Usually, avoid touching your dog during a seizure. Image: Dina Nasyrova/Pexels
Tips for helping a dog having a seizure
If your dog doesn’t have a known seizure disorder diagnosed and has a sudden seizure, call your vet immediately.
Usually, avoid touching your dog during a seizure. Image: Dina Nasyrova/Pexels
Watching your dog have a seizure can be very scary, even if they’ve had them before.
The natural reaction is to help, comfort your pet, or prevent them from getting hurt.
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When your dog has a seizure, there are specific steps to take to ensure safety.
Here are a few tips to assist you in the process.
If your dog doesn’t have a known seizure disorder and has a sudden seizure, call your vet immediately.
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1. Stay calm
When your dog has a seizure, it’s vital to stay calm.
Panicking can make things worse and be less helpful.
Staying calm reduces the risk of harming your dog or yourself.
Try to note the time when the seizure begins or keep track of its duration.
If you can, record a video of the seizure. But if that means leaving your dog, simply keep an eye on the time.
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2. Make sure your dog is safe
Usually, avoid touching your dog during a seizure.
The exception is if your dog is in a dangerous spot, like near stairs, the edge of a bed, or a tight space.
In such cases, touch your dog as little as possible and move them quickly to a safe place.
If your dog’s head is hitting a hard surface and it might cause harm, you can gently hold their head down.
It’s safer to use a blanket or towel as a buffer in case they try to bite.
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3. Give your dog space
It’s crucial to remember that even the gentlest dogs can bite during and after a seizure.
After a seizure, dogs go into a postictal state, marked by confusion and fear as they try to reorient themselves.
In this state, they’re not themselves and might bite out of fear or pain.
It’s vital to give your dog space and respect them during this time.
This phase can last for several minutes after a seizure.
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This article was compiled with the help of Artificial Intelligence
