Keep Your Dog Safe During Seizures

If your dog has seizures, it can be one of the scariest things to witness. I remember the first time Ruby had one—I froze. I didn’t know what to do, and my heart broke seeing her like that. Over time, I learned what steps to take to keep her safe and calm, and I want to share those same tips with you today.

Stay Calm (Even When It’s Hard)

Dogs can sense our emotions. If you panic, your dog may pick up on that energy when they start to recover. Take a deep breath, speak softly, and remind yourself that most seizures last less than two minutes.

Keep Them Safe From Injury

If possible, gently move furniture or objects away so your dog doesn’t hit anything. Never put anything in their mouths. Dogs don’t swallow their tongues during seizures. Instead, focus on keeping the area around them clear. The video below shows how I protect Ruby in our house.

Keep Track of Time

Knowing how long a seizure lasts is important for your veterinarian. If the seizure continues for more than five minutes, or if your dog has multiple seizures close together, it’s an emergency—get help right away.

Turn Down Lights and Noise

After a seizure, a quiet, dim environment helps them recover. Let them rest and stay nearby until they seem more like themselves again.

Record It (If You Can)

If it’s safe, take a short video on your phone. It can help your vet understand what type of seizure your dog is having and guide future treatment.

Keep a Seizure Log

Write down the date, time, length, and any possible triggers—like stress, diet changes, or missed medication. Over time, you may notice patterns that help you and your vet make informed decisions.

You’re Not Alone

Caring for a dog with epilepsy takes patience and love—but you can do this. Once you know what to expect and have a plan, it gets less overwhelming.

If you’d like to learn more, my course My Dog Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy – Now What? walks you step-by-step through how to manage seizures, medication, and daily routines so you can feel confident caring for your dog. Click here for more information.

Watch below for more information on how you can keep your dog safe during a seizure.