What to do if your dog has a seizure.
Disclaimer: I am not a vet - these are my findings from research while navigating my own dog’s seizures. Please contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog has a seizure.
Why is my dog having seizures?
“First of all, a seizure is a sign, not a disease,” Dr. Klein explains. “It is a manifestation of some abnormal motor activity occurring in the brain.”
It’s important if your dog has had a seizure to contact your vet and find out what they advise you to do. Some vets will want you to bring them in right away, while others recommend waiting until their next seizure to bring them in. You’ll want to bring your dog in to be evaluated and determine why they are having seizures, your vet will help you determine the urgency of that visit.
What do seizures look like?
Seizures can sometimes be difficult to identify and are not always the “dog convulsing on the ground” imagery we think of when we hear the term.
While those types of seizures are easier to spot, some seizures may present themselves as paddling of limbs, unresponsiveness, facial tremoring, unusual barking, stiff bodies, etc.
Regardless of the type of seizure, most dogs recover quickly. It can feel like forever and is disturbing to witness, but be sure to watch the time. Seizures typically last 2-3 minutes. If a seizure lasts more than 3-5 minutes, this is an emergency and you should bring your dog to your vet or emergency vet.
Ok, so what do I do?
Try to remain calm. This is much easier said than done, but your pup needs you to be calm and focused so you can take action.
Ensure a safe environment. Move harmful objects away from your dog. Sharp corners (i.e coffee tables), move them away from staircases, bodies of water, etc. Cushion their head, gently hold and comfort them until they begin to regain consciousness.
Keep track of the time and (if it’s safe to do so) record their seizure on your phone, especially if this is their first one. This will be helpful to show your vet when you bring them in.
Call your vet (or emergency vet if after hours) as soon as the seizure is over to determine what they want you to do next.
Keep an eye on your dog and if they have another seizure within a 24-hour period, they are experiencing “cluster” seizures. This requires immediate veterinary attention. Also, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, take your dog to the vet right away for examination.
Determine a plan moving forward with your vet, which could include medication, lifestyle changes, etc.