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It can be very scary to see your dog have a seizure. The first time it happens, you may feel helpless and not know what to do. This is normal. However, there are some things you can do to help your dog when this happens.
What is a Seizure in Dogs?
Seizures are a symptom of an underlying health issue that’s occurring in the brain. There are many conditions that can cause seizures in dogs, including epilepsy. Some forms of epilepsy are thought to be genetic. However, there are other causes of seizures in dogs, too.
Seizures may be caused by electrolyte or blood abnormalities (low blood sugar, severe anemia, cancer, brain trauma, and more).
What Does It Look Like When Your Dog Has a Seizure?
It’s not always easy to determine your fur baby is having a seizure. Your dog’s entire body may convulse or the seizures could be more localized (facial tremor, sudden rhythmic movements or actions, unusual barking, and more). In most cases, the dog recovers quickly once the seizure has finished.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure
Here are some things you can do to help your dog when he’s having a seizure:
- Stay calm
- Check the time the seizure starts & ends—the vet may want to know when the seizure started and how long it lasted.
- If possible, record the seizure with your phone—the vet can then see what happened during the event
- Do not grab your dog’s tongue—you could be bitten—he will not swallow his tongue during the seizure
- Your fur baby may froth or foam at the mouth; this is normal during a seizure and does not mean your dog has rabies
- Keep your dog away from stairs, cushion his head and gently hold him, offering comfort until he’s conscious
- It’s possible your canine companion may poop or urinate during the seizure—this is normal
- Seizures that last longer than 2-3 minutes may make your dog too warm. So, cool him off with water or wet towels around the groin, paws, and head. The dog needs to be taken to the vet ASAP
Once the seizure is over, and your dog has recovered, it’s time to call the vet, even if your dog seems to be acting completely normal afterward.
What’s more, if your dog has more than one seizure within 24 hours, he needs to see the vet right away. This is an emergency.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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