How to identify a dog seizure: duration, responsiveness, and position?

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Jill. Some of the behaviors you are describing do sound similar to a seizure. Seizures can have a spectrum of severity, meaning that not all pets will have paddling like motions of their limbs or other typical signs of a seizure. More subtle jerking and shaking can be consistent with a seizure. Additionally, pets who are having a seizure are not mentally appropriate, meaning that they do not respond to stimuli (name calling, clapping, etc) like normal dogs. Seizures can have many causes. In a younger dog like Jill one possible cause is low blood sugar. I would recommend having Jill evaluated by a veterinarian so that she can be examined and further diagnostics (such as bloodwork) can be considered. If you are able to I would recommend trying to take a video of one of Jill's episodes. Additionally, until she is evaluated by a veterinarian I would recommend keeping a log of when these events occur and how long they last. Jill should be seen by a veterinarian immediately if these events last longer than 5 minutes, she has multiple events within 24 hours, or she does not normalize between events. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Pinkie. The events that you are describing sound similar to a seizure event. Seizures can present in many different ways, not only the generalized full body seizures but also more subtle or focused events with tremoring or shaking. When a pet has a seizure they become unresponsive to stimuli and are not mentally present, meaning that they will not respond if you call their names or try to get their attention. Additionally after a seizure the brain goes through a recovery period where Pinkie may appear improved but not quite right. I would recommend having Pinkie evaluated by a veterinarian for examination and further testing if warranted. It would be helpful if you could take a video of these events as well as keep a log of when these events occur and how long they last. If Pinkie has an event lasting more than five minutes, more than 1 event in 24 hours, or continuous events without recovery she should be seen immediately by a veterinarian. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm sorry to hear that Lola is having these episodes. You are correct in that they could be a focal or partial seizure especially as she seems to recognize when an episode is coming. The typical grand mal seizure is where the patient falls to its side, losses consciousness and paddles. All seizures do not present this way though and heelers can be more prone to them than some other breeds. I recommend Lola sees her veterinarian for an exam and potentially bloodwork. She could also be painful causing the shaking. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Poochie. If he is truly having a seizure, he should be unresponsive if you call his name or touch him. Most dogs will lose control of their urination and defecation. Some may drool or vomit during an episode as well. He should see his veterinarian to determine if this is the case or if something else is going on with him. It would be helpful to bring a video of a recent episode with you to your appointment. I hope this information helps!

Based on what you are describing, I am concerned that this is seizure activity that Romy is experiencing. When this occurs, I typically recommend a thorough physical exam and some lab work to rule out any underlying causes of seizures. During those episodes you can just make sure Romy is safe (from falling off furniture, down the stairs, or into a pool) and comfort him until the episode has passed. It is also a good idea to keep a record, or journal, of these episodes so you know how frequently they are occurring. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

I wonder if these two events are potentially the post ictal phase of seizures. A grand mal seizure is characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions, but the active phase can be quite short. There is then a recovery period called the post ictal phase where the dog is disoriented, can act aggressive or clingy, can pant heavily, or have trouble walking. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian especially if Tullamore is still walking abnormally. Low blood sugar, anemia or liver disease can cause similar signs but usually they would be persistent.

If you suspect this is not normal, I recommend to have him examined. A physical exam is going to be the only way to know if the nervous system is not normal. You are correct that a seizure should end within 5 minutes and the postictal phase (the tiredness after a seizure) should resolve within 30 minutes. It's possible something else is occurring like a toxin or drug expose, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or septicemia to name a few similar conditions. I recommend to play it safe and have him examined today. Best of luck.