Dog Seizures and Epilepsy: What to Do and How It Is Treated

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Few things are as distressing as watching your dog have a seizure. Knowing what to do makes it easier to help.

What a seizure looks like

Seizures vary. Some dogs collapse, paddle their legs, stiffen, drool and lose bladder or bowel control. Others have subtle focal seizures, such as facial twitching, fly-biting, staring or odd behavior. Afterward dogs are often disoriented, restless, thirsty or temporarily blind.

What to do during a seizure

1. Stay calm and keep children away.
2. Move objects that could cause injury, or gently guard from stairs.
3. Do not put your hands near the mouth. Dogs cannot swallow their tongues.
4. Note the time and, if safe, film it.
5. Keep the room quiet and dim.
6. Cool the dog if he feels very hot, and call your vet.

When it is an emergency

Go to an emergency vet if:

• A seizure lasts more than five minutes
• Seizures come in clusters, with more than one in 24 hours
• Your dog does not recover between seizures
• It is the first seizure and your dog seems unwell
• He may have been poisoned. See dog poisoning: what to do
• The dog is a very young puppy. See hypoglycemia in puppies

Causes

• Idiopathic epilepsy, often starting between six months and six years of age
• Toxins, including xylitol, some plants and rodenticides. See is xylitol toxic to dogs
• Metabolic disease, such as low blood sugar or liver problems. See liver disease in dogs
• Brain tumors, infections or inflammation
• Head trauma
• Heatstroke. See dog heatstroke

Diagnosis

Your vet will examine your dog and recommend bloodwork, urinalysis and often advanced imaging such as MRI and spinal fluid testing. Idiopathic epilepsy is usually diagnosed after other causes are excluded.

Treatment

Medication is usually considered after repeated or severe seizures. Common drugs include phenobarbital, levetiracetam, potassium bromide and imepitoin, chosen by your vet. Treatment plans need monitoring with bloodwork. Never stop or change medication abruptly.

Seizure diary

Record date, time, duration, signs, triggers and recovery time. Add notes about medication and any missed doses. Bring it to every checkup.

Living with epilepsy

1. Give medication at the same times daily.
2. Keep rescue medication if your vet prescribes it.
3. Create safe spaces away from stairs.
4. Reduce known triggers, such as stress or missed meals.
5. Educate everyone in the household.

After the seizure

Keep your dog calm, offer water and let him rest. Avoid feeding until he is alert. Contact your vet to report the event, even if he seems fine.

Common mistakes

• Putting hands in his mouth
• Stopping medication when seizures lessen
• Not timing the seizure
• Delaying emergency care

Troubleshooting

• My dog has a seizure on medication: call your vet, since doses may need adjusting.
• My dog is bumping into things afterward: keep him in a safe space.
• Seizures cluster: seek emergency care.

A simple plan

1. Stay calm.
2. Time the seizure.
3. Call your vet.
4. Keep a diary.

Real-life examples

A young border collie has her first seizure and is diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, then stabilizes on medication. A terrier has seizures after eating xylitol gum and is treated in hospital. A senior retriever with new-onset seizures is found to have a brain tumor. Causes vary.

Staying prepared

Keep your vet and emergency numbers handy and a plan for transport.

Supporting a dog on anticonvulsants

Medication may cause sleepiness, increased appetite, thirst or wobbliness at first. Many effects settle within weeks, but report anything concerning. Bloodwork checks are often needed every few months to monitor drug levels and liver health. Use reminders so doses are never missed, and refill prescriptions early.

Cluster and rescue plans

Ask your vet if a rescue medication, such as a rectal or nasal benzodiazepine, is appropriate, and learn how to give it. Write a plan with phone numbers, the time threshold for going to hospital and a note about medication doses. Share it with everyone who cares for your dog.

The takeaway

Stay calm, time the seizure and call your vet. Many dogs with epilepsy live full lives.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.