Seeing your dog have a seizure is terrifying. You might freeze, panic, or feel helpless. However, knowing the causes, immediate steps to keep your dog safe, and how epilepsy is diagnosed and managed will make you a calmer, more effective caregiver. This vet-approved guide answers the top questions pet parents ask — in plain language and Q&A format, optimized for quick voice search help.
What is a seizure — explained simply
A seizure is a brief storm of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In dogs, seizures can range from a short twitch to a full-body convulsion. They may be a one-off reaction (acute symptomatic) or part of an ongoing condition called epilepsy (recurrent unprovoked seizures).
Common causes of seizures in dogs
Knowing possible causes helps your vet narrow down treatment:
- Idiopathic epilepsy: Genetic or unknown cause — common in many breeds.
- Reactive seizures: Due to toxins, low blood sugar, liver or kidney failure, or severe electrolyte imbalance.
- Structural brain disease: Tumours, strokes, infections (meningitis), or trauma.
- Metabolic causes: Hypoglycaemia in puppies, or organ dysfunction in older dogs.
How seizures typically look — what to watch for
Seizure signs often follow three stages:
1. Pre-ictal (before)
Some dogs show restlessness, clinginess, or hiding shortly before a seizure — called an aura.
2. Ictal (during)
Signs include collapse, stiffening, paddling legs, drooling, chomping, whining, or full convulsions. Dogs may lose consciousness and lose bladder/bowel control.
3. Post-ictal (after)
Afterwards they can be disoriented, wobbly, very thirsty, or sleepy for several minutes to hours.
What to do during a seizure — step-by-step (voice-search friendly)
Q: What should I do if my dog is having a seizure?
A: Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Time the seizure from start to finish — length matters.
- Move furniture or hazards so your dog won’t hit them; don’t try to hold the dog down.
- Do not put your hands near the dog’s mouth — they may bite reflexively.
- If possible, put soft padding under the head.
- After it ends, keep your dog warm and safe and contact your vet immediately.
How vets diagnose seizures and epilepsy
Diagnosis includes a full history, physical and neurological exams, and tests to rule out reactive causes:
- Bloodwork (CBC, biochemistry) to check liver, kidneys, glucose and electrolytes.
- Tests for toxins or metabolic disorders.
- Advanced imaging (MRI/CT) if structural problems are suspected.
- EEG in specialized centres (rarely used in routine practice).
Treatment options — immediate and long-term
Treatment depends on cause and seizure frequency.
Short-term care
- Emergency drugs (e.g., diazepam) may be used by vets to stop prolonged seizures.
- Hospitalisation for supportive care if needed (fluids, temperature control).
Long-term management for epilepsy
- Anti-seizure medications (phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam) — dose and choice vary by dog.
- Regular blood monitoring to check drug levels and organ function.
- Dietary and lifestyle adjustments (consistent feeding, avoid known toxins).
- Seizure diary and regular vet follow-ups to adjust therapy.
Prognosis — can dogs live well with epilepsy?
Many dogs with epilepsy live happy lives with appropriate treatment. The goal is to reduce seizure frequency and severity while minimising medication side effects. Work closely with your vet and consider online follow-ups via MyFurries for convenience.
Practical home tips for owners
- Keep a seizure diary: date, time, duration, triggers, and behaviour before/after.
- Use pet safety measures: non-slip floors, padded bed, fenced yard.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy and a small first-aid kit.
- Discuss medication side effects and bloodwork schedules with your vet.
- Consider pet insurance for chronic conditions to ease financial burden.
When to call a vet — red flags
Contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately if:
- Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- Two or more seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- Dog is not regaining consciousness after the seizure
- Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or trauma during seizure
FAQ — quick voice-search answers (snippets)
Q: Why did my dog have a seizure suddenly?
A: Sudden seizures may be caused by toxins, low blood sugar, organ failure, or new neurological problems. Immediate vet evaluation is important.
Q: Are seizures painful for dogs?
A: Dogs likely don’t feel pain during the seizure itself, but they can be disoriented and exhausted afterwards; injuries can occur during convulsions.
Q: How long do seizures usually last?
A: Most seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes are emergencies.
Internal resources & further reading
- More pet health guides
- FurFit Wellness Package — for chronic care and wellness plans
- Book an online vet consult
Final thoughts
Seizures are frightening, but calm, timely action saves lives. Keep detailed records, eliminate obvious triggers, and work with your veterinarian to build a safe, effective long-term plan. If you need prompt guidance, talk to a MyFurries vet online — expert help is only a video consult away.
Written with care by the MyFurries veterinary team — practical, evidence-based advice for pet parents.
