Epilepsy Dog Pet Sitter Guide

Leaving your dog with a sitter can feel scary when they have epilepsy. I remember the first time Ruby stayed with a pet sitter. I worried nonstop. Over time, though, I built a simple pet sitter guide that made me confident she’d be safe. I want to share that with you so you can feel peace of mind, too.

Why a Pet Sitter Needs a Seizure Plan

When your dog has epilepsy, a pet sitter isn’t just watching them; they are stepping into a medical care role. Having clear instructions, emergency plans, and supports in place helps avoid confusion, hesitation, or delays when every second can matter.

What to Include in Your Pet Sitter Packet

Here’s what I always prepare for Ruby’s sitters:

1. Seizure History & Patterns

   • Typical seizure duration and types (e.g. stiffening, paddling, etc.)

   • Known triggers or warning signs

2. Emergency Plan & Vet Contact Information

   • Your vet’s name, phone, and clinic address

   • After-hours emergency clinic contact

   • Directions and map, if needed

   • Instructions: what to do if seizure lasts over 5 minutes or repeats

3. Medication Instructions

   • Medication names, dosages, times

   • What to do if a dose is missed

   • How to administer (with food, etc.)

4. What to Do During a Seizure

   • Move dog away from hazards, but don’t restrain

   • Time the seizure

   • Record signs (jerking limbs, drooling, collapse)

   • When to call vet or take them to emergency

5. Aftercare & Recovery Tips

   • Calm, dim environment

   • Watch for pacing, disorientation, or staggering

   • Offer water and food when dog is ready

   • Stay nearby until they seem steady

6. Safety Adjustments

   • Block stairs or risky areas

   • Remove hazards, sharp edges, clutter

   • Use rugs or mats to prevent slipping

   • Leave out the seizure kit: towels, blanket, lick pad, phone timer

7. Check-in Protocols

   • Ask the sitter to send updates (photos, short video)

   • Set prearranged check-in times

   • Provide backup contact (spouse, friend, family, neighbor)

Tips to Help Your Sitter Feel Confident

• Walk through everything with them in person before leaving

• Let them practice giving the medication if it’s time to do so when meeting with the sitter

• Keep your phone line open for questions

• Provide printed checklists and quick-reference cards (I include everything in my Pet Sitter Guide)

• Show them where all supplies, medications, and familiar spots are

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

If you want even more support in creating plans, routines, and confidence as you care for your dog with epilepsy, check out my course My Dog Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy – Now What? It walks you step by step through everything, including pet sitter guides, seizure tracking, and daily routines.

👉 Click here to learn more and enroll