Dog Seizures: What to Do, Why They Happen, and When It's an Emergency
Watching your dog have a seizure is one of the most frightening things a pet owner can experience. The convulsions, the loss of consciousness, the helplessness — it can feel like minutes when it's only seconds. But the actions you take during and immediately after a seizure can significantly affect your dog's outcome. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Seizure?
A seizure is an episode of abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. It can affect a dog's behavior, movement, and consciousness (AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, 2019). Seizures can look very different depending on their type and severity — from a dog going limp and staring blankly, to full-body convulsions, paddling legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, and snapping at the air.
Most seizures in dogs have three phases:
- Pre-ictal phase (aura): Before the seizure. Your dog may seem anxious, clingy, disoriented, or restless.
- Ictal phase: The seizure itself. Typically 1–3 minutes.
- Post-ictal phase: After the seizure. Your dog may be confused, wobbly, temporarily blind, disoriented, or extremely hungry. This can last minutes to hours.
What Causes Dog Seizures?
Idiopathic Epilepsy
The most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs aged 1–5 years. "Idiopathic" means there's no identifiable underlying structural cause — it appears to be genetic. Breeds commonly affected include Border Collies, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Belgian Tervurens.
Brain Disease
Brain tumors, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and structural abnormalities can cause seizures, particularly in dogs over age 5.
Metabolic Causes
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver disease, kidney failure, and electrolyte abnormalities can all trigger seizures. These are more common in senior dogs or dogs with known systemic disease.
Toxins
Many common substances can cause seizures in dogs: xylitol (sugar substitute found in gum, peanut butter), certain mushrooms, marijuana, slug bait (metaldehyde), certain human medications, and more.
Head Trauma
A blow to the head can cause immediate or delayed seizure activity.
What to Do During a Seizure
Stay calm. Your dog cannot feel pain during a seizure, even though it looks distressing.
Time it. Start a timer the moment the seizure begins. Duration is critical information for your vet.
Move hazards away. Clear the area of furniture edges, stairs, and hard objects. Do not restrain your dog — you risk injury to yourself and to them.
Do not put your hands near their mouth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues during seizures. They can and will bite reflexively.
Keep it quiet and dark if possible. Reduce stimulation — turn off loud music or TV.
Record it if safe to do so. A video helps your vet immensely.
What to Do After a Seizure
- Speak softly and calmly to your dog. They will be disoriented.
- Do not offer food or water immediately — they may choke.
- Keep them away from stairs or other fall hazards during the disoriented recovery phase.
- Call your vet even if it was a first seizure and your dog has fully recovered.
When to Worry: Emergency Signs
Go to an emergency vet immediately if:
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus — a dangerous, life-threatening state)
- Your dog has more than 2 seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- This is your dog's first seizure — needs evaluation regardless
- Your dog doesn't recover to a normal state within 30 minutes
- You suspect toxin ingestion
- Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has known health conditions
What's going on with your pet?
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Still Not Sure if Your Dog Needs a Vet?
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