Dog Seizure Emergency: Your Guide to Immediate Action

Seeing your pup have a seizure is a terrifying experience. In those moments of panic, knowing how to stop seizures in dogs immediately with safe and calm actions can make all the difference for your pet's well-being. 

While you cannot stop a seizure once it has started, you must take crucial steps to protect yourself and your dog from harm. This guide will walk you through what to do, what to avoid, and when to seek professional veterinary help.

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It's not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue.

For some dogs, the cause is idiopathic epilepsy, a genetic condition with no known cause. 

For others, seizures in dogs can be triggered by underlying issues like liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumours, or exposure to toxins.

The first challenge for most pet owners is simply recognizing the event.

Recognizing Dog Seizure Symptoms

Not all seizures look the same. The most recognized type is the generalized or grand mal seizure, but symptoms can vary. 

Common dog seizure symptoms include:

• Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness
• Stiffening of the body and legs (the tonic phase)
• Rhythmic jerking or paddling leg movements (the clonic phase)
• A dazed, or blank look before or after the event
• Chomping of the jaw, excessive drooling, or foaming at the mouth
• Accidental urination or defecation

Some dogs experience focal seizures, which affect only one part of the brain. 

These can be more subtle, appearing as localized twitching in the face, repetitive leg movements, or sudden episodes of barking or snapping at the air.

What to Immediately Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure

Your immediate goal is to keep your dog from harm until the seizure subsides. While emotionally difficult, staying calm is the most important first step. Panicking will only increase your pet's stress. 

During a seizure, your dog is unconscious and not aware of the event or experiencing pain.

Your immediate goal is to keep your dog safe and comfortable until the seizure subsides. 

Take a deep breath and follow these steps.

Secure The Area And Time The Seizure

The dog's uncontrolled movements can lead to injury. Move any nearby furniture, sharp-cornered objects, or other hazards away from them. 

Use cushions or rolled-up blankets to create a protective barrier. Place a soft blanket or a pillow under your dog's head to prevent them from injuring its head on a hard floor.

Do not try to move your dog unless they are in a dangerous location, such as at the top of a staircase or near water. 

If you must move them, gently pull them by their back legs to a safer spot on the floor.

Do not try to restrain or hold your dog down. It won't stop the seizure and may cause injury to you or them.

Note the time the seizure starts. Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes. Timing the event provides your veterinarian with critical information. 

If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it's known as status epilepticus. This is a medical emergency. 

Contact your vet immediately!

Create A Calm Environment 

Excessive noise or light may prolong a seizure. Where possible, reduce stimulation by dimming the lights and turning off televisions or radios.

Do Not Put Anything In Your Dog's Mouth

It is a myth that a dog can swallow their tongue during a seizure. 

Never put your hands or any object in or near your dog's mouth. They are not aware of their actions and can bite down with incredible force, causing serious injury to you and potential damage to their teeth or jaw.

Keep Other Pets And Children Away

Ensure any other animals and young children are moved to a separate, secure room. This prevents them from interfering and protects them from being accidentally injured by the seizing dog.

Stay Calm And Reassuring

Speak to your dog in a low, calm voice. While they are not conscious of your presence during the seizure, your calm energy can help them as they begin to recover.

What You Should NEVER Do During a Dog Seizure

In the moment, it's easy to act on instincts, but that might cause more harm. 

• DO NOT Put Hands or Objects in Your Dog's Mouth. Your dog cannot swallow its tongue; it's anatomically impossible.
• DO NOT Restrain or Hold Your Dog Down. Attempting to restrain a seizing dog will not stop the seizure and can seriously harm you or your dog. 
• DO NOT Administer Medications. Unless specifically prescribed by your vet for at-home care, never give your dog human medications; they can be toxic.

What to Do After the Seizure Stops

The phase immediately following a seizure is known as the post-ictal period. 

Your dog will likely be disoriented, confused, anxious, and possibly temporarily blind. They may pace, bump into things, not recognize you, and seem unlike themselves. This can last from a few minutes to several hours.

• Record the time the seizure ends.
• Speak to your dog in a soft, reassuring voice. 
• Once they are conscious and can swallow, offer small sips of water.
• Keep them in a quiet, comfortable area to recover. 
• Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately. Report the seizure, its duration, and the symptoms you observed. They will provide the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seizures in Dogs

Are Seizures Painful For My Dog?

No. Despite the violent appearance of a seizure, dogs are unconscious and unaware during a generalized seizure. According to the medicine, they do not feel pain during the active seizure. 

However, they'll feel confused and anxious during the recovery period.

How Can I Tell A Seizure From A Dream?

You can easily wake up a dreaming dog. You can't rouse a dog having a seizure. 

Afterward, a dreaming dog acts normally, while a seizing dog will enter a distinct post-ictal phase of confusion and disorientation.

What Are The Leading Causes Of Seizures In Dogs?

A wide range of things can cause dog seizures.

The age of your dog's first seizure is a powerful clue for the vet. Causes are grouped into three categories.

• Extracranial (Reactive). The brain is normal but reacting to a toxin (like xylitol or antifreeze) or a metabolic problem, like liver disease or low blood sugar.
• Intracranial (Structural). The seizure is caused by damage or a physical problem within the brain itself, like a brain tumour, head trauma, stroke, or inflammation (encephalitis).
• Idiopathic Epilepsy. This is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs between 6 months and 6 years old. It means the cause is unknown and is diagnosed after ruling out all other possibilities.

A thorough veterinary exam is needed to investigate the cause.

When Is A Dog Seizure An Emergency?

You should always contact your vet if your pup has a seizure. 

Unfortunately, some situations are life-threatening and demand immediate medical intervention. Get immediate pet emergency care if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes (Status Epilepticus).
• The dog has two or more seizures within a 24-hour period (Cluster Seizures).
• It is the dog's first seizure.
• You suspect poisoning or head trauma.
• The dog has difficulty breathing afterward or fails to regain consciousness.

How Many Seizures Can A Dog Have Before It Dies?

This is a question that weighs heavily on pet owners. While a single seizure is rarely fatal, it's their duration and frequency that pose the greatest risk. 

The danger comes from prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or frequent cluster seizures that aren't controlled. 

There is no set number. The focus is on effective treatment and management to give your dog a good quality of life.

When Should You Consider Putting A Dog Down For Seizures?

This is a deeply personal and difficult decision. It is a conversation to have with your veterinarian, focusing on your dog's quality of life. 

Euthanasia should only be considered if your dog's quality of life is severely compromised.

Are the seizures becoming very frequent, severe, and difficult to control with medication, and your dog's recovery period is prolonged and distressing? Then, it may be time to consider their overall well-being. 

The decision always centres on compassion and relieving suffering, ensuring they have more good days than bad.

The Importance of Ongoing Veterinary Care

Seizures in dogs are a serious medical condition. Working closely with a trusted veterinary team is the best way to manage your dog's health. 

Regular check-ups at Oxford Animal Hospital allow our team to: 

• Create a personalized treatment plan, 
• Adjust medication as needed, and 
• Provide the comprehensive support your family deserves. 

Your pet's health is our priority; let's manage their care together. 

Contact our team today.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. For any health concerns regarding your pet, please schedule an appointment with our veterinary team.

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