Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's first seizure: What to do and when to call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

My dog had a seizure and it's his first time to have it what will be the first aid and home remedy for this.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Seizures can be due to a few different causes. It can be due to certain diseases, organ failure, or imbalances in the blood. It can also be due to diseases, or tumors that primarily affect the brain. Without knowing the details of his condition, it's difficult to tell how severe this is. If Buddy is otherwise acting normal now, then this indicates that he is not experiencing a severe disease at this time. There are other conditions that may look similar to seizures, so it's possible that something else is causing the episodes that you are noticing. The most helpful thing to do is take a video of him when he is doing it and take that to the vet. In order to find the cause of this problem and get the most appropriate treatment, Buddy will need to see a vet. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done at home to prevent another episode. Preventing future seizures/problems is dependent upon getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian. I hope that helps and all is well with Buddy.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    There are no home remedies for seizures. If your dog has a true seizure, it is important to find out why. If your dog is old at the first onset, then the likely cause is a brain tumor. If your dog is young, then we call that idiopathic epilepsy and there has been no cause found. Real seizures are only treated with medication if they occur frequently or if a seizure lasts longer than 4-5 minutes. This is then called status epilepticus and life threatening due to the then occurring hyperthermia. So the best thing you can do is to keep a seizure diary, ie record date, time of seizure start and time when it ends. If the seizure lasts 4-5 minutes take your dog to an emergency room or your vet immediately. If you can take a video (with your phone) of the seizure, it will help your vet to determine whether it really is a seizure and what type, or a so-called syncope, which is a fainting spell caused by congestive heart failure when the brain is not receiving enough oxygen. Sometimes a dog just has a single seizure and then never another one. If your dog has seizures more frequently, you should make an appointment with your vet for an assessment. Bring the seizure diary with you. There is also no first aid necessary other than keeping time to see how long the seizure lasts. Your dog will usually be very tired after a seizure.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored