Is Your Dog Having a Seizure? Key Signs to Know
Syncope in dogs is caused by heart or circulation problems, whereas seizures are even more serious and while there are some signs to look for in each, veterinary diagnostic services can help determine the cause and best treatment options for your pet. When a dog collapses, it could be related to syncope or worse - a seizure. Both conditions can look similar, so how can one know the difference? What does a dog seizure look like? This post will answer those questions. We’ll discuss the differences between a seizure and a fainting episode, and when to call a veterinarian for help. Knowing the signs will help you respond, but your pooch will need a physical and testing by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
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Seizures Can Look Different in Every Dog — Recognizing Patterns Matters
The answer to “what does a dog seizure look like” varies from dog to dog. Some seizures are dramatic and obvious, while others are subtle. Brief signs may include imbalance or disorientation. Obvious signs include collapse, body stiffening, paddling paws, twitching, or drooling. Other dogs may faint and collapse due to fainting (syncope), which can happen because of changes in heart rhythm or blood flow. Only
a veterinarian can accurately determine the cause.
What Does a Dog Seizure Look Like?
Seizure disorders in dogs can present themselves in stages, but not always.
Pre-ictal Phase (Before the Seizure)
Behavioral changes can happen before a seizure, such as:
Restlessness or pacing
Clinginess toward their person
Anxiety or unusual behavior
Ictal Phase (During the Seizure)
- An active seizure may only last for seconds or up to a few minutes, with signs that include:
- Collapse or loss of awareness
- Convulsions or paddling paw movements
- Rigid limbs
- Jerky or twitching movements
- Foaming or drooling at the mouth
Post-ictal Phase (After the Seizure)
- After an active seizure, most dogs enter the recovery phase and can experience:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Temporary problems with vision
- Restlessness or pacing
Helpful tip: Recording the episode on your phone, when possible, will help your veterinarian determine the type and cause of your dog’s seizure.
Seizure vs. Syncope — How Can You Tell the Difference?
Dogs experiencing seizures exhibit rhythmic movements, such as paddling, jaw chomping, drooling, and losing bladder control. Syncope in dogs, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to the brain is decreased due to excitement, exertion, or coughing. After fainting, dogs return to normal fairly soon.
Determining if a dog is in a seizure or syncope
requires a veterinary check because the signs can overlap.
What Causes Convulsions in Dogs?
It’s challenging to pinpoint all of the possible causes of convulsions in dogs, but we can name a few:
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Exposure to toxins
- Metabolic imbalances affecting organ function
- Head trauma or injury
- Congenital neurological conditions
A puppy having seizures is likely due to neurological problems it was born with. Unfortunately, several health issues can lead to seizure-like events. Your veterinarian will guide the next steps you should take to protect your pup.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has a Seizure?
- Staying calm to act quickly and decisively during your dog’s seizure should be your automatic response.
- Next, remove nearby objects that your pup could potentially hit in the process.
- Keep your hand away from your dog’s mouth. During a seizure, dogs can bite unintentionally.
- Time the episode if possible. Recording the process and duration of your dog’s seizure will give the vet invaluable information.
Seek emergency veterinary care if:
- The seizure lasts more than a few minutes
- Multiple seizures occur together
- This is your dog's first seizure.
When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out
It can be difficult to determine if a dog is having a seizure or is in syncope because the symptoms overlap and can vary among different dogs. The onset of symptoms can be confusing and worrying but each has different underlying causes. When these events happen at home, try to remain calm and bring your pet in as soon as it's safe to move them, to let a trusted veterinarian such as the team at Chipman Road Animal Clinic help you understand what is going on with compassionate care.
If your dog exhibits symptoms that could indicate a seizure (such as unusual movements, collapse, or confusion), schedule a professional evaluation right away.
Contact us at Chipman Road Animal Clinic so we can arrange to assess your pet and determine the safest course of action to ensure their health and comfort.
