Dog Seizure First Aid Guide

Brain & CognitionSymptomsMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Our veterinary advisory team has compiled the correct first aid steps for seizures in dogs, along with warning signs that require immediate veterinary care.

If Your Dog Has a Seizure, Do This First

A pet owner watching their dog lying on the living room rug from a safe distance

The most important thing is to never put your hands in your dog’s mouth during a seizure. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain, leading to sudden muscle stiffness or tremors. Most seizures stop on their own within 1 to 2 minutes, so the key is for you to stay calm and ensure the surrounding environment is safe. However, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or occurs twice or more in a single day, it can be life-threatening, and you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Three Stages of a Seizure — Prodromal, Ictal, and Postictal

Canine seizures generally progress through three distinct phases.

Prodromal phase: This stage occurs hours to days before a seizure begins. Your dog may exhibit behavioral changes such as restlessness, seeking to hide, excessive anxiety, or clinginess toward you. These signs can be subtle and are often overlooked by pet owners.

Ictal phase: This is the active seizure stage. Your dog may lose consciousness, collapse on its side, and experience stiffening of the limbs, convulsions, or paddling motions. This phase typically lasts less than one to two minutes.

Postictal phase: This is the recovery period following the seizure. Your dog may appear disoriented, experience temporary blurred vision, or lose their sense of direction. This phase can last from several minutes to several hours.

Signs That Indicate a Seizure

If your dog experiences a seizure, you may observe the following symptoms. The likelihood of a seizure is higher if multiple symptoms occur simultaneously.

Sudden loss of consciousness: The dog does not respond when called and loses focus in their eyes.

Generalized convulsions: The entire body becomes rigid and trembles.

Pedaling movements: While lying on their side, the dog paddles their legs in the air.

Excessive drooling: Foam may appear at the mouth, or the dog may drool excessively.

Incontinence: The dog may involuntarily urinate or defecate during the seizure.

Jaw trembling: The dog may repeatedly click their teeth together or make chewing motions.

A veterinarian gently examining a small white dog at the animal hospital.

Situations Requiring Immediate Emergency Veterinary Care

If any of the following situations occur, you should go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. • When a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes without stopping (status epilepticus) • When seizures recur two or more times within 24 hours (cluster seizures) • When recovery of consciousness is excessively delayed after a seizure, or normal behavior is not regained even after a long time • When seizures begin after ingestion of a toxic substance If it’s the first time your pet has experienced a seizure, and it was brief and stopped on its own, it may not necessarily be an emergency. However, you should still have your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause. Even if it’s the first seizure, if it lasts more than 5 minutes or recurs in a short period of time, you should go to an emergency veterinary clinic right away. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures can lead to brain damage or even death, so you should never just monitor your pet at home.

Main Causes of Dog Seizures

There are many possible causes of seizures in dogs.

Idiopathic epilepsy: This refers to recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause, often first appearing between 6 months and 6 years of age. Genetics play a significant role, and it is known to occur more frequently in certain breeds with confirmed genetic predispositions.

Structural brain disorders: Seizures can result from intrinsic brain problems such as brain tumors, encephalitis, or hydrocephalus. If a dog over 6 years old experiences its first seizure, it is essential to rule out the possibility of a brain tumor.

Metabolic causes: Hypoglycemia, liver disease, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances can all trigger seizures.

Toxicity: Ingestion of various toxic substances can lead to seizures. If your dog begins seizing shortly after eating something, identify the ingested substance and inform your veterinarian immediately.

First Aid Steps When a Seizure Begins

If a seizure begins, please stay calm and follow these steps:

Step 1 — Secure a safe space: Clear away nearby furniture, stairs, and sharp objects to prevent injury. If your dog is on a sofa, gently lower them to the floor.

Step 2 — Never put your hands in their mouth: Even if you’re worried about them biting their tongue, do not put your hands in their mouth. A dog having a seizure cannot control their movements, and you could be severely bitten.

Step 3 — Record the time: Note the start and end times of the seizure. If possible, record a video, as this can greatly assist your veterinarian with diagnosis.

Step 4 — Observe quietly: Do not shout or shake your dog. Dim the lights and create a calm, quiet environment.

A pet parent clearing away objects around their dog lying on the floor to create a safe space

How to Care for Your Dog After a Seizure Ends

After a seizure ends, your dog will enter a recovery phase. There are specific steps you should take during this time.

Speak calmly to them: Call your dog’s name in a soft, low voice. Avoid picking them up or lifting them suddenly, as they may be startled and bite.

Check their body temperature: Body temperature can rise after a seizure. Gently wiping their paw pads or ears with a damp towel can help cool them down.

Offer water and treats only after full consciousness returns: If your dog drinks water while still unsteady, they risk aspirating it into their airway. Wait until they can stand and walk steadily before offering anything.

Keep a seizure log: Record the date, time, duration, and your dog’s behavior before and after the seizure. This information is invaluable for your veterinarian when developing a treatment plan.

Cluster Seizures and Status Epilepticus Are Completely Different Emergencies

Cluster seizures (two or more within 24 hours) and prolonged seizures (lasting more than five minutes) are medical emergencies that differ significantly from typical seizures. According to veterinary neurology textbooks, untreated prolonged seizures can lead to permanent brain damage or death. For dogs experiencing recurrent cluster seizures, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian to obtain a prescription for emergency medication to keep at home.

Daily Management to Reduce Seizure Frequency

While it’s difficult to completely prevent seizures, there are ways to reduce their frequency and severity.

Consistent use of anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, and imepitoin aim to decrease the frequency and intensity of seizures. It is crucial to administer the prescribed medication at the scheduled times without fail, as stopping it arbitrarily can worsen seizures.

Managing stress and living environment: Some owners believe that sudden environmental changes can affect their dogs. However, since idiopathic epilepsy often has no clear triggers, maintaining consistent medication is more important than trying to avoid specific stimuli. During stressful periods, such as fireworks season, please consult your veterinarian in advance to prepare a plan.

Regular daily routine: Maintaining consistent schedules for sleep, meals, and walks helps keep your dog’s condition stable.

Regular blood tests: Anticonvulsants may cause side effects such as sedation, excessive thirst, and increased appetite. Therefore, if your dog is on these medications, regular monitoring of liver values and drug levels is essential.

A healthy beagle enjoying a walk in the park with its owner.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my dog bites its tongue during a seizure?

Dogs may bite their tongues during a seizure, but never put your hands or any objects in their mouth. Because a seizing dog is beyond your control, attempting to force the mouth open or insert your hands can result in serious injury to you. After the seizure ends, check the mouth for any bleeding.

Should I take my dog to the vet even if it’s their first seizure?

Yes, you should definitely go. The first seizure can be a sign of various causes, such as brain disease, poisoning, or metabolic disorders. Even if the seizure was short, blood tests and neurological exams are necessary to identify the cause.

Can frequent seizures in dogs affect their lifespan?

With proper treatment, many dogs with epilepsy can maintain a normal quality of life. Consistently administering the anticonvulsant medication prescribed by your veterinarian can effectively reduce the frequency of seizures. However, prognosis may worsen if medication is discontinued without veterinary guidance or if cluster seizures recur.

Should you always record a video of your dog’s seizure?

If possible, please be sure to record a video. It greatly aids diagnosis by allowing the veterinarian to directly observe the type of seizure, its duration, and where in the body it started. Please ensure safety first before recording.

What tests are needed if a senior dog suddenly starts having seizures?

For senior dogs aged six years and older, the first seizure warrants a thorough evaluation for potential brain tumors. In addition to blood work and neurological exams, brain imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be necessary. Please consult with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate diagnostic plan.

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References

[1] Li CF, Vernau KM. Seizures and Status Epilepticus. In: Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 3rd Ed. Elsevier.

[2] 100 Top Consultations in Small Animal General Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.

[3] The Dog Care Handbook: Things I Wish My Vet Had Told Me.

[4] Berendt M, Gram L. Epilepsy and seizure classification in 63 dogs: a reappraisal of veterinary epilepsy terminology. J Vet Intern Med. 1999;13(1):14-20.

[5] Pakozdy A, Leschnik M, Tichy AG, Thalhammer JG. Retrospective clinical comparison of idiopathic versus symptomatic epilepsy in 240 dogs with seizures. Acta Vet Hung. 2008;56(4):471-83.