Watching your furry friend suffer from seizures can be an agonizing experience for any dog parent. The feeling of helplessness and uncertainty can be overwhelming, leaving you with more questions than answers. Knowing when to put down a dog with seizures is one of the questions you’ll be asking.

Arming yourself with information on dog seizures can help you better understand your dog's condition and help you make the right decisions about their health.

What Are Dog Seizures?

Dog seizures can be a terrifying experience for you and your furry companion. These convulsions, or fits, are a common neurological condition in dogs that disrupt their regular brain activity, causing uncontrollable muscle movements. These movements occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Seizures can happen as a single event or in clusters that involve multiple episodes within 24 hours.

What Causes Dog Seizures 

Various factors, originating from within or outside the brain, can cause seizures. Some intracranial (within the brain) disorders can cause this type of abnormal activity in the brain. Examples are:

• Congenital disabilities

• Degenerative illnesses

• Infections 

• Cancer 

• Strokes 

• Injuries 

On the other hand, seizures can also be a result of extracranial (outside the brain) issues like:

• Liver or kidney problems

• Exposure to toxins

Toxins are another leading cause of seizures, including pesticides, antifreeze, snail bait, and rat poison. These substances can interfere with the normal functioning of the brain.

The Three Stages of Dog Seizures 

The first stage of a dog seizure is the "aura" or pre-ictal stage. During this stage, your dog may seem restless, anxious, or disoriented. They may also hide or seek comfort from you. You may notice physical symptoms such as trembling, drooling, or dilated pupils. This stage can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours.

The second stage is the "ictus" or seizure itself. During this stage, your dog may experience convulsions, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled muscle movements. They may also drool, foam at the mouth, or lose control of their bladder or bowels. This stage may last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

The third and final stage is the "post-ictal" stage. During this stage, your dog may seem confused, disoriented, or tired. They may also experience temporary blindness, pacing, or difficulty walking. This stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours; sometimes, it may take up to a day for your dog to fully recover.

What Should You Do When Your Dog Has Seizures? 

If your beloved pet has a seizure, here are some steps to ensure their safety and well-being.

Make Sure their Environment is Secure and Comfortable

Make sure that your pet is in a secure and comfortable location. If they’re having a seizure on a high surface or near stairs, try to block their movement so that they cannot fall and injure themselves. Remember that your pet may lose control of their body and actions during an attack. So it's important to be careful.

Don't Put Your Hands In Your Pet's Mouth

Do not attempt to put your hands near your pet's mouth or try to push their tongue back in. It's a common misconception that pets swallow their tongues during a seizure, but this is false. You may get bitten, which can be painful and dangerous for you and your pet.

Seek Veterinary Assistance 

It's important to seek veterinary help immediately if your pet has a seizure lasting longer than five minutes. This is also important if your dog experiences multiple seizures in a short amount of time (known as cluster seizures).

Seizures that last longer than five minutes can cause brain damage. It can also cause high body temperature and difficulty breathing, among other serious health issues. 

In fact, pets with cluster seizures or seizures lasting longer than five minutes have a 25% chance of mortality, so it's vital to act quickly.

Be Watchful and Work with Your Vet

After the seizure, keep a watchful eye on your furry companion to ensure they don't harm themselves while still confused and unsure of their surroundings. 

Contact your veterinarian immediately after the seizure to help determine the best action for your pet's well-being.

Your vet may recommend a consultation with a veterinary neurologist specializing in treating animals with seizures. By seeking expert care, you can give your beloved pet the best chance to recover.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Put Down Your Dog

Here are some factors to consider before taking that big step. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment options are available for dogs experiencing seizures. It's crucial to know the diagnosis to make informed decisions. The vet will tailor the treatment plan based on the underlying cause of the seizures.

The primary course of action would likely involve prescribing anticonvulsant medication to prevent future seizures. However, ensure your dog takes the medication consistently. Also, attend regular check-ups to ensure your dog's well-being.

Emotional Commitments 

Aside from the financial commitment, you must also prepare emotionally for the potential challenges of managing a pet with seizures. 

It may require investing more time and effort into caring for your dog and being vigilant for any changes in behavior or symptoms.

Quality of Life

Consider your dog's quality of life when deciding on treatment options. While a seizure may not bother the dog much, it could lead to physical limitations that impact their ability to play, protect, and be a loyal companion. 

So, you must weigh the risks and benefits of treatment options to ensure the best outcome for your furry friend.

When to Make the Tough Choice

As a dog owner, it can be heart-wrenching to determine when to say goodbye to your furry friend who suffers from seizures. The veterinarian's diagnosis may make you feel helpless. Also, watching your pet endure the discomfort and distress of seizures can be disturbing.

There’s no clear-cut answer to when you should put down a dog with seizures; it ultimately comes down to your choice. You may experience conflict between wanting to end your pet's suffering and prolonging your time with them.

Remember that seizures can significantly impact your pet's lifespan. However, some dogs can still lead happy and fulfilling life with consistent medication and support.

Your vet can educate you on what to expect and support you in making an informed decision that prioritizes your pet's well-being.

Ultimately, you must focus on providing your beloved companion with the best care possible and filling their final moments with love and comfort.

Give Your Dog the Best Care on a Budget

It's always important to consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences seizures. They can determine the underlying cause and provide you with appropriate treatment options. 

Although vet bills can pile up quickly, you can still care for your dog on a budget. Click here to learn more about how Carefree Pet helps pet parents save on costly pet care. 

Fortunately, with Carefree Pet, pet insurance isn’t the only option for pet parents anymore. Carefree Pet offers pet care memberships that fit your unique needs and budget, anything from dynamic pet tags to bundled benefits and health savings, a pet damage warranty and 24/7 televet support in addition to being able to access top-tier pet insurance.