When a dog has a seizure, it is a terrifying experience. Dogs typically lie down with their legs straight out, shake and seem oblivious to anything that is going on when they have a seizure. They may urinate and defecate and often don't recognize their owners. Most seizures only last for a few minutes and the dog goes back to normal a little while after the seizure has ended. While there's nothing you can do to stop an active seizure, there are preventative measures you can take to keep your dog safe and minimize their occurrence.
Things You'll Need
- Rug or blanket
Instructions
Remain calm during the seizure, if possible. It is most likely that your dog will come out of the seizure in a few minutes---if not a few seconds---and be totally normal again. Try to note how long the seizure takes place and what happened before it came on. This information can be very useful to your veterinarian.
Carry your dog to an area that is open, if possible. Taking the dog to an open space may prevent injury. If not, clear out any items that are near the dog to prevent it from knocking them over and becoming hurt. In addition, lay the dog on a rug or blanket if you are able.
Avoid placing your hands near the dog's mouth to prevent being bit. Canines can become quite confused during a seizure and can bite out of fear. Dogs do not swallow their tongues during seizures like humans do, so there is no need to place your hand in the mouth to hang onto it.
Try to soothe your dog by petting it and talking calmly. Some veterinarians believe that the length and severity of the post-ictal stage of the seizure, or the time when the dog is coming out of the seizure, is decreased with gentle talking and touching by the owner.
Contact your veterinarian. Most adult dogs that have one isolated seizure go back to being completely normal without any health concerns to worry about. However, if a puppy or lactating dog has a seizure, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In addition, if the dog has had many seizures over the course of a small amount of time, it may need to be placed on anti-convulsive medication.