When Your Dog Has a Seizure: A Story of Fear, Hope, and Finding Your Way
I still remember the very first time Ruby had a seizure. One moment she was lying peacefully next to me, and the next—her body stiffened, her legs started jerking, and her eyes went distant. I froze. My heart was pounding, and I remember thinking, “What is happening? What do I do?”
If you’ve ever been in that moment, you know exactly how terrifying it feels. You want to help, but you don’t know how. And when it’s finally over, you’re left shaken, confused, and full of questions.
That’s what inspired me to create Learn With Ruby—to share what I’ve learned through years of managing Ruby’s epilepsy so you don’t have to go through it feeling lost and alone.
That First Seizure Changes Everything
When you first see your dog have a seizure, it’s hard to unsee it. You never forget that moment—the sounds, the movements, the panic that sets in.
Seizures often come out of nowhere. A dog might suddenly fall over, stiffen, paddle their legs, drool, or lose control of their bladder. Sometimes it lasts only a minute or two, but when you’re watching, it feels much longer.
Afterward, your dog might seem dazed, stumble into things, or pace around confused. This is called the postictal phase, and it can last a few minutes—or sometimes longer. It’s part of their brain resetting, and knowing that can help you stay calm when it happens.
What I Do When Ruby Has a Seizure
Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation and calmness make a huge difference.
Here’s what I do each time Ruby has a seizure:
I stay as calm as I can. Dogs can’t control what’s happening, and my energy affects hers.
I move anything sharp or hard out of the way. This keeps her safe from hitting furniture or walls.
I never try to hold her down or put anything in her mouth. She’s not aware of what’s happening; she could accidentally bite, but she won’t swallow her tongue.
I time the seizure. Knowing how long it lasts helps my vet track patterns and adjust medication.
When it’s over, I just sit quietly with her. I let her come back to herself at her own pace.
If a seizure ever lasts more than five minutes or a dog has several back-to-back, that’s an emergency and they need to the vet right away.
The Search for Answers
When Ruby was first diagnosed, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. Vet visits, blood tests, and questions I didn’t know how to answer.
But I’ve learned that figuring out why seizures happen is an important part of managing them. Some dogs have seizures because of metabolic issues, toxins, or infections. Others, like Ruby, have what’s called idiopathic epilepsy, which means there’s no visible cause, just a brain that occasionally misfires.
Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork, an MRI, or other tests to narrow it down. It can feel like a lot, but every test helps create a clearer picture—and that leads to better treatment.
Managing Life with Canine Epilepsy
Ruby has been on anti-seizure medication for years now. We’ve gone through dose adjustments, added new meds, and kept a close eye on her side effects.
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Some dogs do great on one medication. Others need two or three. Common options include phenobarbital, zonisamide, and levetiracetam (Keppra). What matters most is consistency—giving the medication at the same time every day.
I also keep a seizure tracker to monitor patterns. It helps me notice if her seizures are changing or if something (like stress, a new food, or even a missed dose) might have triggered one.
It took time, but now I understand Ruby’s rhythms. I know what to watch for, what’s “normal” for her, and when something feels off.
The Emotional Side
This part doesn’t get talked about enough. Caring for a dog with epilepsy can be emotionally exhausting. You worry when you’re away from home. You count hours between doses. You celebrate seizure-free months and hold your breath when that pattern changes.
I’ve been there. The anxiety, the fear, the guilt—it’s all part of the journey. But over time, I’ve also found peace. Epilepsy doesn’t define Ruby’s life. It’s just part of it. She’s still the same loving, goofy, tail-wagging best friend she’s always been.
What I Want You to Know
If your dog just had their first seizure, please take a deep breath. I know how scary it feels—but you are not alone.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
You can absolutely learn how to handle this.
Your dog can still live a happy, full life.
With the right medication, tracking, and vet support, things will get easier.
That’s exactly why I created my online course, My Dog Was Diagnosed with Epilepsy – Now What? It’s designed to walk you through the first steps—what to expect, how to build routines, and how to take care of yourself while caring for your dog.
Because you can do this. You are capable. And your dog is lucky to have you.
And if you’re ready to learn more about managing canine epilepsy with confidence, check out my course at LearnWithRuby.com