What Are Dog Seizures? Signs, Triggers, Treatments & What You Can Do

If your dog has ever had a seizure, you know how terrifying it can be. One minute they’re fine, and the next, they’re on the floor, twitching or completely spaced out. And you’re left feeling helpless and confused. It’s one of those moments that sticks with you.

But you’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the world. Seizures in dogs are more common than you might think, and while they’re always serious enough to pay attention to, they’re not always as extreme as they seem at first. With the right knowledge, support, and care plan, many dogs with seizures go on to live long, happy lives.

This blog is here to help you understand what are dog seizures, what to look for, how to respond, and how to support your dog effectively. If this is your first time dealing with seizures or you’re just looking for better ways to manage them, you’re in the right place.

Seizures provides natural support for epilepsy and seizures in dogs. Promotes calmness. It may aid in minimizing the frequency and duration of uncontrolled electrical disturbances and decreasing inflammation. All-natural formula. Easy to use.

What Are Dog Seizures?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. When this happens, it can cause all kinds of strange behavior in your dog: anything from spaced-out staring to full-body convulsions. It's scary to watch, especially if it’s the first time, but understanding what’s happening can make a huge difference in how you respond.

There are a few different types of seizures dogs can have, and each one can look a little different:

• Generalized or grand mal seizures are the kind of seizures people usually picture when they think of a seizure. Your dog may fall over, paddle their legs, drool, or even lose control of their bladder or bowels. These usually last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

• Focal seizures affect just one part of the brain, so the symptoms may only appear in one part of the body. You might notice facial twitching, chomping at the air (called fly-biting), or odd movements on one side of the body. These can sometimes be harder to notice.

• Cluster seizures are when your dog has more than one seizure in 24 hours. These are serious and should always involve a vet.

• Status epilepticus is a seizure that doesn’t stop, or your dog has back-to-back seizures without fully coming out of it. This is a life-threatening emergency and needs immediate medical attention.

Seizures mean you’ll need to pay closer attention to your dog’s health. Think of them as a symptom, not a disease. It’s a signal that something’s going on inside your dog’s brain; your job is to help figure out what that is.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

There are many different reasons why a dog might have a seizure. Some are totally manageable, while others might be part of a larger, long-term condition. Here’s a breakdown of what can trigger a dog seizure:

Idiopathic Epilepsy

This is the most common cause, especially in young, otherwise healthy dogs. “Idiopathic” means we don’t know exactly why it’s happening, but we know it tends to run in certain breeds. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Beagles, and Labrador Retrievers are some of the more commonly affected breeds. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy often start having seizures between 6 months and 6 years old.

Toxins

Dogs love to sniff and chew on things, so they can get into stuff they shouldn't, like chocolate, rodenticides (rat poison), xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum), or even some human medications. These can all trigger seizures. If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, it’s always best to call a vet or poison control right away.

Metabolic or Health Issues

Sometimes seizures are the result of an underlying condition, like:

• Liver issues: The liver helps filter toxins from the blood. If it’s not working right, those toxins can build up and affect the brain.

• Kidney problems: Similar idea here. When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, it can mess with the brain’s chemistry.

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This is more common in toy breeds or puppies and can cause seizures when blood sugar drops too low.

• High or low calcium or sodium levels: Electrolyte imbalances can trigger abnormal brain activity.

Fortress-Metabolic Strengthening is a strengthening formula for your dog’s metabolic system. Promotes the healthy functioning of the liver. Natural support for parasite cleanse & may help with die-off symptoms. All-natural formula. Safe and easy to use.

Head Injuries

In older dogs, especially, seizures can sometimes be linked to trauma. If a senior dog suddenly starts having seizures out of the blue, it’s definitely something your vet will want to look into with imaging like an MRI or CT scan.

Infections and Inflammation

Infections and inflammation can affect the brain and cause seizures. These cases are usually accompanied by other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or changes in behavior.

Seizures might seem random, but they usually have an underlying cause, even if it takes time to figure out what it is. The important thing is to stay calm, keep track of what’s happening, and work closely with your vet to get answers.

Recognizing the Signs of Dog Seizure

One of the hardest parts about dealing with dog seizures is that they don’t all look the same. Some are loud and dramatic. Others are quiet and easy to miss if you’re not sure what to look for. But most seizures follow a pattern that can help you recognize when something isn’t right. 

Let’s understand what do dog seizures look like.

The Pre-Ictal Phase (aka the Aura)

This is the “something’s coming” stage. It can last a few seconds or even hours before the actual seizure happens. Some dogs become clingy, anxious, or restless. Others might hide or seem confused. You might notice them pacing, whining, or staring off into space. It could be an early warning sign if your dog normally has a routine and suddenly breaks from it, especially if this happens often.

Owners who have dealt with seizures for a while often get really good at spotting this phase. It's not always obvious the first time, but once you know your dog’s pattern, it becomes easier to tell.

Anxiety and Over-Reaction from Fear is a natural remedy for calmness and reduced fear in dogs. It helps minimize stress and fear responses. Useful for generalized, separation, social, and environmental anxiety. All-natural formula. Non-drowsy effect. Easy to use.

The Ictal Phase (the Seizure Itself)

This is the part that’s most obvious and scary. Depending on the type of seizure, your dog might:

• Fall to their side and start paddling or twitching

• Lose consciousness or seem “zoned out”

• Chomp their jaw or drool excessively

• Make unusual noises or even cry out

• Lose bladder or bowel control

It usually lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. It feels much longer, though, especially when watching your dog go through it. The key is to stay calm and safe (more on that in a second).

The Post-Ictal Phase (the Recovery)

After the seizure ends, your dog might seem disoriented, wobbly, or even temporarily blind. Some dogs pace or act restless, while others just want to sleep. This recovery phase can last a few minutes to several hours, depending on the dog and the severity of the seizure.

It’s important to give them space, keep things quiet, and be patient. Their brains are rebooting, and they might not act like themselves right away.

What To Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure

The first time your dog has a seizure, it’s terrifying; you feel helpless. But the truth is, there are things you can do to help them without putting yourself or your dog in danger. Here’s what to do if your dog has a seizure:

Stay Calm (Seriously)

It's easier said than done, but it matters. Your dog is going through something intense and unfamiliar. Panicking will only add more stress to the situation. Take a deep breath and try to focus on what’s happening so you can remember the details later (like how long it lasted, what it looked like, etc.).

Keep Them Safe

Gently move anything they could hurt themselves on (like furniture or sharp objects) out of the way. If they’re near stairs, try to block them off. You don’t need to hold them down or try to stop their movements. Just make the area around them as safe as possible.

And please, don’t put your hand in their mouth. Dogs don’t swallow their tongues during seizures, and trying to open their mouth could lead to a serious bite (even if they don’t mean it).

Time It (If You Can)

If possible, grab your phone and time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes, or if your dog has multiple seizures close together (called cluster seizures), that’s an emergency. You need to get to a vet immediately.

Even if it’s a short one, it’s still a good idea to call your vet afterward and let them know what happened. They may want to run some tests or start keeping a record.

Comfort Them Afterwards

Once the seizure stops, your dog might be confused, scared, or exhausted. Sit with them, speak softly, and help them feel secure. Keep lights low and noise down. Don’t try to force them to eat or drink right away, just let them come back to themselves at their own pace.

Emotional Trauma Recovery is a natural emotional trauma recovery remedy for all dogs. Promotes calmness and may help minimize anxiety. All-natural formula. Easy to use.

Diagnosing the Cause

After your dog has a seizure, one of the first things your vet will want to do is figure out why it happened. Sometimes the answer is straightforward, but it often takes some work.

The process usually starts with a good conversation. Your vet will ask lots of questions about what you saw: how long it lasted, what your dog was doing beforehand, and how they acted after. If you can, take a video of the seizure; it can be incredibly helpful for diagnosis.

From there, the vet may suggest some tests. A basic blood panel is usually the first step. This helps check for things like low blood sugar, liver or kidney issues, electrolyte imbalances, or signs of infection.

If the bloodwork comes back normal and your dog continues to have seizures, the next step might be more advanced tests like an MRI or spinal tap. Not every dog needs these, but they can be a big help for older dogs or dogs with sudden, severe seizures.

Sometimes, the vet still doesn’t find a clear cause after all the testing. That’s when they might diagnose idiopathic epilepsy, which is just a fancy way of saying “we don’t know exactly why, but it’s likely a genetic form of epilepsy.”

It can feel frustrating not to get a straight answer, but remember: seizures are a symptom. Even without knowing the exact cause, there are still lots of ways to manage them.

Treatment and Management

Once your dog has had a seizure (or a few), the goal shifts from “Why did this happen?” to “How do we keep it from happening again?” That’s where treatment and long-term care come in. The good news is that there are lots of options to help your dog live a full and happy life.

Prescription Medications 

If your dog is having frequent seizures, or if they’ve had a really severe one, your vet may recommend seizure medicine for dogs. The most common ones include:

• Phenobarbital – One of the oldest and most reliable seizure meds for dogs. It works well, but it can cause drowsiness and sometimes affect the liver with long-term use.

• Potassium Bromide – Often used along with phenobarbital or on its own. It takes a while to build up in the system, so it’s not a quick fix, but it’s effective for many dogs.

• Levetiracetam (Keppra) – A newer option with fewer side effects. It’s a little more expensive and usually needs to be given more often.

Every dog responds differently, so it might take some trial and error to find the right combo. Blood tests are often needed to monitor how your dog’s doing on the medication, especially with phenobarbital.

Natural and Holistic Support

While medication is often the backbone of treatment, some pet owners also explore natural or holistic options, either alongside traditional meds or on their own in mild cases (always under a vet’s supervision).

Here are a few natural approaches people use to support dogs with seizures:

• CBD Oil: Some early studies and lots of anecdotal stories suggest CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Make sure to choose a high-quality, THC-free oil made specifically for pets. Talk to your vet before adding it in, especially if your dog is already on meds.

• Diet and Nutrition: Some dogs do better on a high-fat, low-carb diet, similar to the human keto diet used for epilepsy. A well-balanced, natural diet with limited additives and preservatives can sometimes help reduce seizure triggers. In general, feeding your dog clean, real food (even if it’s just partially home-cooked) is never a bad idea.

• Herbal Remedies: Some herbs like skullcap, valerian root, or passionflower are known for their calming effects. These aren’t seizure cures, but they may help with overall anxiety or restlessness, especially during the pre-seizure phase.

• Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care: More holistic vets offer these services for seizure-prone dogs. Some owners report fewer seizures or shorter recovery times after starting regular sessions.

• Homeopathy: Many pet owners turn to homeopathic remedies to help manage seizures naturally. Our Dog Seizure Remedy is a gentle, all-natural option with ingredients that support brain health and may help reduce seizure frequency. It’s easy to give (just a few pellets in food or water, three times a day) and safe to use alongside other treatments. 

Just a heads-up: natural treatments aren't regulated like medications, so quality really matters. Always talk with your vet before trying something new. Natural doesn’t always mean safe, especially when mixed with prescription drugs.

Keeping Track

One of the most helpful things you can do is keep a seizure diary. Write down the date, time, what your dog was doing before it happened, how long it lasted, and what the recovery was like. Patterns can start to show up over time, and that info can be gold when it comes to managing treatment or spotting triggers.

Living With a Dog Who Has Seizures

Once the dust settles after the first few seizures and the vet visits, you’ll start to find a new rhythm. Life doesn’t stop because your dog has seizures; it just adjusts. 

Make Your Home Safer

When you live with a dog who has seizures, safety becomes part of your daily routine. Try to keep sharp-edged furniture, stairs, and clutter out of areas your dog hangs out in often. If your dog tends to have seizures at night, consider letting them sleep in a soft, enclosed space where they won’t fall or bump into anything.

Some pet parents even set up cameras when they’re away, just to keep an eye out in case something happens. 

Routine is Your Best Friend

Dogs thrive on routine, and this is especially true for dogs with seizures. Regular feeding times, consistent exercise, and predictable sleep help keep their systems steady. Sudden stress, weird schedules, or drastic diet changes can sometimes trigger seizures, so the more you can keep life calm and predictable, the better.

Even with medications and holistic options, keeping your dog’s daily life balanced is one of the most underrated forms of care.

Holistic Wellness at Home

Living with a seizure-prone dog also makes you more conscious of overall wellness. You start thinking about what goes into their body, how much stress they’re exposed to, and how you can support their brain health long-term.

Here are a few simple, natural ways to support your dog daily:

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (like those in fish oil) support brain function. A good multivitamin or a vet-approved supplement blend can also give your dog a little extra nutritional boost.

• Calming Tools: Natural calming chews, calming pheromone diffusers, or even soothing background music can make a difference, especially if your dog tends to get anxious before seizures.

Instant Calm Lavender Stress Reducer provides natural stress and anxiety support for pets, helping them manage daily stressors and promoting a sense of calmness.

• Daily Connection: Don’t underestimate the power of just being there. Dogs are emotionally in tune with us. Calm energy, gentle touch, and regular bonding can help regulate their nervous system (and yours!).

When Is It an Emergency?

Most seizures in dogs are short and pass on their own. But sometimes, they can become serious quite fast. Knowing when to treat it as an emergency can literally save your dog’s life.

Here’s what to watch for:

If a Seizure Lasts More Than 5 Minutes

This condition is called status epilepticus, and it’s a big deal. The longer a seizure goes on, the more dangerous it becomes. Head to the emergency clinic immediately if your dog hits the 3–4 minute mark and is still seizing.

Even if it stops on its own, any seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes should always be followed up with a vet visit.

If Your Dog Has Multiple Seizures in a Row

This is called cluster seizures. It’s when your dog has one seizure, recovers a bit, and then has another one (or more) shortly after. These can escalate quickly and lead to status epilepticus if left untreated.

Don’t wait it out. If your dog has two seizures within a 24-hour period, call your vet as soon as possible, even if they seem okay afterward.

If It’s the First Seizure Ever

A first seizure should always be checked out even if it's short and mild. Your vet will want to rule out things like poisoning, trauma, or sudden illness. Early intervention gives you a better shot at managing whatever’s going on before it becomes a bigger issue.

If Your Dog Doesn’t Fully Recover

Some dogs bounce back quickly. Others might seem dazed, wobbly, or anxious for a little while after the seizure ends. But if your dog doesn’t return to normal or starts acting worse, that’s a red flag. Extreme disorientation, non-responsiveness, continued pacing, and panic are all signs that something’s not right.

Trust your gut 

If something feels off, calling your vet is okay, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s an emergency. You know your dog best, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when in doubt.

The Bottom Line

Dealing with a dog who has seizures is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The more you understand what’s happening, the better equipped you’ll be to help your dog through it.

What matters most is consistency, patience, and being there for your dog in a calm and caring way. You don’t have to figure it all out at once; just take it one step at a time.

You’ve got this, and your dog’s lucky to have you.