When your dog is having a seizure, there are actions you can take to protect yourself and your dog from harm, the most important thing is to stay calm.
Some dogs seem to know when they are about to have a seizure and may behave in a certain way, you will come to recognise these signs. Often dogs just seek out their owner’s company and come to sit beside them when a seizure is about to start.
Once the seizure starts the dog is unconscious – they cannot hear or respond to you. Dogs do not seem to swallow their tongues during a seizure, so there is no need to put your hand near your dog’s mouth and risk being accidentally bitten. Most dogs become stiff, fall onto their side and make running movements with their legs. Sometimes they will cry out and may lose control of their bowels or bladder.
Where possible, move objects, people and other pets out of the way and do not move or handle your dog during a seizure unless they are likely to hurt themselves (e.g. if at the top of the stairs or near a fire. If this is the case, roll them onto a blanket and pull clear of harm).