Watching your dog have a seizure can stop you in your tracks, but staying calm helps keep them safe. Understanding how to stop seizures in dogs immediately comes down to knowing what you can do right then and what should wait for a vet. Most seizures follow a simple pattern. You might see odd behavior right before it starts, then the active seizure, and finally a recovery phase that can last a few minutes or a bit longer. Once you know this flow, the moment feels a little less chaotic.
We’ll walk you through what to do step by step if your dog has a seizure.
Understanding What Happens During a Seizure
Seizures in dogs develop when abnormal electrical activity disrupts normal brain function. This can create uncontrolled shaking, muscle rigidity, temporary blindness, or loss of bowel control. Some dogs have mild shaking that lasts only a few seconds. Others have generalized seizures that affect the entire body. There are also focal seizures, psychomotor seizures, and episodes called reactive seizures that stem from metabolic disorders.
These events can happen once or become recurrent seizures. Many dogs recover quickly, but some experience more than one seizure in a day. When multiple seizures occur close together, they are called cluster seizures. Severe seizures or a seizure that continues without stopping may belong to a state called status epilepticus. That situation needs veterinary assistance immediately.
Understanding the Different Types of Seizures
Knowing the type of seizure your dog has helps you predict what may happen during future episodes.
- Generalized Seizures: The entire body shakes with strong movements. These usually last a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Focal Seizures: Only one part of the body is affected. You may see twitching in a leg or one side of the face.
- Psychomotor Seizures: These often involve odd behaviors such as snapping at the air, running in circles, or chewing motions.
- Structural Seizures: These are caused by physical changes in the brain, such as tumors or spinal cord issues.
- Reactive Seizures: Triggered by metabolic causes like low blood sugar or toxin exposure.
What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure
Step One: Remain Calm and Protect Your Dog
Your dog has a seizure, and your instinct may be to rush in. Staying calm allows you to protect your dog’s safety in a practical way. Dogs cannot control their body during seizure activity, and touching them in the wrong place may put you at risk of an accidental bite. Focus on creating a safer space around them.
Keep the Area Clear
Move furniture or objects that could injure your dog. If your dog is near stairs, create a barrier so they do not fall. If they are on a couch or bed, gently slide them onto the floor.
Avoid Restricting Movement
Do not hold them down. Restraining a dog during a seizure can cause muscle injuries or added stress.
Keep Hands Away From the Mouth
A dog cannot swallow their tongue, but they can clamp down unexpectedly. Never place your hands near your dog’s mouth.
Step Two: Document the Seizure Episode
A detailed record helps your veterinarian understand the cause and frequency of your dog’s seizures.
What to Note
- The exact time the seizure starts
- How long the seizure lasts
- Any unusual behavior leading up to the event
- Any difficulty breathing or loss of coordination afterward
If it is safe, take a short video. Details like the type of movements, the duration, and whether your dog loses consciousness guide the diagnostic process later.
Step Three: Manage Your Dog’s Body Temperature
When a seizure lasts longer than a few minutes, the dog’s body temperature can rise quickly. Hyperthermia delays recovery and increases the risk of complications.
If the seizure lasts past two or three minutes, you can begin gentle cooling:
- Run a fan at a safe distance
- Apply cool water to the paws, neck, and inner thighs
- Avoid ice or very cold water
This step supports your dog’s body until the seizure stops.
When a Seizure Becomes an Emergency
Some seizure activity requires immediate veterinary care. Knowing when to act fast is essential if you want to control seizures before they move into dangerous territory.
Call ModernVet or seek emergency care right away if:
- The seizure lasts longer than three to five minutes
- Your dog has more than one seizure within 24 hours
- Your dog does not fully recover between episodes
- Multiple seizures occur back-to-back
- You see signs of status epilepticus
- Your dog’s body temperature climbs
If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to reach out. The urgent care team at ModernVet can help you figure out what’s going on and guide you on next steps.
Post-Seizure Care: Supporting Your Dog’s Recovery
Your dog may appear disoriented, confused, or restless once the seizure ends. The post-ictal phase can last a few minutes or several hours. Temporary blindness, pacing, and altered behavior are common.
Give your dog time to settle in a quiet room. Dim lighting helps reduce stress. Children and other pets should stay out of the area until your dog is steady on their feet.
When your dog is fully alert, offer small sips of water. Some dogs drink too quickly when dehydrated, so keep the portion size controlled. Avoid food until your dog has regained full coordination.
Scheduling a Follow-Up Exam at ModernVet
Every dog with a first-time seizure should be evaluated. Even occasional seizures benefit from a checkup, especially if you want to prevent breakthrough seizures that can occur without warning.
You can request an appointment online or explore the full range of services we offer.
What Your Veterinarian May Check
First, we will review the seizure log and ask about possible exposure to toxins. A physical examination helps rule out conditions that affect dogs with neurological symptoms.
Bloodwork may reveal metabolic disorders such as:
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Low blood sugar
- Infectious disease
If the initial tests show no clear cause, we may recommend additional diagnostics. Dogs with structural seizures may need imaging such as MRI or CT to identify issues like brain tumors, inflammation, or head trauma.
Some breeds, including Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd dogs, have a higher risk of idiopathic epilepsy. This condition causes recurrent seizures without a clear structural cause. Managing seizures long-term often involves anticonvulsant medication.
Treatment Options and Long-Term Seizure Control
If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy or another condition that affects seizure activity, your veterinarian may begin treatment. Seizures treated early have a better chance of remaining manageable.
Medication Options
Common anti seizure medications include:
- Phenobarbital
- Levetiracetam
- Potassium bromide
Some dogs need more than one medication to reach stable seizure control. Others respond well to a single dose twice a day. Consistency is essential. Skipped doses can trigger seizures or allow anti seizure medications to drop below therapeutic levels.
Managing Dogs With Persistent or Refractory Epilepsy
Refractory epilepsy refers to seizures that continue despite treatment. In these cases, adjustments to medication or additional testing may be required.
Your veterinarian may recommend lifestyle changes that support neurological stability. These may involve diet modifications, controlled exercise plans, or supplementation when appropriate.
What Not to Do During Your Dog’s Seizure
Some actions increase risks for you and your dog.
Avoid the following:
- Giving human medications
- Offering food or water during a seizure
- Trying to perform CPR
- Attempting to stop seizures with unapproved products
Rely on your veterinarian for safe anticonvulsant medication and clear care instructions.
When Multiple Seizures Happen in One Day
A dog experiencing recurrent seizures needs fast attention, especially if the episodes are close together. Cluster seizures exhaust the body and can lead to status epilepticus. Some veterinarians send pet owners home with rectal diazepam for emergency use, but this should only be used with professional guidance.
If your dog has more than one seizure in a day, call a veterinarian immediately. If you live near Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Suwanee, or Cumming, GA, reach out to ModernVet for urgent care support.
Preparing for Future Episodes
If your dog has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, preparing your home can make an episode less dangerous.
You can:
- Keep soft blankets near common rest areas
- Block stairways with gates
- Avoid leaving your dog on high furniture left unattended
- Ensure medications are given on schedule
Many dogs live long, happy lives with conditions like idiopathic epilepsy once a treatment plan is in place.
Partner With ModernVet for Your Dog’s Safety
If your dog has a seizure, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Focus on safety, document the event, cool your dog if needed, and call for help when the seizure lasts longer than expected or when more than one seizure occurs. Your partnership with the ModernVet team gives your dog the best chance at long-term seizure control and a comfortable life. If you have concerns, need answers, or want to explore diagnostic or treatment options, the ModernVet team is ready to help.
