Epileptic seizures are discussed more in Chapter 17, but it is important to know what quick first aid you can apply to your dog in case of a seizure. Seizures are like short circuits in the electricity of your dog's brain. With no conscious control, your dog may stagger, twitch, vocalize, and even urinate or defecate. This is scary, but you need to stay calm and help your dog.

Old Myths about Seizures

Dogs can't swallow their tongues, so do not try to put your hand in the mouth of a seizuring dog and grab the tongue. What normally happens in those cases is that the person gets bitten and ends up dropping off their dog at the veterinary clinic while they drive on to the emergency room of the human hospital! The best way to help your dog is to guide her gently to a safe place, away from stairs she could fall down or other things she could bang into, and comfort her. Most dogs respond to being held in a blanket and to soothing touch and talk. Seizures generally last less than five minutes, even though it feels like forever to you!

Recovery

As your dog comes out of the seizure, she may be disoriented. Do not get upset if she has urinated or defecated, but calmly help to clean her up. She may need to be gently restrained, as some dogs have vision problems right after a seizure. Dogs are usually back to 100 percent in an hour or two, and some are normal in minutes. If your dog has another seizure fairly quickly, say in less than an hour, you need to call your veterinarian. “Status seizures,” seizures that repeat quickly or continue on for long periods, can do permanent damage to your dog's brain cells or even kill her.