What to Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure

In this guide

Watching your dog have a seizure is frightening, but knowing exactly what to do, and what not to do, in the moment can keep both of you safer and give your vet the information they need afterwards.

During the Seizure

• Stay calm and note the time the seizure started
• Clear away nearby furniture, stairs, or sharp objects that could injure your dog
• Do not put your hand or any object near or in your dog's mouth, since dogs cannot swallow their tongues but may bite unintentionally during a seizure
• Do not try to restrain or hold your dog down; let the seizure run its course
• If possible, film the episode on your phone, since this is genuinely useful for your vet
• If your dog is near water, a ledge, or stairs, gently guide them to a safer spot without touching their head

If the Seizure Lasts a Long Time

Most seizures last a few seconds to a couple of minutes. If a seizure continues beyond five minutes, your dog's body temperature can climb dangerously, raising the risk of complications. Point a fan towards your dog and apply cool water to the paws if the seizure is prolonged, and treat this as an emergency requiring immediate transport to a vet.

Immediately After the Seizure

Dogs are often disoriented, temporarily blind, unsteady, or anxious for a period after a seizure, known as the postictal phase. Keep your dog in a quiet, dim space, speak softly, and avoid offering food or water until they seem fully alert, since disorientation can make swallowing unsafe.

When to Call the Vet

• This is your dog's first ever seizure
• The seizure lasted longer than five minutes
• Your dog has more than one seizure within a 24 hour period, known as cluster seizures
• Your dog does not seem to fully recover within a couple of hours

Call your vet after any seizure, even a short, isolated one, to discuss next steps. Dogs with a known seizure history may be prescribed an at home rescue medication by their vet for prolonged or repeated episodes.

Keeping a Seizure Log

For dogs with recurring seizures, a simple log noting the date, time, duration, and what your dog was doing beforehand can reveal patterns, such as a link to feeding times or specific triggers, and helps your vet judge whether current treatment is working.

Preparing the Rest of the Household

If your dog has a known seizure history, it is worth briefly explaining the basics, staying calm, clearing the area, not touching the mouth, to anyone else who regularly looks after your dog, including family members, house help, or a dog walker. A short, calm explanation in advance means a seizure witnessed by someone else is handled correctly rather than met with panic or well meaning but harmful attempts to help.

A simple written note kept near your dog's food or leash, listing the basic steps and your vet's contact number, can be genuinely useful for anyone unfamiliar suddenly finding themselves in charge during an episode, reducing the chance of a well meaning but incorrect response.

Keeping a fully charged phone within reach during any known high risk period, such as shortly after a medication change, gives you one less thing to worry about if you do need to film an episode or call for help quickly.

Common Questions

Should I drive to the vet myself or call ahead first?

Calling ahead while someone else drives, if possible, lets the clinic prepare and gives you guidance for the journey. If you are alone, prioritise getting your dog safely into the car and call from the road if you can do so safely.

Is it safe to give my dog food right after a seizure if they seem hungry?

Wait until your dog is fully alert and steady on their feet, since some dogs remain briefly uncoordinated and could choke. A small amount of a bland, easy to swallow food once they seem back to normal is usually fine.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.