If Your Dog Starts To Have A Seizure, Take These Steps Immediately

Seizures can affect humans and animals, but if that animal is a beloved family dog, it can be especially alarming. When it happens for the very first time, the episode usually triggers a whirlwind of emotions and questions. Did my dog have a seizure or a stroke? Are they in pain? What should I do and not do? When will it end? While there are different types, the seizures that involve convulsions — grand mal seizures — are the most common. If your dog has a grand mal seizure, it's important to follow specific steps so they can get the treatment they need.

When a dog has a grand mal seizure, also known as a generalized seizure, they lose consciousness, their body becomes rigid, and they fall to the ground. Then, the convulsions begin, which include paddling and kicking, and sometimes chomping and head jerking movements. Urinating and foaming at the mouth also typically occur. Some dogs involuntarily defecate as well. 

Despite how violent they might look, some seizures are mild, but others can be life-threatening. These steps — some of which should occur simultaneously — will help you be more prepared, should your dog ever have a grand mal seizure.

It's normal for a pet parent to be frightened and worried when they see their dog having a seizure, but those reactions won't help them. They won't end the seizure or change the outcome. While these emotions are involuntary at first, try your best to control your reactions after those initial few seconds. Take deep breaths. Choose not to panic, as this could make matters worse for you, emotionally, and even leave you with post-traumatic stress.

As soon as the seizure begins, you're going to want it to stop immediately, and every second will likely feel like an eternity. The good news is, most seizures stop on their own, and many last less than a minute. With these facts in mind and the knowledge that you can't "awaken" a dog from a seizure the way you can awaken one from a bad dream, it's best to just remain calm. Acknowledge that the incident is out of your control, and let the seizure pass.

Seeing the jerking and kicking movements of an unconscious dog for the first time, in person, can be unsettling for any loving pet owner. One of the reasons is the assumption that the dog is in pain as they are having a seizure. While it may look agonizing, seizures generally do not cause pain in dogs. What can cause pain, however, is their surroundings. This is why it's crucial that you ensure your pup is safe during the fit.

Remember, dogs lose consciousness during a grand mal seizure, so they're completely oblivious to anything around them. Make sure your dog isn't near a flight of stairs or any objects or furniture that could harm them. Relocate any nearby items out of the way to allow them more space to kick. Some dogs might move more violently and cover more ground than others during a seizure, especially if they're large, so keep this in mind as well.

Stay by your dog's side throughout the seizure to ensure they're safe until it passes, but avoid touching them near their mouth. Dogs typically have their mouths open during the entire seizure or part of it. They may appear to be chomping the air, so if your hand is too close, they could inadvertently bite you.

On average, a grand mal seizure lasts between one and three minutes, however, many are shorter. If it lasts more than five minutes, the condition — referred to as status epilepticus — becomes a life-threatening medical emergency. With the dog's body convulsing for so long, the core body temperature increases to a dangerous level. You'll want to head to a veterinarian for emergency care as soon as possible if you find yourself in this position. This risk is the reason that veterinarians recommend that pet owners time their dog's seizures. 

Alternatively, you can film it with your cell phone so you can show your veterinarian later, in case they have questions. While you may not want to relive it, rewatching the footage can help you prepare for another seizure, should your dog ever have one. If you don't have a cell phone, watch, or timer nearby, refer to a wall or desk clock, or count aloud.

A grand mal seizure involves a lot of fast body movements in a short period of time. The experience can be compared to a high-intensity exercise in terms of how the body responds. A rise in body temperature can follow both scenarios, and the longer the seizure lasts, the greater the chance that your dog will experience a spike in temperature.

If a dog's body temperature exceeds 105.8 F, the risk of brain damage increases. Hyperthermia is more likely to occur in dogs that experience more than one seizure within a short amount of time or that have a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes. This is why it's so crucial to keep your dog cool both during and after a seizure. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it behind your dog's neck, on their belly, or at the base of their neck. You can also cool their paws with cold water, and after the seizure ends, make sure your dog has access to cold drinking water.

For some dogs, a seizure is a one-time occurrence and has a known cause. Ingestion of a toxic plant or food, an infection, or liver disease are a few of the many potential causes. For other dogs, though, there is no known trigger. These cases are diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy. Some epileptic dogs may have a seizure once every few months while others might have several every few weeks. By contacting your vet, you can be one step closer to having answers about your pet's seizure.

After the seizure has ended or if it lasts more than 5 minutes, call your local vet or the nearest emergency vet and prepare to bring your pet in. Make a mental note of any food or items around the house that your dog may have ingested that could have caused the seizure. The veterinarian will likely undergo some tests, including a blood test, urine test, or X-rays to try to pinpoint the cause of the seizure. If necessary, they may first administer intravenous medication to break the seizure.

After having a seizure, most dogs experience what's referred to as a post-ictal phase, which can last minutes or hours. During this phase, your dog may be disoriented and a bit wobbly at first. Stay close to them during this time and be ready to assist, as they may accidentally bump into things. If the seizure occurred on a hard floor, chances are, the floor will be slippery and wet from the combination of bodily fluids. Foam is especially slippery, so be sure to dry the floor as soon as possible to prevent you or your dog from slipping.

Your dog may also be very confused after coming out of the seizure. They might sniff around, wondering why or when they soiled themselves. They might sniff you excessively as well, along with everything else nearby. Some dogs also become hyperactive and want to pace around the house. Others also want to eat and will try to access food as if they haven't eaten in days. It's important to give your pup a bit of time to rest, relax, and reorient to their surroundings. Once they seem calm, following your vet's advice on what to do next is best.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.