Building an Emergency Plan for Your Epileptic Dog

Living with a dog who has seizures can feel scary and unpredictable. One of the best ways to regain a sense of control is to build a clear, practical emergency plan for epileptic dog care. When you know exactly what to do, who to call and what to grab in a crisis, you protect your dog and reduce your own stress.

This guide walks you through Building an Emergency Plan for Your Epileptic Dog step by step. You will learn how seizures work, how to recognise an emergency, which first aid steps really matter, how to create an emergency seizure kit, what vets do in urgent situations and how to look after both your dog and yourself afterwards. Along the way, you can deepen your understanding with articles on dog seizure first aid, identifying seizure triggers, the three stages of a seizure and seizure recovery.

Understanding seizures in dogs

A seizure happens when the brain suddenly produces abnormal electrical activity. Instead of smooth, organised signals, nerve cells fire in a disorganised burst. This can temporarily disrupt consciousness, movement and behaviour.

Seizures can be caused by many things, including epilepsy in dogs, toxin ingestion, low blood sugar, brain tumours, liver disease and other medical problems. Your vet will help identify the underlying cause, but your emergency plan focuses on what to do whenever a seizure occurs, whatever the trigger.

Typical signs of a generalised seizure include:

• Sudden collapse

• Paddling or jerking of the limbs

• Stiffening or rigid muscles

• Chomping or jaw movements

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

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Some dogs experience partial or focal seizures that look more subtle, such as facial twitching, fly snapping or brief episodes of staring. You can read more about focal seizures in our post Recognising Focal Seizures in Dogs with Epilepsy.

How emergency plan for epileptic dog fits into canine epilepsy

Canine Epilepsy is one of the most common long term neurological conditions in dogs. It causes recurrent seizures over time, often without an obvious external trigger. For many dogs, medication and lifestyle changes control seizures well. For others, episodes can remain unpredictable and can be severe.

An emergency plan for epileptic dog care is an important part of managing long term dog health. It sits alongside:

• Regular veterinary check ups

• Appropriate anti seizure medication

• Monitoring for side effects

  Read our guide on Monitoring Size Effects of Anti-Epileptic Dogs

• Considering lifestyle and diet Read our guide on the Ketogenic Diet for Dogs With Epilepsy

• Managing environmental factors

  
  

Your plan gives you and anyone who cares for your dog a clear script to follow when a seizure happens, so that essential steps are never missed.

If you want a deeper understanding of how seizures unfold, the guide to the three stages of an epileptic seizure explains the pre ictal, ictal and post ictal phases in accessible detail.

How to recognise an emergency

Not every seizure needs a dash to the emergency clinic, but some absolutely do. Your emergency plan for epileptic dog care should clearly spell out which situations count as urgent.

A seizure is an emergency if:

• It lasts longer than five minutes

• Your dog has more than one seizure within 24 hours (cluster seizures)

• Your dog does not fully wake up between seizures

• Your dog struggles to breathe, has blue gums or collapses

• Your dog becomes very hot to the touch

• You suspect poisoning or serious trauma

• It is your dog’s first known seizure

  
  

Guidelines from veterinary organisations recommend immediate treatment for status epilepticus (seizures longer than five minutes) and cluster seizures, because both are linked to higher risk of complications.

Early warning signs and red flags

Many Dogs with Seizures show early changes before a seizure starts. These warning signs may last seconds to hours and are useful to include in your written plan.

Common early signs include:

• Restlessness or pacing

• Sudden clinginess or seeking reassurance

• Hiding or appearing confused

• Lip licking, facial twitching or head shaking

• Trembling or shivering

• Excessive drooling

• A vacant or distant expression

  
  

Red flags that are especially important in your plan:

• Any seizure lasting more than five minutes

• Two or more seizures in one day

• Seizures occurring closer together than usual

• Worsening severity of seizures

• Very prolonged confusion or abnormal behaviour afterwards

  
  

Understanding which dog seizure triggers set off your dog’s episodes can help you prevent some seizures. For example, missed medication doses, excitement, stress or heat can all play a role. The article on identifying seizure triggers for your dog is a useful companion to your emergency plan.

Step-by-step first aid for dogs with seizures

Every emergency plan for epileptic dog care should include a simple, step by step first aid section that anyone can follow. You cannot stop the electrical storm in the brain, but you can keep your dog safe and gather vital information.

Keeping your dog safe during and after the seizure

You may find it helpful to print a one page checklist with these points.

1. Stay calm and time the seizure

   
   

   • Look at a clock or phone as soon as the seizure starts.

   • Note when it ends.

   • If it reaches five minutes, treat it as an emergency and prepare to leave for the vet.

     
     

2. Clear the area

   
   

   • Move furniture, sharp objects, lamps and wires away.

   • Slide your dog gently away from stairs, edges or water.

   • Do not restrain their movements.

     
     

3. Keep your hands away from the mouth

   
   

   • Dogs do not swallow their tongues.

   • Trying to hold the tongue or open the mouth can lead to bites.

     
     

4. Reduce noise and light

   
   

   • Turn off bright lights.

   • Keep the room quiet.

   • Move other pets out of the area.

     
     

5. Cool gently if the seizure is prolonged

   
   

   • For seizures longer than two minutes, you can:

     • Use a fan to circulate air

     • Place a cool, damp cloth on their paws or belly

   • Do not use ice or cold baths, which can cause shock.

     
     

6. Support recovery

   
   

   • After the seizure, your dog may be confused, unsteady or temporarily blind.

   • Speak softly and keep them in a quiet, familiar space.

   • Offer water once they are able to swallow safely.

   • Avoid food until they are fully alert.

     
     

For a deeper dive into these steps, you can read our post on dog seizure first aid which focuses entirely on in-the-moment care.

7. Record what happened

   
   

   • As soon as you can, write down details of the episode.

   • This forms part of your seizure diary, which is an important tool in managing epilepsy.

Building an at-home emergency seizure kit

A key part of building an emergency plan for your epileptic dog is creating a physical seizure kit that you can reach for in seconds. This saves time and helps anyone caring for your dog to find what they need without searching the house.

What to include in your emergency seizure kit

Every kit will be slightly different, but useful items include:

• Printed seizure plan

  • A one page summary of what to do during and after a seizure.

  • Clear red flags and when to go to the vet.

    
    

• Contact list

  • Your regular vet and nearest 24 hour emergency clinic, with phone numbers and addresses.

  • Backup contacts such as trusted friends or family.

  • Pet insurance details if relevant.

    
    

• Medication list

  • A simple list of all medications, doses and times given.

  • Note any allergies or previous side effects.

    
    

• Rescue medication (if prescribed)

  • Intranasal or rectal emergency medication, as prescribed by your vet.

  • Written instructions on when and how to use it, and when to stop and go straight to the clinic.

    
    

• Seizure diary and pen

  • A small notebook dedicated to seizure records.

  • You can also print templates from epilepsy resources and keep them in the kit. Here is a link to our free seizure tracker or we highly recommend using the Royal Veterinary College Seizure Tracking app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
    

• Thermometer and lubricant

  
  

  • To monitor temperature if your vet has advised you to do so.

  • Only use if you feel safe and your dog is fully conscious.

    
    

• Non slip mat or spare blanket

  
  

  • Useful for moving a large dog safely if needed.

  • Helps create a soft surface on hard floors.

    
    

• Torch or small night light

  
  

  • For use during night time seizures so you can see clearly without switching on very bright lights.

    
    

• Spare leads and a collar

  
  

  • Helpful if you need to move quickly to the car after a seizure.

    
    

You can store the kit in an easy to see box or bag, labelled clearly so that pet sitters and family members know where to find it.

Where to keep your emergency seizure kit

Choose a location that is:

• Easy to reach at all times

• Known to all household members

• Away from damp or extreme heat, so medications stay stable

  
  

You may want a second, smaller version of the kit in the car, especially if your dog often travels with you.

Sharing the kit with other carers

Make sure you walk any pet sitter, dog walker or family member through:

• Where the kit is kept

• How to use the printed plan

• When to call you

• When to go directly to the vet

  
  

Give them a chance to ask questions before they are ever left in charge during a seizure.

When to contact your vet or emergency clinic

Your emergency plan for epileptic dog care should make the decision to call the vet as simple as possible.

Contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately if:

• A seizure lasts more than five minutes

• Your dog has more than one seizure in 24 hours

• Your dog does not fully regain awareness between seizures

• Your dog has trouble breathing, collapses or has blue or pale gums

• You suspect poisoning, head trauma or a serious underlying illness

• This is your dog’s first seizure

  
  

Many veterinary and epilepsy guidelines emphasise that emergency treatment is particularly important for status epilepticus and cluster seizures, because delayed care is linked to worse outcomes.

Supporting your dog and yourself after a seizure

The emergency does not end the moment the seizure stops. The post ictal period, when your dog’s brain is resetting, is an important part of your plan.

You can help by:

• Providing a calm, quiet space

• Offering water once your dog is fully aware

• Avoiding stairs or slippery floors until they are steady

• Keeping other pets and children away while your dog is confused

• Watching for signs of another seizure

  
  

Most dogs improve steadily over minutes to hours, though some may take longer after a severe event. If your dog’s behaviour seems very unusual, or they do not improve as you would expect, contact your vet for advice.

For a more detailed look at this stage, you can refer owners to your article on seizure recovery.

Supporting yourself

Watching a seizure is emotionally intense. It is normal to feel shaken, upset or anxious.

Help yourself by:

• Taking a few slow breaths once your dog is safe

• Writing down what happened while it is fresh

• Talking to your vet about any fears or questions

• Learning more about epilepsy in dogs so that seizures feel less mysterious. We have a huge library of free and accessible information here.

• Re-reading your emergency plan and updating anything that did not work smoothly

  
  

Remember that you are not alone. Many owners manage dogs with seizures successfully for years, especially when they have a solid emergency plan for epileptic dog care, strong veterinary support and good information about triggers, treatment options and lifestyle factors like the best diet for dogs with epilepsy.

Conclusion

Building an Emergency Plan for Your Epileptic Dog is one of the most protective and empowering steps you can take as an owner. Instead of feeling helpless when a seizure strikes, you will know how to keep your dog safe, when to act, who to call and which details matter most for long term dog health.

By understanding seizures, preparing first aid steps, assembling an emergency seizure kit, keeping clear records and working closely with your vet, you give your dog the best possible chance of a stable, happy life with Canine Epilepsy. An emergency plan for epileptic dog care is not just a document on your fridge - it is a practical, loving commitment to being ready for your dog when they need you most.

FAQs

What should I do first when my dog has a seizure?

Stay calm, check the time and move hazards away. Keep the environment quiet. Do not touch the mouth. Once the seizure ends, comfort your dog and call your vet if it lasts more than five minutes or if another seizure follows.

How long can a seizure last before it is an emergency?

A seizure lasting more than five minutes is an emergency and may be status epilepticus. Cluster seizures in dogs, meaning more than one seizure within 24 hours, also require urgent veterinary help.

Should I move my dog during a seizure?

Only if they are at risk. Slide them gently away from danger but do not restrain or lift them. Restraint can cause injury.

When should I take my dog to an emergency vet after a seizure?

Seek emergency care if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if your dog has multiple seizures in a day or if your dog does not fully recover between seizures. Also go if toxins may be involved.

Can I give my dog medication during a seizure?

Do not give anything by mouth. Some dogs have prescribed emergency intranasal or rectal medication, but only use these as instructed by a vet.