I still remember the first time I saw a dog have a fit. It was years back, halfway up a muddy incline near Mam Tor with an old Spaniel named Barnaby. One minute he was sniffing a patch of heather, and the next, he was on his side, legs going like a drummer in a heavy metal band. It puts the fear of God into you, doesn’t it? You feel completely helpless.
If you are reading this, chances are you’ve just had a similar fright, or you’re worried it might happen. First things first: take a deep breath. Panic is about as useful as a chocolate teapot in this situation. Your dog needs you calm, practical, and steady.
I’m not a vet, just a bloke who’s spent a lifetime with dogs in the Peaks and had to learn the hard way how to manage the scary stuff. This isn’t medical advice—always consult your veterinary surgeon—but this is the practical, boots-on-the-ground protocol for getting your best mate through the other side of a seizure safely.
The “Right Now” Checklist: During the Event
If the seizure is happening right now, or just finished seconds ago, forget the tea and biscuits. Here is your immediate drill. Focus on safety, not sentiment.
- Hands Off the Mouth: This is rule number one. Your dog cannot swallow their tongue, but they can bite through your finger without meaning to. Keep your hands well away from the jaw.
- Clear the Deck: Do not try to move the dog unless they are in immediate peril (like at the top of a staircase or near water). Instead, move the furniture. Drag that coffee table away. Cushion their head with a jacket or a cushion if you can slide it under safely from the back.
- Check the Clock: This feels impossible when your heart is racing, but you must time the seizure. A fit lasting 30 seconds feels like an hour. Knowing the actual duration is the most important bit of data you can give your vet.
- Kill the Noise: Turn off the telly, dim the lights, and shut the curtains. Sensory overload can make things worse.
The Post-Ictal Phase: Understanding the “Zombie” Mode
Once the convulsing stops, you aren’t out of the woods yet. You enter what the experts call the post-ictal phase. In plain English? It’s the recovery period, and it can be stranger than the seizure itself.
Your dog’s brain has just run a marathon at sprint pace. They might be temporarily blind, deaf, or unable to walk properly. They may pace relentlessly around the living room or whine. Crucially, they might not recognise you.
Warning: Even the soppiest dog can snap or bite during this phase due to confusion and fear. Give them space. Speak in a low, boring monotone. Do not smother them with hugs until the light comes back into their eyes and they clearly know who you are.
Practical Home Care Protocol
So, the shaking has stopped, and they are starting to potter about, perhaps bumping into the sofa. Here is how we manage the recovery at home.
1. Temperature Control
All that muscle activity generates massive amounts of body heat. Hyperthermia is a real risk. If they feel hot to the touch:
- Wet a towel with cool (not freezing) water and drape it over their paws.
- If you have a fan, set it up nearby on a gentle setting to circulate air.
- Do not throw them in a cold bath; you’ll shock the system.
2. The Sugar Crash
A seizure burns through glucose reserves like a Land Rover burns diesel. Some dogs come out of a fit with dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). If they are alert enough to swallow, a small amount of honey or maple syrup rubbed on their gums can help. A few old-school handlers swear by a spoonful of vanilla ice cream—the sugar helps the levels, and the cold helps cool them down. Just make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol (sweetener), which is toxic.
3. Manage the “Pack”
This is a tip you won’t find in every glossy brochure. If you have other dogs, put them in another room immediately. In the animal kingdom, weakness can trigger an attack. Even dogs that have been best mates for years can instinctively attack a seizing dog—it’s a primal response called the “pack attack.” Keep them separated until the patient is fully recovered.
The Traffic Light System: When to Call the Vet
One of the hardest calls is knowing whether to bundle them into the boot of the car and race to the emergency vet or just make a cup of tea and wait. I use a simple traffic light system.
GREEN: Monitor and Log
Situation: Your dog has a known history of epilepsy, the seizure lasted less than 2 minutes, and they are recovering normally.
Action: Stay home. Keep them quiet. Record the details in your logbook. Let your vet know via email or a non-urgent call the next day.
AMBER: Call the Vet
Situation: This is their first-ever seizure, or they seem to be taking a very long time to recover (more than an hour or two of confusion).
Action: Call your vet practice. They will likely want to see the dog within 24 hours for blood tests to rule out toxins or metabolic issues.
RED: Emergency (A&E Now)
Situation:
- Status Epilepticus: The active seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. This is a life-threatening emergency where the brain can literally cook.
- Cluster Seizures: They have one fit, stop, and then have another one shortly after without fully recovering in between.
- Toxins: You suspect they ate something dodgy (xylitol, dark chocolate, rat poison).
Action: Get to the car. Call the vet on the way so they can prep the anticonvulsant medication (like Diazepam) for your arrival.
Data Collection: The Seizure Log
When you do see the vet, they will ask questions you can’t answer because you were too busy panicking. Start a note on your phone or keep a notebook. This data is the key to diagnosis.
Screenshot this list for your records:
- Date & Time: (e.g., 14th Aug, 03:00 AM)
- Duration: (Actual convulsing time, not recovery time)
- Trigger: Was there a loud noise? Excitement? A stressful car ride?
- Type: Was it the whole body (Grand Mal) or just a twitchy face (Focal)?
- Aftermath: Did they lose bladder/bowel control? How long until they could walk straight?
Dealing with seizures is rough. It’s emotionally draining to watch your pal go through that. But dogs are resilient creatures. With a cool head and a bit of practical preparation, you can manage this. Kettle on, deep breath. You’ve got this.
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