What is a seizure?

A seizure is caused by a sudden and uncontrollable surge of electrical activity in the brain. Where the electrical activity is located in the brain will determine how the seizure will present itself.

What does a seizure look like and how should I respond?

Muscle tremors and shivering can be a result of a seizure, but not always. Dogs can shiver due to excitement or cold. Some dogs have muscle tremors unrelated to seizures. Some causes of muscle tremors can be a side-effect of a particular drug, congenital, a result of pain or weakness or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

If you observe shivering or muscle tremors the next step is to observe the dog’s mental state. Dog’s that are shivering or exhibit muscle tremors generally will be responsive to cues and their environment. A seizure will generally affect the dog’s ability to respond to their environment. Worst case the dog may be unconscious, or the dog may just seem ‘out-of-it’, or even something in between.

All About Dogs staff, if you suspect that a dog in your care is having a seizure or some type of medical situation, contact your supervisor or the front desk immediately.

Seizures are generally broken down into generalized or partial.

Generalized Seizures

A generalized seizure is when most of the dog’s brain is involved and is what most people identify as a seizure. They are divided into 3 phases.

Pre-ictal phase (aura) – The dog may become restless, stare blankly into space or exhibit unusual behaviors.

Ictal phase (the seizure itself) – symptoms may include:

• Unaware or unresponsive to their environment.
• Stiff or may fall over.
• Paddle their limbs.
• Urinate or defecate.
• It’s also possible for a dog to simply lose consciousness for a period of time.

Post-ictal phase-
After a seizure ends the dog may continue to be dull, lethargic, unsteady on their feet, restless or blind for a period of time. This phase can last a few minutes or several hours depending on the history and health of the individual dog.

Partial Seizures

Partial seizures affect fewer parts of the brain and will generally exhibit unusual movements in a specific area of the body. Example behaviors are kicking an individual leg, lip licking or snapping at the air when nothing is around them.

What causes seizures in dogs?

Many health problems and also some poisons like antifreeze can lead to seizures. Some causes include:

• Infection or inflammation of the brain.
• Cancer affecting the brain.
• Head trauma
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Liver disease
• Heatstroke
• Low oxygen levels
• Kidney failure

Are certain dog breeds more at risk?

A few of the dog breeds that are at a higher-than-average risk for developing primary epilepsy include German Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels. It’s important to research your dog’s breed and history whenever possible.

What to do when a dog is having a seizure?

Don’t Panic! Most seizures last only for a minute or so and don’t cause long term damage. All About Dogs staff should contact their supervisor or the front desk. However, some seizures can be life threatening. Transport the dog to the vet if you see any of the following:

• A seizure that lasts longer than 5-10 minutes.
• Multiple seizures that cluster so the dog doesn’t have time to recover between them.
• More than 2 seizures in 24 hours.

Clear the area around the dog to prevent injury. If the dog is in daycare remove or crate the other dogs. DO NOT try to move or direct the dog that is having the seizure.

Monitor the dog until the seizure runs its course. Once they are steady on their feet and responsive you can direct them to another area, provide some water or take outside for a potty break. It’s best to wait before offering any food or treats.

Dogs that have had a seizure should receive veterinary help. Repeated and untreated seizures can lead to permanent neurological damage and even death. With veterinary care many dogs that have seizures can live long and happy lives.