after seizing, offer water but do not pour it over him as this may cause further stress and breathing difficulties due to increased panting (which will have been caused by exercise during seizures); instead apply cool towels gently around his body until he has settled down again

If the seizure doesn't end in five minutes, call your vet immediately.

If your dog's seizure has gone on for five minutes, call your veterinarian immediately. Also, don't hesitate to call if you notice any of the following:

• The seizure lasts longer than two minutes.
• Your dog experiences more than one seizure in a 24-hour period.
• Your dog has a history of seizures and doesn't seem to be recovering as expected.

If possible, note the time when the seizure began. You should also take note of whether the seizure becomes repetitive or lasts longer than normal.

As the owner of a dog who has had seizures, you may find yourself in a situation where your dog is having a seizure. The most important thing to do in this situation is to remain calm. While it can be frightening to see your dog experiencing this episode, it's very important not to panic or shout at them. Try not to move them during the episode as well, unless they're in a place that could pose a risk to their health (for example, near stairs).

If possible, note the time when the seizure began. You should also take note of whether the seizure becomes repetitive or lasts longer than normal. Repetitive seizures should be treated immediately and will almost certainly require emergency vet treatment. If you notice that your dog's seizure is lasting longer than usual (five minutes or more), call your veterinarian right away as they may need assistance with recovery from the episode.

Seizures will typically end within two or three minutes. However, they can last as long as 15 minutes.

A seizure is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. According to Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, seizures can be caused by:

• Metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities (increased calcium or sodium levels)
• Infection or inflammation of the brain
• Head trauma
• Congenital brain malformations (birth defects)
• Epilepsy To determine what causes a seizure, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests to check for metabolic and neurologic diseases, a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Further diagnostics may include imaging, such as X-rays of the chest and abdomen, CT scans and/or MRIs.

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help reduce the frequency of seizures. That medication should help prevent another seizure within a few days but be sure to ask!

If your vet prescribes medication to help reduce the frequency and severity of your dog's seizures, you should ask him or her a few questions:

During a seizure, your dog will usually lie on his side and begin thrashing and kicking his legs. His breathing may become difficult.

A seizure is a kind of nervous system event in which there is a significant change in the normal electrical activity of the brain. Any seizure has two phases:

• The first phase, called "ictus" or the "ictal phase," is when the abnormal electrical activity takes place. This phase produces all of the signs and symptoms you see in your dog during a seizure.
• The second phase, called "post-ictal," occurs after the seizure itself is over. Signs can include muscle soreness, disorientation, blindness from dilated pupils and anxiety (which may resemble aggression).

Once he's fully recovered from the seizure, attempt to encourage him to drink some water and eat a meal if possible.

Once your dog is fully recovered from the seizure, try to encourage him to drink some water and eat a meal if possible. He may be tired and disoriented, so don't force him to eat or drink; instead, make sure that the food and water are close by. Afterward, it's fine to let him sleep for as long as he needs. If you notice that he is not eating normally after 24 hours have passed following the seizure, please call your vet right away.

Understanding what happens during a seizure and how to respond will help you better care for your pet during health crises.

As difficult as it is, try to remain calm and avoid moving your dog. It's important not to touch your dog or try to pull his tongue out of his mouth, since you might get bit. If the seizure continues for more than five minutes, call your veterinarian. The average seizure will last from one to three minutes, although a seizure may last as long as 15 minutes. After the episode is over, place an ice pack behind the neck and in front of the chest on both sides of your pet's body, using towels or cloths to keep the ice away from skin. Rubbing vigorously with a towel may stimulate your pet and end a mild seizure more quickly by decreasing blood flow inwards toward the brain.