What is the first aid for a dog with a seizure

Witnessing your dog have a seizure is one of the most frightening experiences any pet owner can face. The sudden collapse, the uncontrolled shaking, the loss of consciousness – it looks terrifying and feels utterly overwhelming. In that moment, knowing what to do (and crucially, what not to do) is vital to keep your dog safe until the seizure passes and you can get professional veterinary help. This isn't about diagnosing the cause – that's the vet's job – it's about immediate, safe first aid during the crisis itself.

The absolute most important thing you can do first is stay calm. Panic helps no one, least of all your seizing dog. Your clear head is their best immediate defence. Your next priority is safety – for both your dog and yourself. Quickly scan the area. Is your dog near stairs, furniture they could fall off, sharp objects, or a pool? If possible and safe for you to do so, gently move them away from immediate hazards. If they're on a hard surface, carefully sliding a blanket or towel underneath them can offer a little cushioning. Don't try to restrain their movements or hold them down during the convulsions; you could injure them or yourself. The seizure activity is involuntary and powerful.

Crucially, never, ever put your hands near your dog's mouth, especially not inside it. The old myth about dogs "swallowing their tongue" during a seizure is dangerous and untrue. Attempting to pull their tongue out or put anything in their mouth is a surefire way to get severely bitten (they cannot control their jaw muscles) or cause choking. Trust that their natural reflexes are managing their airway. Focus instead on protecting their head. If practical, gently cushion their head with a soft towel or small pillow to prevent them from banging it hard against the floor during the thrashing, but again, don't restrain the head movement forcefully.

Time the seizure. This is information your vet desperately needs. Note the exact time it started. Seizures typically last from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, though it often feels much longer when you're watching. If the active convulsive phase lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if your dog has multiple seizures in a row without fully regaining consciousness in between, this is an extreme emergency called status epilepticus. Grab your dog (carefully, perhaps wrapped loosely in a blanket for safety), get to your car, and head immediately to the nearest emergency vet, calling them en route if possible. Every minute counts in this situation.

Once the violent shaking stops, your dog enters the post-ictal phase. This is not immediate recovery. They may seem confused, disoriented, blind, wobbly, excessively thirsty, or even temporarily aggressive. They don't recognize you right away. Keep the environment very quiet, dim the lights, and give them gentle space. Don't crowd them or try to cuddle them yet. Speak softly and reassuringly. They might stumble, drool excessively, or seem restless. Ensure they are in a safe, confined area where they can't fall or hurt themselves as they recover, which can take minutes to hours. Offer small sips of water once they seem more aware and able to swallow safely.

After any seizure, even a brief one, contacting your veterinarian is non-negotiable. This is a core part of responsible pet ownership emphasized in animal welfare legislation across Europe and North America. Seizures are symptoms of an underlying problem – epilepsy, toxin exposure, metabolic disorders, brain issues – that requires professional diagnosis and management. Documenting the seizure details (duration, what it looked like, behaviour before and after) is incredibly helpful for your vet. Be prepared to discuss possible triggers, recent activities, or access to any toxins. Culturally, seeking prompt veterinary care for neurological events like seizures is considered essential, reflecting the duty to provide necessary medical attention. Delaying a vet visit could compromise your dog's health and potentially contravene animal welfare obligations.

First aid for a dog seizure boils down to: Stay Calm, Ensure Safety, Time It, Hands Away from Mouth, Protect the Head, Manage the Post-Ictal Phase, and Call the Vet – Always. Your role isn't to stop the seizure, but to prevent injury and get your beloved companion the expert care they need to manage this frightening condition.