Steps To Take If Your Dog Is Having A Seizure

Your otherwise happy, playful dog has recently had a seizure and you are terrified of witnessing a seizure again in the future. There are several causes of seizures in dogs, including epilepsy, low blood sugar, poisoning, and diabetes, and recognizing the signs of a seizure and how to help is the best way to keep your dog safe. Here are a few things you need to do immediately if your dog is having a seizure.

Recognize the Symptoms of Seizures in a Dog

Whether your dog has a diagnosed seizure disorder, or this is the first seizure you are witnessing, it is important to learn the different and varied symptoms of seizures in dogs, including:

• Your dog will go stiff and fall to the ground
• Your dog will start shaking and jerking, sometimes violently
• Your dog may lose consciousness and start barking or foaming at the mouth
• Your dog may lose control of its bladder

Depending on the type of disorder or seizure, you may notice other signs of a seizure that seem unusual. For example, some dogs will begin to bark uncontrollably and for no reason, stop what they are doing and stare blankly, or will begin to walk in circles or begin drooling or biting.

Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable

Remain calm and breathe deeply while your dog is having a seizure. If your dog is in a potentially dangerous spot in your home, such as at the top of the stairs, carefully drag your dog by its hind legs and move them to a safer spot. If this is your dog's first seizure, do not touch your dog, as your dog may be frightened and try to instinctually bite or nip at you.

Once the seizure is over, give your dog a few minutes to recover before trying to hold or pet your dog. If this is your dog's first seizure, the seizure lasted for several minutes, or you are worried about your dog's health, contact your veterinarian right away.

Make a Record of the Seizure

Whenever possible, try to keep a record of your dog's seizure, such as the symptoms, the length of the seizure, and any triggers that could have led to the seizure. If your dog was diagnosed with a seizure disorder, taking a video of the seizure is a good way to record the episode. This information can help your veterinarian determine the cause of the seizures and provide you with tips to help best care for your dog during and after any seizures.

It can be very scary when your dog has a seizure. Knowing what to do is the best way you can care for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian or visit an animal hospital with any other questions.