Many conditions warrant extra special handling. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in some dogs. It can be a genetic condition or it can be idiopathic, meaning veterinarians do not know what exactly causes the seizures. Some stressful situations — such as trips to the vet or groomer, car rides, loud noises, or anxiety — may bring on seizures. If you begin grooming a dog and she goes into a seizure, remain calm. Make sure the dog cannot fall off anything or drown if she's in the tub. If you need to move the dog to the floor, do so immediately. Just speak calmly to the dog and wait for the seizure to pass. Most seizures pass within a minute, although some can last longer.

During seizures, dogs may lose urine and bowel control. Often, their bodies will tense up and shake violently, and they may foam at the mouth or drool excessively. Seizures are scary to the person witnessing them, but it's important that you remain calm and make sure the dog can't fall or hurt herself in any way. Most veterinarians don't place dogs on medication for seizures unless it is a recurring problem.

It is important to note when seizures happen. In rare instances, seizures can be connected to vaccinations, heartworm preventives, or flea and tick preventives. Keeping a written record can help your vet determine the best course of action for treating the seizure disorder. Note the time of day, how long the seizure lasted, where the seizure occurred, and if there was any catalyst for the seizure, such as a loud noise, stress, or any medication. If the dog is being treated for a seizure condition, note the amount of seizure medication he is on and if he received his normal dose that day.