Understanding What Happens During a Dog Seizure
A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes a sudden, involuntary change in the dog's behaviour, movement, and level of consciousness. Seizures can look different depending on their type and severity, but understanding the three phases of a typical generalised seizure will help you stay composed and respond correctly.
Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura)
In the minutes or hours before a seizure, some dogs display behavioural changes that experienced owners learn to recognise. These can include restlessness, pacing, seeking out their owner, appearing dazed or anxious, excessive salivation, or unusual vocalisation. Not all dogs show a noticeable pre-ictal phase, and it can be very subtle, but if you notice your dog's behaviour changing in a consistent pattern before each seizure, this is the aura. Some owners use this window to prepare a safe space for their dog.
Ictal Phase (The Seizure Itself)
The ictal phase is the seizure itself. In a generalised tonic-clonic seizure — the most common type — the dog loses consciousness and typically falls on its side. There may be rigid muscle contraction (the tonic phase) followed by rhythmic paddling or jerking of the limbs (the clonic phase). Jaw chomping, excessive salivation, urination and defecation, and facial twitching are all common. The dog is unaware of what is happening and not in control of their body. Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes.
Post-Ictal Phase
After the seizure ends, the dog enters the post-ictal phase — a period of recovery that can last minutes to hours. During this time, your dog may appear confused, disorientated, temporarily blind, extremely tired, or unsteady on their feet. Some dogs pace compulsively or seem to not recognise their owner. This is not neurological damage occurring in the moment — it is the brain recovering from the abnormal electrical storm. Provide a quiet, safe environment and gentle reassurance. Avoid exposing your dog to bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces during post-ictal recovery.
When a Seizure Becomes an Emergency
Not every single seizure requires an emergency vet visit, but the following situations always do:
Status Epilepticus
Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure lasting more than five minutes, or a series of seizures between which the dog does not regain normal consciousness. This is a life-threatening emergency. Prolonged seizure activity causes the body temperature to rise dangerously, can lead to brain damage, and places severe strain on the cardiovascular system. If your dog's seizure has not stopped after five minutes, call an emergency vet immediately while continuing to monitor. Do not wait to see if it resolves on its own.
Cluster Seizures
Cluster seizures are two or more seizures within a 24-hour period. Even if each individual seizure is short, clusters indicate that the brain's activity is poorly controlled and that the dog requires urgent veterinary assessment. The risk of each seizure leading into another increases the longer clusters go unmanaged.
First Seizure
If your dog has never had a seizure before, any seizure — regardless of length — should prompt a call to your vet on the same day. A first seizure requires investigation to identify the underlying cause.
What to Do During a Seizure
- Stay as calm as possible. Your dog cannot respond to you during the ictal phase, but your presence and calm energy can help during recovery.
- Time the seizure from the moment it begins. This is crucial information for your vet and determines whether you need emergency care.
- Clear the area around your dog of hard furniture, sharp objects, or stairs. Slide soft cushions or folded blankets nearby to protect the head if it is hitting the floor.
- Keep the room dim and quiet if possible — sensory stimulation can prolong or worsen some seizures.
- After the seizure ends, if your dog seems very warm or you suspect hyperthermia (overheating, which seizures can cause), apply cool — not cold — water to the paw pads and the groin area, and contact your vet. Post-ictal hyperthermia can cause organ damage if not addressed.
- Record a video if it is safe to do so without interfering. Footage of the seizure is extremely valuable for your vet in diagnosing the type and severity of the episode.
What Not to Do During a Seizure
- Do not put your hands near or in your dog's mouth. The widely held belief that dogs can swallow their tongue during a seizure is a myth — they cannot. You will not help by reaching into the mouth, and you risk a serious bite injury. Seizuring dogs have no awareness or control and will bite reflexively.
- Do not restrain the dog. Trying to hold a seizing dog still does not stop the seizure and may injure you or your dog. Guide them away from danger gently, but do not pin or hold them.
- Do not offer food, water, or medication by mouth during the ictal or immediate post-ictal phase — the dog cannot swallow safely and risks choking.
- Do not leave the dog unattended near stairs, water, or drop-offs during the post-ictal phase, when they may be disoriented and uncoordinated.
Common Medications Used to Manage Canine Epilepsy
If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy — defined broadly as recurrent seizures — your vet will likely discuss long-term medication. The goal is to reduce seizure frequency and severity, not necessarily to eliminate them entirely (though full control is sometimes achieved). The most commonly used medications in the UK are:
Phenobarbitone (Phenobarbital)
Phenobarbitone is typically the first-line treatment for canine epilepsy. It works by reducing the excitability of neurons in the brain. It is effective in the majority of dogs and is given twice daily. Regular blood monitoring is required to check drug levels and assess liver function, as long-term use can affect the liver.
Potassium Bromide
Potassium bromide is often added when phenobarbitone alone does not provide sufficient control. It has a long half-life and takes several months to reach stable blood levels. It is excreted by the kidneys rather than metabolised by the liver, making it useful in dogs where liver function is a concern. Salt intake must be kept consistent, as changes in dietary salt affect drug levels.
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Levetiracetam is a newer antiepileptic drug increasingly used in canine epilepsy, either as an add-on therapy or — in some situations — as a first-line treatment. It has a favourable safety profile and can also be given as an injectable rescue medication during cluster seizures or status epilepticus. An extended-release formulation allows twice-daily dosing in some cases.
Working with Your Vet
Epilepsy management in dogs is a long-term partnership between you and your veterinary team. Keep a seizure diary — noting the date, time, duration, and description of each episode — as this information directly guides medication adjustments. With the right management, many dogs with epilepsy live full, happy lives.