Dog Seizures
Seeing your dog have a seizure can be frightening. This page walks you through common causes, what to do right away, when it is an emergency, and what your veterinarian may recommend next.
When to call a vet for dog seizures
Go to the ER now
- ● Your dog is having a seizure right now that lasts 5 minutes or longer.
- ● Your dog has more than one seizure in a short period or has repeated seizures without fully recovering between them.
- ● This is your dog's first known seizure, especially if your dog is very young, senior, pregnant, diabetic, or has other medical problems.
- ● Your dog had a seizure after possible toxin exposure, head trauma, overheating, or severe illness.
- ● After the seizure, your dog is struggling to breathe, collapses, stays unresponsive, or does not seem to recover.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your dog had a brief seizure but is now awake and stable and needs same-day veterinary guidance.
- ● Your dog seems disoriented, blind, restless, or unusually weak for more than a short recovery period after the episode.
- ● The seizure activity seems to be happening more often, lasting longer, or looking more intense than before.
- ● You noticed unusual focal signs such as face twitching, lip smacking, fly-biting, paddling, or staring spells, even if your dog stayed conscious.
- ● Your dog is already on anti-seizure medication and still had a breakthrough seizure.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Your dog has a known seizure disorder, had a brief episode, recovered as expected, and your veterinarian has already given you a home action plan.
- ● You were able to safely time the seizure, record a video, and your dog returned to normal behavior within the timeframe your vet has said is typical.
- ● There were no signs of toxin exposure, trauma, overheating, or ongoing neurologic problems, but you should still update your veterinarian.
- ● Your dog is eating, drinking, walking, and responding normally after recovery, with no additional seizures.
- ● Even when monitoring at home, call your vet for any seizure so they can advise you on next steps.
Common Causes of Dog Seizures
Idiopathic epilepsy
This is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs when no underlying cause is found. It often starts between 6 months and 6 years of age.
Toxins or poisoning
Some medications, chemicals, recreational drugs, and other toxins can trigger seizures. Suspected poisoning should be treated as an emergency.
Metabolic disease
Low blood sugar, liver disease, kidney failure, and electrolyte problems can all lead to seizure activity. These causes often need prompt testing and treatment.
Head trauma
A fall, blow to the head, or other injury can affect the brain and cause seizures. Dogs with trauma need urgent veterinary assessment.
Brain disease
Inflammation, infection, congenital problems, or brain tumors can cause seizures, especially in older dogs or dogs with other neurologic signs.
Breed-related risk
Some breeds are more likely to develop epilepsy, and a genetic component is known or suspected in certain dogs.
What to Do at Home
If your dog is having a seizure, focus on safety and observation. Most seizures are short, but repeated seizures or any seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is an emergency. Do not put your hands near your dog's mouth, and do not try to hold your dog down. Once the seizure stops, keep your dog calm, quiet, and away from stairs or other hazards, then call your vet for guidance.
- Move furniture, other pets, and hard objects away so your dog is less likely to get hurt.
- Time the seizure if you can, and record a video for your veterinarian if it is safe to do so.
- Do not restrain your dog and do not place your fingers or objects in your dog's mouth.
- Keep the room dim and quiet during recovery, because dogs are often confused or temporarily unsteady afterward.
- Watch for repeat seizures, prolonged disorientation, trouble breathing, collapse, or signs of toxin exposure.
- If this is the first seizure, if the episode lasts 5 minutes or longer, or if your dog has cluster seizures, go to an emergency vet right away.
Frequently asked questions about dog seizures
What should I do if my dog has a seizure?
Are seizures in dogs always an emergency?
What causes seizures in dogs?
Can a dog recover after a seizure?
When do dogs with seizures need medication?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.