Seizures in dogs can be frightening to witness, but they’re more common than many pet parents realize. Understanding what causes them, how they look, and what to do when they happen can help you stay calm and take the right steps for your dog’s health.
Causes of Seizures in Dogs
Seizures can happen for different reasons, and vets generally classify them into two main categories: brain-related (intracranial) and external (extracranial). Knowing the cause is key to proper treatment.
Brain-related causes1: caused by idiopathic epilepsy (most common), brain tumors, infections or inflammation, and head trauma.
Outside the brain1: caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or organ issues like liver or kidney disease.
The Stages and Symptoms of a Seizure in Dogs
A seizure isn’t just one event—it usually happens in three phases. Recognizing these stages helps pet parents understand what’s happening and what to expect before, during, and after.
Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura)2: Signs like nervousness, restlessness, or seeking attention.
Ictal Phase (Seizure itself)2: Collapse, stiffening, leg paddling, drooling, or loss of bladder/bowel control.
Post-Ictal Phase (Recovery)2: Disorientation, confusion, pacing, or temporary blindness.
What to Do When a Dog Has a Seizure
When a seizure starts, it’s natural to panic—but staying calm is the most important thing you can do. Here’s how to keep your dog safe until the episode ends1.
Keep the area safe by moving objects away.
Don’t put your hands near their mouth or try to restrain them.
Time how long the seizure lasts.
Afterward, create a quiet and safe space while your dog recovers.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Not every seizure is life-threatening, but some require emergency care right away. These are the situations where you should call your vet or head to an emergency clinic without delay3.
Seizures lasting more than 3–5 minutes (status epilepticus).
Multiple seizures in a short time (cluster seizures).
If it’s your dog’s first seizure.
If your dog doesn’t recover normally afterward.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Seizures in Dogs
Once you reach the vet, the next step is figuring out the cause and best treatment plan. Diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions and may include advanced testing. Treatment usually means managing seizures long-term with medication.
Diagnosis2: Blood tests, MRI, CT scans, neurological exams.
Treatment2: Anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, or levetiracetam.
Important Note2: Most dogs will need lifelong treatment to manage seizures, not cure them.
FAQs
What can trigger seizures in dogs? Triggers include epilepsy, brain tumors, head trauma, toxins, low blood sugar, or organ disease. Stress, overheating, or excitement can sometimes play a role too.
What do you do when a dog has a seizure? Stay calm, clear the area for safety, don’t touch their mouth, and time the episode. Provide a quiet space for recovery and call your vet if it’s the first seizure, lasts too long, or happens repeatedly.
What are the signs of a seizure in a dog? The most common signs are collapsing, stiffening, leg paddling, drooling, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Dogs may also seem restless before a seizure and disoriented or confused afterward.
Key Takeaway Section
Seizures in dogs are stressful, but knowledge makes a big difference. By recognizing the stages, staying calm during an episode, and knowing when to seek urgent care, pet parents can help their dogs stay safe. With proper diagnosis and long-term management, many dogs with seizures can still live full, happy lives.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home or traveling to the U.S., Spot can reimburse the cost of vet bills for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. Pet parents can also get cash back on the cost of routine care, including wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more, by adding a wellness rider to their plan for an additional cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
Coates, Jennifer. “Seizures in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do.” Petmd.com, PetMD, 28 June 2024, www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/seizures-in-dogs.
Dogs, in. “Sage Veterinary Imaging | Human-Quality Imaging for Pets.” Sage Veterinary Imaging | Human-Quality Imaging for Pets, 3 Jan. 2023, www.sageveterinary.com/blog/sm58yyozh5uzejme5h58f9d5hmmxsb.
Redcross. “Red Cross Training & Certification, and Store.” Red Cross, 2024, www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-pet-first-aid/dog/seizures. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.
