Canine seizures can be not only disconcerting to witness, but they cause brain damage and can be life-threatening in extreme cases. Instead of being taken by surprise when they jarring incidents arise, be aware and informed. Find out what happens during a canine seizure and how to handle the crisis when it occurs.

What Happens During a Seizure

Seizures tend to take place when an animal’s brain activity is particularly engaged or excited (such as when he is about to eat a favorite kind of food or explore a new place). They can also occur because of a physical injury or head trauma, or because of a disease or other health concern. Seizures happen most often when the brain is in transition (such as when a dog is drifting to sleep or just waking up). These are the typical stages of a seizure:

  • Aura (the pre-ictal phase): These spurts of abnormal brain activity are usually preceded by a time called the “aura,” when the animal might seem agitated, anxious, or aloof. They may also whimper or seek affection just moments before the seizure hits.
  • Collapse (ictal phase): Typically, the dog will lose consciousness, and will collapse, with his limbs going rigid. The dog’s breathing may also stop for up to 30 seconds.
  • Convulsions (ictal phase): Next the dog’s body may experience a series of convulsions and jerking, which typically happens in the legs and appears as though the pup is running/paddling. Some dogs will chomp, chew, drool, urinate or even defecate in this stage.
  • Regaining consciousness (post-ictal phase): When the seizure begins to pass (usually after 1-2 minutes) the dog may appear disoriented or confused. This may continue for a few minutes or even several hours, with the dog behaving strangely, bumping into walls, or stumbling, etc.

What to Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure

Witnessing a precious pet collapse and convulse (or worse) can be very disturbing, and it may take a while for inexperienced pet owners to adjust in the moment. However, when the initial shock is over, your help and support will be vital in your dog’s hour of need.

  • Stay calm and note the environment. Is there a sharp object nearby, such as a stair corner or furniture legs the dog could hit his head on? If so, gently push your dog out of the way so that he will not get hurt when convulsing.
  • If you have the opportunity, try to time the seizure. Even if it has been several seconds since the pup collapsed, keep watch and see how long it lasts. This will be able to help the vet enormously when they have to diagnose the issue. (Some quick-thinking pet owner will actually record a video of the seizure on their phone, to help the vet see what actually went on. This will also help a vet discern the difference between physical difficulties and actual seizures.)
  • Keep a good distance from your dog. Pups can bite during seizures, so be sure to stay away, and avoid putting anything in their mouth (though some will advise you to put an object in their mouth to avoid biting their tongues, this is actually dangerous). Some trainers recommend positioning a thin pillow or blanket underneath the dog’s head when the seizure starts, to help protect him from further head injury while convulsing. However, since seizures can be messy, try to stay out of the way, as further interference might actually make things worse for the dog.
  • Waiting & Intervening: Most seizures are over 1-3 minutes, but for those that continue to longer than 5 minutes (or if there is a close succession of seizures, wherein the dog does not regain consciousness), the situation may be critical. Such seizures must be ceased with anticonvulsants or intravenous Valium injections. This is an emergency and will require the help of a vet in order to avoid permanent brain damage or death.