Reviewed by Dr. Tetiana Filenko
Updated on 1/24/2025
Reading time 2 min.
Overview
Severity: Hard
Life stage: All
Seizures can be a very terrifying prospect for pet owners especially since they are a common neurological problem in dogs . It is usually quite an alarming situation marked by panic and stress. However, there are a few things that you can do to control the situation and help your dog.
Causes of seizures in dogs
Also referred to as convulsions or fits, seizures are caused by liver disorder, renal failure, trauma to the brain, tumor(s) in the brain, and / or toxins in the body. However, idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Although the exact cause of idiopathic epilepsy remains unclear, research suggests a genetic link.
There are times when it is hard to tell if your pet is having a seizure as dogs can also look completely normal while they are experiencing it. However, there are other times when they suffer Grand Mal seizures which cause the entire body to be wracked by shudders and jerks. Sometimes seizures are localised which makes them harder to notice, for example, facial tremors and atypical barks.
Although it can be rather disturbing to witness, seizures are rarely dangerous and the majority of dogs recover quickly.
Treatment
Seizures can be treated although medical care is usually given only if your dog has had more than one seizure in a particular month, has experienced a series of recurrent seizures, and / or a Grand Mal seizure. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are two common medications administered to dogs suffering from seizures.
What can I do if dog is experiencing a seizure?
If your dog is experiencing a seizure, it is very important to remain calm in order for you to be able to effectively help them. Check the exact time your dog started seizing as seizures that go on for more than 2-3 minutes can overheat your dog (hyperthermia). In such cases, make sure to cool them using cold water and wet towels. However, you must take them to the veterinarian immediately afterwards. It is important to remember that cluster seizures (having more than one seizure within 24 hours) are serious and require immediate medical attention. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues when they go into seizure. So refrain from grabbing their tongue as it can lead you to getting bitten. Make sure to keep your dog away from the stairs and cushion their head when they experience a seizure. Holding and comforting them in a gentle manner can also help.
You must also notify your veterinarian every time your dog experiences a seizure.
Conclusion
While it can be quite scary, you can help your pet through seizures effectively. Your veterinarian can guide you and provide additional information for any other questions you may have.
Share this, choose your platform!
Writen by
Dr. Tetiana Filenko
DVM
Dr. Tetiana was born and grow up in Ukraine. Throughout her life she always had pets and was always the one person in her family to look after them. At childhood she was helping stray animals in her spare time, this determined her choice of university and her decision to further her career in the study of veterinary medicine.
What is Holistic Veterinary Care?
Holistic veterinary care is a total medical care system in which your veterinarian evaluates every aspect of your...
Advanced Dental Services
at Modern Vet
We offer full service dental care for dogs and cats, from preventive care to advanced surgery, to ensure...
What is Veterinary Neurology?
Veterinary neurology is a medical speciality concerned with diseases affecting the nervous system. Animals afflicted by...
What is a Wellness Exam?
A wellness exam is an all-inclusive examination of your pet's overall health and condition. A wellness exam is performed...
Why Does Your Pet Need Dermatology Care?
Many pet owners do not realize how significant it is to have their cat, dog, or other small animal receive...
Comprehensive Cat Health Services
Modern Vet offers comprehensive feline care through all phases of a cats life cycle, using advanced diagnostic...
Complete Pet Care for Dogs in Dubai The clinic has a wide variety of veterinary services that support canine health at all ages. Care is provided based...
Why is veterinary ophthalmology important?
Veterinary ophthalmology is concerned with diagnosing, treating and preventing disease in the eyes of...
Role of a Veterinary Cardiologist
A veterinary cardiologist is a veterinarian who has received advanced education and/or training in the diagnosis...
Modern Rides Designed
for Pet Comfort
Modern Vet Dubai believes that pet transportation does not have to result in compromises. Many regular taxi...
Your Trusted Partner
in Your Pet’s Long Term Health The decision to have your pet spayed or neutered is one of the most responsible actions you can...
The Importance of Vaccination When your pet receives a vaccine, it trains their immune system to attack viruses and bacteria prior to them causing an...
A veterinary consultation is often the first and most important step in managing your pet’s health. When your dogs appear tired, your cats stop eating,...
Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges facing pets today, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide each year. A cancer diagnosis...
Spaying is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It helps keep the number of pets down and is very good for the health of female dogs and...
For years, Modern Vet has been a trusted multi specialist veterinary provider for pet owners in Dubai. With the upgraded Modern Vet Mobile Clinic,...
Hydrotherapy for pets is one of the most rapidly adopted and effective rehabilitative techniques used today in veterinary medicine. The modality of...
Moving to a new house is a life-altering situation, and it is not only about packing the boxes and securing plane tickets when you have pets. Your furry...
Save our number now so you are prepared if the worst happens.
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 800-82
Address: Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl Road, Villa #793,...
At Modern Veterinary Hospital, we know that being able to move comfortably is critical to your furry friends’ overall happiness and well-being....
Pet physiotherapy is an important and growing aspect of veterinary medicine, addressing recovery from injury, surgery, chronic conditions or poor...
Your pet requires the best care, including nutritious food, veterinary visits, and professional grooming services for year-round comfort, cleanliness,...
You want the best for your pet’s health and longevity, but feeding them well-balanced meals can be difficult. The same principles apply to humans also...
The fastest-growing cities, including Dubai, need to prioritize pet welfare because their pet population exceeds available resources when not managed...
At ModernVet, we are committed wholeheartedly to improving the wellbeing of your faithful canines with our state-of-the-art dog spay and neuter services....
ModernVet offers professional cat spaying and neutering services that deliver top-level care to feline pets. The procedures form an essential part of...
A powerful alliance based in Dubai's center has established new benchmarks for animal medical care. Modern Vet operates as a top veterinary hospital...
For every devoted cat owner, ensuring the long-term health and happiness of their feline companion is a top priority. Protecting cats from infectious...
