How to Stop Seizures in Dogs Immediately: An Emergency Guide

Witnessing your dog experience a seizure can be incredibly distressing. The sudden loss of control and physical convulsions are frightening for any pet owner. Understanding how to react immediately and what steps to take for long-term management is crucial for your dog’s well-being. This guide provides comprehensive information on recognizing seizures in dogs, immediate actions to take during a seizure, and available treatments to help you navigate this challenging condition.

Immediate Actions During a Seizure: Staying Calm and Keeping Your Dog Safe

When your dog starts seizing, your first instinct might be to panic. However, staying calm is the most important thing you can do to help your pet. Your primary focus should be on ensuring their safety and preventing injury during the seizure.

1. Ensure a Safe Environment:

Clear the Area: Quickly move away any objects that could harm your dog during the seizure. This includes furniture with sharp edges, breakable items, or anything that could fall on them.
Protect from Falls: If your dog is near stairs, try to gently guide them away from the edge, if it’s safe for you to do so. Your safety is also paramount, so don’t put yourself at risk.

2. Do Not Put Your Hands Near Their Mouth:

Avoid Bites: During a seizure, dogs lose consciousness and control over their movements. Their jaws may involuntarily clamp shut, and you risk being bitten if you put your hands near their mouth. They are not intentionally trying to bite, but it’s a reflex action during a seizure.
They Won’t Swallow Their Tongue: It’s a common myth that you need to prevent a seizing person or animal from swallowing their tongue. This is not a real risk, and attempting to put anything in your dog’s mouth during a seizure can cause injury to both you and your dog.

3. Time the Seizure:

Duration is Key: Note the time the seizure starts. The duration of a seizure is a critical factor in determining the severity and whether it constitutes a medical emergency.
Log Seizure Activity: Keeping a seizure log can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian. Record the date, time, duration, and any specific characteristics of the seizure. This information will assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

4. Comfort After the Seizure (Postictal Phase):

Disorientation and Confusion: After the seizure, your dog will likely be in a postictal phase, which can last from minutes to hours. They may be disoriented, confused, restless, or even temporarily blind.
Potential Aggression: Some dogs may exhibit aggression during this phase due to confusion and disorientation. Be cautious and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. Speak softly and allow them to recover in a quiet, safe space.

5. When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care:

Status Epilepticus: If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it’s considered a life-threatening emergency called status epilepticus. This requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Cluster Seizures: Multiple seizures occurring in a short period (e.g., more than one in 24 hours) also warrant urgent veterinary attention.
First Seizure: If your dog is experiencing a seizure for the first time, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of action.
Severe or Unusual Seizures: Particularly violent seizures or any seizure that deviates significantly from your dog’s typical seizure pattern should be evaluated by a vet promptly.

It is important to stay calm and keep your dog safe during a seizure.

Understanding the Different Types of Seizures in Dogs

Seizures manifest in various ways, and recognizing the type of seizure your dog is experiencing can be helpful for diagnosis and communication with your veterinarian. Seizures are broadly categorized into generalized and focal seizures.

1. Generalized Seizures:

Generalized seizures involve abnormal electrical activity across both hemispheres of the brain, leading to widespread effects.

Grand Mal Seizures (Tonic-Clonic): This is the most dramatic and recognizable type of seizure. Dogs experiencing a grand mal seizure typically:
- Suddenly collapse.
- Exhibit violent, jerking movements of all limbs (convulsions).
- May paddle their legs.
- May froth at the mouth (excessive salivation).
- May lose bladder and bowel control.
- Lose consciousness.
Tonic Seizures: Characterized by muscle stiffness and rigid extension of the limbs without jerking movements.
Clonic Seizures: Involve rhythmic, jerking movements of the limbs, but without the initial stiffening (tonic) phase.
Myoclonic Seizures: Sudden, brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles.
Atonic Seizures: Characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the dog to collapse. They may appear to simply stare blankly and become unresponsive.

2. Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures):

Focal seizures originate from a localized area in the brain. Their presentation can be more subtle and varied than generalized seizures.

Subtle Signs: Focal seizures may manifest as:
- “Fly-biting”: Snapping at imaginary flies.
- “Chewing gum fits”: Repeated jaw movements as if chewing gum.
- Facial twitching: Twitching of an eyelid, lip, or ear.
- Localized muscle spasms: Twitching in one limb or part of the body.
- Behavioral changes: Unusual fearfulness, aggression, or hiding.
Consciousness: Dogs may remain conscious during a focal seizure, although awareness can be altered.
Progression to Generalized Seizures: It’s important to monitor focal seizures closely as they can sometimes escalate into generalized seizures.

Focal seizures can manifest in subtle ways, such as facial twitching or fly-biting.

Identifying the Underlying Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Determining the cause of seizures is crucial for effective treatment and management. Seizures can be categorized based on their origin: reactive, structural, and idiopathic.

1. Reactive Seizures:

Reactive seizures are triggered by metabolic imbalances or toxins affecting a normal brain.

Metabolic Disorders: Conditions that disrupt the body’s normal biochemical processes can lead to seizures. These include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium).
- Liver disease.
- Liver shunts.
- Kidney disease.
Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins can lower the seizure threshold in the brain and induce seizures. Common culprits include:
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate).
- Caffeine.
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener).
- Antifreeze.
- Rat poison.
- Alcohol.
Drugs: Certain medications can also trigger seizures as a side effect. Discontinuing the offending drug usually resolves these seizures.

2. Structural Seizures:

Structural seizures result from physical abnormalities within the brain itself.

Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain can disrupt normal brain function and cause seizures.
Head Trauma: Injury to the head can lead to brain damage and subsequent seizures.
Inflammatory Diseases: Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) can be caused by infections or autoimmune conditions and trigger seizures.
Infectious Diseases: Certain infections, such as rabies and canine distemper, can affect the brain and cause seizures.

3. Idiopathic Epilepsy:

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. It is a primary seizure disorder of unknown origin, meaning no underlying metabolic or structural cause can be identified.

Diagnosis of Exclusion: Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed after ruling out other potential causes through blood tests, urine tests, and brain imaging (MRI or CT scans).
Age of Onset: Typically begins between 6 months and 6 years of age. Onset outside this range may suggest other causes.
Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to epilepsy, including:
- Schnauzers
- Collies
- Basset Hounds
- Cocker Spaniels
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Border Collies
- Irish Setters
- Siberian Huskies
- Keeshonds
- Saint Bernards

Long-Term Management and Treatment Options for Canine Seizures

Treatment strategies for canine seizures depend on the underlying cause, seizure frequency, severity, and overall impact on the dog’s quality of life.

1. When to Start Anticonvulsant Medication:

Not Always Necessary After the First Seizure: For dogs experiencing their first seizure between 6 months and 6 years old, and with normal diagnostic test results, immediate medication may not be required. A “wait-and-see” approach might be adopted.
Exceptions for Immediate Treatment:
- Status Epilepticus: Requires immediate intravenous medication to stop the seizure.
- Cluster Seizures: Often necessitate prompt anticonvulsant therapy.
- Severe or Prolonged Seizures: Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes warrant immediate intervention.
- Breed Predisposition to Severe Epilepsy: Breeds known for difficult-to-control epilepsy might benefit from earlier intervention.
Seizure Frequency and Severity: The decision to start long-term anticonvulsant medication is usually based on the frequency, severity, and duration of seizures, as documented in your seizure log.
Quality of Life: If seizures occur more than once a month and are impacting your dog’s and your family’s quality of life, medication is generally recommended.

2. Why Not Start Medication Immediately?

Possibility of Isolated Seizures: Your dog might never have another seizure, or seizures might be infrequent and mild.
Lifelong Medication: Once anticonvulsant therapy is started, it’s typically a lifelong commitment.
Medication Side Effects and Costs: Anticonvulsants can have side effects and represent an ongoing expense.
Breakthrough Seizures: Even with medication, breakthrough seizures can still occur. Medication is not always a guarantee of a seizure-free life.

3. Anticonvulsant Medications for Dogs:

Several effective anticonvulsant medications are available for dogs. Veterinarians will choose the most appropriate medication based on individual needs and seizure type.

Phenobarbital: A classic and effective anticonvulsant, often a first-line choice.
Levetiracetam (Keppra): Popular due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects. Available in short-acting (multiple daily doses) and extended-release (Keppra XR – twice daily dosing) formulations.
Zonisamide: Another well-tolerated and effective anticonvulsant.
Potassium Bromide: Can be used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants, particularly phenobarbital.
Other Medications: Topiramate and other newer anticonvulsants may be considered in certain cases.

4. Refractory Epilepsy:

Challenge of Drug Resistance: Approximately 20% of dogs have refractory epilepsy, meaning their seizures are not adequately controlled with one anticonvulsant medication.
Combination Therapy: Managing refractory epilepsy often requires using multiple anticonvulsant medications in combination. Levetiracetam is frequently used as a second medication.
Tolerance: Dogs can develop tolerance to anticonvulsants over time, requiring dose adjustments or medication changes. Managing refractory epilepsy can be challenging and require close collaboration with your veterinarian.

Emergency Treatments to Stop Seizures at Home

While long-term management focuses on preventing seizures, there are emergency treatments your veterinarian can prescribe to stop a seizure in progress at home.

1. Rectal Diazepam (Valium) or Intranasal Midazolam:

Emergency Medications: Your veterinarian can prescribe diazepam for rectal administration or midazolam for intranasal administration to be used at home during a seizure. These are benzodiazepine medications that act quickly to stop seizures.
Administration: You will be trained on how to administer these medications. Rectal diazepam is given using a syringe and a small rubber tube inserted gently into the rectum. Intranasal midazolam is sprayed into the dog’s nostril.
Shorten Seizure Duration: These medications can often shorten the duration and reduce the severity of a seizure when administered promptly.

2. Pulse Keppra Therapy:

For Cluster Seizures: If your dog experiences cluster seizures while on regular anticonvulsant medication, your veterinarian might recommend keeping short-acting levetiracetam (Keppra) on hand.
Prevent Seizure Clusters: A few doses of Keppra given after a seizure can help prevent the occurrence of subsequent seizures in a cluster.

Adjunctive and Alternative Therapies for Seizure Management

In addition to conventional medications, some adjunctive and alternative therapies may be beneficial in managing canine seizures, especially in cases of refractory epilepsy.

1. Vagal Nerve Stimulation:

Gentle Eye Pressure: Stimulating the vagal nerve may help to lessen the duration and severity of a seizure.
Technique: If it is safe to do so, gently apply pressure with your fingers to your dog’s closed eyelids for 10-60 seconds. This can be repeated every five minutes.
Pre-ictal Signs: If you recognize early (pre-ictal) signs of a seizure, this maneuver might even help to prevent the seizure from fully developing.

2. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM):

Acupuncture and Herbal Remedies: TCVM, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies, can be used as an adjunctive therapy for seizure control.
Improved Seizure Control: TCVM may improve seizure control in dogs with refractory epilepsy, even when they are already on anticonvulsant medication.
Reduce Medication Dose: In some cases, TCVM may help to lower the required dose of anticonvulsant medications.
TCVM Specialist: Consult with a veterinarian certified in TCVM for these therapies.

3. Prescription Diet: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NeuroCare (NC):

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): This diet is formulated with MCTs, which are known to have anticonvulsant properties by blocking certain receptors in the brain involved in seizure activity.
Reduced Seizure Frequency: Studies have shown that feeding epileptic dogs Purina NeuroCare diet can significantly reduce seizure frequency.
Refractory Epilepsy: This diet can be a valuable option, particularly for dogs with refractory seizures despite medication.

Seizures in dogs can be a challenging condition to manage, but with a thorough understanding of seizure types, causes, and available treatments, along with close collaboration with your veterinarian, you can provide the best possible care for your canine companion and improve their quality of life. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for your dog’s specific situation.