What to Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dog Owners

Watching your dog suffer a seizure is a deeply distressing and confronting experience, one that no dog owner ever wants to face. Unfortunately, for some of us, it’s a situation we may encounter, either as a one-off event or recurring due to an underlying health issue. It’s important that, as dog owners, we are prepared for this possibility and know how to help our dogs through it as safely and calmly as possible.

So—do you know what to do if your dog has a seizure?

1) Do your VERY best to stay calm 😌

We know—it’s easier said than done. But your calmness will help you respond in the best way possible. When your dog comes out of the seizure, your calm energy will be reassuring. Remember, dogs feed off our emotions.

2) Ensure your dog is safe  🚧

​During a seizure, your dog may move uncontrollably. Make sure there’s nothing around them they could hit their head on, and ensure they’re away from stairs or ledges. If you need to move them, use a blanket or towel to gently slide them to a safe space. Never try to restrain or pick up your dog unless they are in immediate danger. Also, never put your hands near your dog’s mouth during a seizure, as they may bite involuntarily.

3) Time and record the seizure ⏱️

​Take note of when the seizure starts. Once your dog is safe, try to record a video of the seizure (if this is out of the ordinary for your dog to suffer a seizure.) This footage can be incredibly helpful for your vet in diagnosing the cause and determining appropriate treatment. Also, track when the seizure ends so you can inform your vet of its duration. If multiple seizures occur, continue noting the times and symptoms between each one.

4) After the seizure ends ❤️

When the seizure finishes, your dog may be disoriented and unable to stand. They may also have urinated or defecated during the seizure. Sit with them and give them lots of cuddles and reassurance. 
Check for signs of overheating—seizures lasting more than a few minutes can cause a rise in body temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, feel inside your dog’s ears or groin area. If these areas feel much warmer than normal, your dog may be overheating. Use a fan to gently blow cool air over them, or place a damp, cool cloth on their paw pads.
Once your dog is stable and able to stand, offer them some water and gently clean them up.

5) Contact your vet 📞

As soon as your dog is safe and the seizure has ended, contact your vet. Share all the information you've recorded and book an appointment for an examination as soon as possible.
If your dog has multiple seizures in a short period or a single seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. If it’s after hours, find the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic and get your dog there as soon as possible.