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Seeing your dog have a seizure can be one of the most frightening moments as a pet parent. The suddenness, the lack of control, and not knowing what to do can leave you feeling helpless. But understanding seizures in dogs and knowing how to respond can make a huge difference for both you and your furry friend.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Seizures in dogs can vary widely in appearance, ranging from subtle signs to dramatic episodes. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to ensuring your dog gets the care they need.
Common signs of seizures include:
- Collapsing suddenly
- Uncontrollable muscle jerking or twitching
- Paddling of the legs
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Loss of consciousness
- Involuntary urination or defecation
- Staring blankly or appearing dazed (in mild cases)
Seizures typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes. After the seizure, your dog may seem disoriented, wobbly, or tired — this is called the post-ictal phase. In some cases, they may temporarily lose vision or appear confused.
🔍 Possible Causes
Seizures are a symptom, not a disease, meaning they can result from a wide variety of underlying issues. Identifying the cause is crucial to managing your dog’s condition. Here are some common causes:
- Epilepsy (a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), particularly in small or young dogs
- Ingestion of toxins, such as chocolate, xylitol, or rat poison
- Head trauma or brain injury
- Liver or kidney disease
- Brain tumors (more common in older dogs)
- Infections affecting the brain, like canine distemper or meningitis
- Electrolyte imbalances, such as low calcium levels
If your dog has had a seizure, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests like blood work, imaging (MRI or CT scan), or even a spinal tap to determine the root cause.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
When your dog has a seizure, it’s natural to panic, but staying calm can help you respond effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Move your dog to a safe area away from stairs, sharp objects, or furniture.
- Keep your hands and face away from their mouth — they won’t swallow their tongue, but they could bite unintentionally.
- Time the seizure. Knowing how long it lasts is important information for your vet.
- Turn off bright lights or loud noises to minimize stimulation.
- Once the seizure ends, comfort your dog and allow them to rest in a quiet, safe space.
Do not attempt to restrain your dog during a seizure, as this could cause them harm or increase their stress. It’s also important to note that seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or occurring back-to-back (cluster seizures) are emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention.
💡 When to Call a Vet
While a single, brief seizure may not indicate a life-threatening issue, you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and prevent future episodes. Call your vet or seek emergency care immediately if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- Your dog experiences multiple seizures in a short period (cluster seizures).
- Your dog does not recover fully between seizures.
- The seizure occurs after ingesting something toxic.
- Your dog has other symptoms, such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or severe disorientation.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing seizures and improving your dog’s quality of life.
FAQs
Q: Can seizures in dogs be cured?
A: Some causes of seizures, like those due to toxins or low blood sugar, can be treated and resolved completely. However, conditions like epilepsy often require long-term management with medication.
Q: What should I do if my dog has another seizure?
A: Keep calm and ensure your dog is safe. If seizures occur frequently or last longer than 5 minutes, seek immediate veterinary care.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
