What Is an Epileptic Seizure?
An epileptic seizure is an abnormal, synchronised electrical discharge in the brain. The most common presentation in dogs is the generalised tonic-clonic seizure: loss of consciousness, falling on one side, rhythmic muscle contractions, heavy drooling, and often urination or defecation. Eyes may be fixed or rolling. Duration: typically 1-3 minutes.
What to Do During a Seizure
- Stay calm. Your dog is unconscious and not in pain during the seizure.
- Remove nearby hazards: furniture edges, stairs.
- Do NOT put anything in their mouth — dogs cannot swallow their tongue. You risk a serious bite injury.
- Do NOT restrain them — it can cause injury.
- Time the seizure and film it — invaluable for your vet.
- Reduce stimulation: dim lights, minimise noise.
- Once it's over, speak calmly and offer water.
When to Go to the Emergency Vet
- Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus — potentially fatal).
- More than 3 seizures in 24 hours (cluster seizures).
- First-ever seizure — always investigate the cause.
- Dog does not recover normally within 30 minutes.
Treatment
Maintenance treatment begins when there is more than 1 seizure per month, cluster seizures or status epilepticus. First-line drugs:
- Phenobarbital: effective in 60-80 % of dogs; requires regular liver function monitoring.
- Potassium bromide: often combined with phenobarbital for partial responders.
- Imepitoin: good option for mild to moderate epilepsy with fewer side effects.
With well-adjusted treatment, most dogs reduce seizure frequency by more than 50 %. Medication is lifelong — never stop it without veterinary supervision.