The Side Effects of a Dog's Seizure

Seizures are a common canine neurological problem. Canine seizures are most often caused by the condition epilepsy; however, they can also be the result of brain tumors or negative reactions to medication. Seizures are not painful for dogs, are most often not deadly and can be treated/prevented with medication. The best thing you can do for your dog during a seizure is to prevent the dog from falling and getting hurt. Never hold the dog's tongue, dogs never swallow their tongues in a seizure and you can be badly bitten. See your veterinarian if your dog suffers from a seizure to determine the best course of treatment.

  1. Body Movements

    • During a seizure, a dog may become stiff and fall onto their side. You may see them make leg movements as if they are running. You may notice contractions of the dog's muscles anywhere in the body.

    Loss of Consciousness

    • Dogs lose conciousness as soon as a seizure starts. Dogs suffering seizures are unable to respond to you or hear anything you may say to them.

    Vocalization

    • Dogs often cry out as a result of the seizure. The dog may make other vocalizations, such as growling, barking, even snarling.

    Elimination

    • Just as humans do, dogs also lose control of their bowels due to seizures. The dog may involuntarily urinate or defecate as soon as the seizure starts, or at any point during the seizure.

    Bewilderment

    • After the seizure is over, a dog may feel very confused. While some dogs recover from this confusion in 10 to 15 minutes, others appear to be bewildered for 24 hours following a seizure.

    Pattern Behavior

    • Dogs that suffer from chronic seizures often have routines of behavior that they follow. Some dogs regularly do things that are out of character, may seek out their owner's companionship, or just act odd before each seizure. Post-seizure behavior patterns also occur, such as immediately getting a drink then asking to go out to use the bathroom.

    Medication Side Effects

    • Dogs often have to be medicated following a seizure to ensure that another doesn't occur or to prevent chronic seizures from becoming a problem. These medications have side effects, including lethargy or sedation. Seizure medication may also cause an increase in appetite or thirst.