What To Do If Your Dog Has Convulsions or a Seizure

Seizures or convulsions in dogs can be caused by various health conditions such as epilepsy, poisoning, or heat stroke. If your dog has a known condition like epilepsy, your veterinarian will provide medication and advice to manage seizures effectively. However, an otherwise healthy dog can also suddenly experience a seizure, which can be frightening for any owner.

This guide offers clear, calm steps on what to do if your dog has convulsions or seizures to help keep your dog safe and get the right help quickly.

1. Observe and Monitor Your Dog’s Behaviour

Seizures rarely start without some warning signs. If your dog has no prior history of seizures, watch for unusual behaviours such as trembling, pacing, staring blankly, or rapid blinking. Spotting these early signs could give you valuable seconds or minutes to prepare and keep your dog safe.

Remove other pets and people from the area, and clear hazards to ensure your dog won’t hurt themselves during a seizure. Make sure the environment is safe and that your dog cannot fall down stairs or bump into hard objects.

2. Protect Your Dog from Injury During a Seizure

When a seizure begins, your primary goal is to keep your dog safe from harm. Move furniture or sharp objects away and place soft pillows or blankets around them if possible to cushion any thrashing movements.

Do not try to hold or restrain your dog, as this may cause accidental injury to you or your pet. A convulsing dog may also snap or bite unintentionally, so be cautious and keep your hands away from their mouth.

If your dog has something in their mouth, gently remove it to prevent choking, but never force anything into their mouth, including your fingers.

3. Minimise Stress: Reduce Noise and Light

Lowering bright lights and loud noises can help reduce the stress and duration of the seizure. Keeping the environment calm promotes a quicker recovery for your dog and helps prevent further agitation.

4. Time the Seizure and Record Details

It is vital to note the exact time the seizure starts and how long it lasts. Most seizures last from a few seconds up to a few minutes.

If safe to do so, recording a video of the seizure can be very helpful to your vet for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Also, take note of what your dog was doing before the seizure and any unusual behaviour you observed beforehand.

5. After the Seizure: Care and Comfort

Once the seizure subsides, your dog will likely be disoriented, tired, and confused. Keep them calm and warm in a quiet room. Avoid encouraging your dog to get up until they are ready.

Provide access to water but avoid offering food immediately. Some dogs may foam or salivate excessively during seizures, so having a towel handy can help manage this.

6. When to Get Urgent Veterinary Help

Seek emergency vet care immediately if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
• Your dog has multiple seizures close together without recovering in between (cluster seizures).
• Your dog has more than two seizures within 24 hours.
• Your dog is injured or does not return to normal behaviour after the seizure.

Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications such as brain damage or heatstroke.

7. Visit Your Vet for Diagnosis and Management

If your dog has never had a seizure before, it is essential to see your vet for a full assessment. Your vet will investigate underlying causes and recommend treatment or management plans to reduce future seizures.

When visiting your vet, provide them with detailed information including the seizure duration, frequency, and any pre-seizure behaviours you noted.

Managing seizure-prone dogs involves responsible ownership, regular veterinary check-ups, and adherence to prescribed medication. Maintaining a calm environment and acting swiftly during convulsions can make a significant difference to your dog’s safety and wellbeing.

Remember, timely action and veterinary support are key to helping your dog lead a safe, happy life despite seizures.