Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine defines a seizure as "a paroxysmal, transitory disturbance of brain function that has a sudden onset, ceases spontaneously, and has a tendency to recur." Seizures in dogs have many causes; the most common type is an inherited condition known as "idiopathic epilepsy." Watching your dog have a seizure is a frightening experience, but knowing the symptoms and monitoring your dog's episodes will help your veterinarian prescribe the best course of treatment for your pet.
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Prodome
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According to the American Medical Association, prodome is "an early warning symptom of illness." It often precedes the actual seizure by hours or, possibly, days. Prodomes can be a physical or visual sensation or a mood or behavioral change. Humans are known to experience prodomes before an impending seizure, often characterized by headaches, insomnia, or emotional awareness. Dogs may or may not experience prodomes. Many owners believe they do, as experienced by their personal observations of their own dogs' behavior.
Aura
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An "aura" may occur minutes to hours before a seizure and signals its start. Different dogs exhibit different signs, but common ones include: restlessness, nervousness, trembling, whining, pacing, licking, salivating, barking, affection, apprehension, wandering, hiding, hysterical running, and anxiety. Although some veterinary professionals contend that the aura is most often not evident, many dog owners who closely monitor their dogs' seizures disagree.
Ictus
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The actual seizure is known as the "ictal period." According to Ned Patterson, D.V.M. and University of Minnesota epileptic researcher, this "is a sudden event with involuntary increases in either muscle tone (tonus) and/or movement (clonus: such as paddling). Animals may also exhibit abnormal sensations or behaviors which usually last seconds to minutes." Your dog will lose consciousness during this period and probably fall to his side. His face may twitch, and he may utter sounds. Dogs frequently urinate, salivate, and defecate during a seizure.
Postictus
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The postictal phase is the recovery period and can last from minutes to hours after a seizure ends. According to Patterson, this period can "include unusual behavior, disorientation, and neurological deficits." Your dog may also appear restless and may suffer from transient blindness, wandering aimlessly throughout the house, bumping into things. Although your dog is conscious during this phase, she is usually not functional. Some dogs are totally exhausted after a seizure and may lay in your arms, totally unresponsive.
Considerations
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Monitor the time and duration of each of your dog's seizures. If possible, try to keep your dog as safe as possible while he is having a seizure by reducing loud or sharp noises and removing other dogs or people from the area. This may be possible if he shows signs in the prodome or aura stage, which may give you time to find, create, or get him to a safe zone. Note the time and how long the seizure lasts. Although opinions differ, some pet owners comfort their dog while he is having a seizure by calmly talking to him and maintaining a close physical presence.
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