Understanding the Three Stages of an Epileptic Seizure in Dogs

Why understanding seizure stages matters

Watching your dog experience a seizure can be frightening, but knowing what’s happening helps you stay calm and respond effectively.

A seizure is caused by a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This affects how nerve cells communicate, leading to physical, behavioural, and sensory changes.

Seizures in dogs typically progress through three main stages:

1. The pre-ictal phase (also called the aura or warning phase)

2. The ictal phase (the seizure itself)

3. The post-ictal phase (recovery)

   
   

Each stage has its own features, duration, and implications for care.

1. Pre-ictal Phase (Aura): The Early Warning Stage

The pre-ictal phase occurs before a seizure begins and can last from minutes to several hours, sometimes even longer in certain dogs. This phase reflects early brain changes before visible seizure activity starts.

What happens in the brain

Small groups of neurons begin firing irregularly, disrupting normal communication between brain regions. These changes can temporarily alter a dog’s mood, behaviour, and body sensations.

What you might notice

• Restlessness, pacing, or whining

• Seeking comfort or becoming unusually clingy

• Staring into space or appearing confused

• Excessive licking, trembling, or changes in breathing

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Why it matters

Recognising this phase gives you a vital window to prepare — for example, guiding your dog away from stairs, turning off bright lights, or creating a safe, padded space in case the seizure progresses.

2. Ictal Phase: The Seizure Itself

The ictal phase is the active seizure. This is when abnormal electrical activity spreads through the brain and produces visible symptoms. It usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.

What happens in the brainDuring this phase, many neurons fire together in an uncontrolled way. Depending on where the activity starts and how far it spreads, seizures can be focal (partial) or generalised.

• Focal seizures affect one area of the brain, causing localised signs such as facial twitching, unusual eye movements, or repetitive chewing motions.

  
  

• Generalised seizures involve both hemispheres, leading to loss of consciousness, collapse, and whole-body convulsions.

  
  

Typical features of the ictal phase

• Sudden collapse or stiffness (tonic phase)

• Jerking or paddling movements (clonic phase)

• Drooling, vocalising, or chomping motions

• Temporary loss of bladder or bowel control

• Pupils dilated and unresponsive to light

  
  

What to do

• Stay calm and keep your dog safe from hard objects or sharp corners

• Do not hold your dog down or place anything in their mouth

• Turn off bright lights and reduce noise if possible

• Note the start time and duration for your vet

• If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seek emergency veterinary help immediately (this may indicate status epilepticus, a medical emergency)

  
  

3. Post-ictal Phase: The Recovery Period

After the seizure, the brain begins to stabilise and restore normal function. This recovery stage is called the post-ictal phase. It can last from a few minutes to several hours, and occasionally longer.

What happens in the brain

Following a seizure, neurons are temporarily exhausted. Brain chemistry and oxygen levels fluctuate as the nervous system recalibrates.

What you might observe

• Confusion or temporary blindness

• Disorientation, bumping into objects, or appearing lost

• Restlessness, pacing, or whining

• Fatigue and deep sleep

• Increased hunger or thirst

  
  

How to help your dog recover

• Keep your dog in a quiet, dimly lit room

• Speak softly and avoid sudden noises or movements

• Offer water once they are fully aware

• Allow rest and avoid stimulation until your dog seems settled

  
  

When to seek veterinary attention

Contact your vet if:

• Your dog experiences a seizure for the first time

• A seizure lasts longer than five minutes

• Multiple seizures occur within 24 hours (cluster seizures)

• The seizure pattern changes in frequency, duration, or intensity

• You notice new or unusual neurological signs between seizures

  
  

Prompt veterinary care helps rule out underlying conditions and ensures your dog’s treatment plan is properly adjusted.

Key takeaways

Understanding the three stages of an epileptic seizure helps you stay calm, protect your dog, and provide meaningful information to your vet.

• The pre-ictal phase provides early warning signs.

• The ictal phase is the seizure itself.

• The post-ictal phase is recovery and reset.

  
  

Each stage tells you something important about your dog’s brain activity and overall progress.

If your dog experiences a seizure, stay calm, keep them safe, and let them rest afterward. With understanding and preparation, you can make these moments less frightening and more manageable for both you and your dog.

References

1. Berendt M., Farquhar R. G., Mandigers P. J. J., et al. (2015). International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Veterinary Research.

2. De Risio L., Bhatti S. F. M., Muñana K. R., et al. (2015). International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: Diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research.

3. Packer R. M. A., Shihab N., Torres B. B., & Volk H. A. (2016). Behavioural changes in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

4. Rusbridge C., et al. (2015). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology. BSAVA.