A Pet Sitter’s Guide: What to Do When a Seizure Hits

Professional pet sitters understand how terrifying a pet seizure can be. When a dog experienced a seizure, it was a frightening wake-up call. There are critical steps you can take to keep your pet safe.

• Remain calm: Panic can add stress.
• Do not restrain the dog: Allow the seizure to run its course naturally.
• Clear the area: Remove furniture or sharp objects to prevent injury.
• Speak softly and pet them gently: This can help comfort the dog.
• Time the seizure: Note the start and end times to provide information to the veterinarian.
• If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seek immediate emergency veterinary care. A seizure of this length can be life-threatening.
• Be aware: The dog may be disoriented or unaware of your presence during the episode. Be careful when handling the dog, as it could bite unintentionally.

• Status Epilepticus: Recurrent, constant, or back-to-back seizures. This condition needs immediate medical attention.
• Idiopathic Epilepsy: Seizures with no known cause.
• Focal vs. Generalized Seizures: Focal seizures affect a small area of the brain, while generalized seizures affect both sides.
• Seek medical help: If seizures become frequent, medication can help control them. A veterinarian can run tests to check for underlying causes like low blood sugar or liver failure.