Symptoms of Dog Seizures

Seizing dogs may have several identifiable symptoms before, during, and after the actual seizure.

Pre-Ictal Phase Symptoms

Unresponsive

This is usually a symptom that first appears before the onset of a seizure. Your dog will ignore your spoken commands, and may seem to be slightly catatonic.

Trembling

Before a seizure, some dogs will begin to tremble uncontrollably. This may also be accompanied by incessant whining.

Biting

It's possible that a dog will begin biting before a seizure. This may manifest as uncontrollable gnawing of the limbs, or snapping at nearby individuals and objects.

Restlessness, Twitching of Limbs

Some dogs will experience a period of time where they seem anxious, active and restless. This may include pacing, sporadic running, and turning in circles.

Ictal Phase Symptoms

Thrashing of Limbs

This is a telltale sign that your dog is experiencing a seizure. Seizing dogs will usually have violent convulsions of the limbs, to the extend of frantic thrashing.

Urination, Salivation and Defecation

These three symptoms are sometimes present during a seizure. Many dogs lose control of their bladder, salivary glands and bowels while having a seizure.

Paralysis

When a dog is experiencing a seizure, they may appear to be temporarily paralyzed, and will usually fall to the ground. This may last several seconds to a few minutes right as the seizure occurs.

Teeth Gnashing, Extended Head

This is also an obvious sign that a dog is having a seizure. Some dogs will have their neck stretched out and head drawn backward during a seizure episode. This may be accompanied by violent gnashing of the teeth.

Post-Ictal Phase Symptoms

Loss of Hearing or Vision

This is a temporary condition that sometimes affects dogs after a seizure. Some dogs will seem to lose either their vision or their hearing, though in some cases it may be both.

Confusion, Disorientation

Many dogs will seem to be disoriented after a seizure episode. Some dogs will even run into walls, door frames, and other objects. This period of confusion can last for a few minutes, or several hours.

Excessive Salivation

This sometimes occurs after a dog has a seizure. This Post-Ictal phase symptom is especially common if the dog was also salivating during or before the Ictal phase.

Increased Appetite

Some dogs will display a greatly increased appetite after having a seizure. This Post-Ictal phase symptom is sometimes also accompanied by excessive thirst.