What Is A Tonic-Clonic Seizure In Dogs?
Jake And Maggie relaxing at home!
Jake has had some surgery (more on that later in a separate post) so we have been resting at home per doctor’s orders! He is doing well and Maggie has been watching over him.
I bought new rugs and blankets at Walmart and, of course, they had to check them out 🙂

- Generalized seizure or grand mal seizure. These are the most common types of seizures in dogs
- Focal or partial seizures
- Psychomotor seizure
- Idiopathic epilepsy
What Can Cause Seizures in Dogs?
- Eating poison
- Liver disease
- Low or high blood sugar
- Kidney disease
- Electrolyte problems
- Anemia
- Head injury
- Encephalitis
- Strokes
- Brain cancer
Symptoms can include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure. They are also not aware of their surroundings.

First, try to stay calm. If your dog is near something that could hurt them, like a piece of furniture or the stairs, gently slide them away.
Stay away from your dog’s mouth and head; they could bite you. Don’t put anything in their mouth. Dogs cannot choke on their tongues. If you can, time it.
If the seizure lasts for more than a couple of minutes, your dog is at risk of overheating. Turn a fan on your dog and put cold water on their paws to cool them down.
Talk to your dog softly to reassure them. Avoid touching them – they may unknowingly bite. Call your vet when the seizure ends.

Your vet will want to do a thorough physical exam and get some lab work to look for the causes of your dog’s seizures. Diagnostic imaging like MRI can help detect brain lesions.
Your vet may prescribe medicines to control seizures. Always follow your vet’s instructions when you give your dog medicine. Don’t let them miss a dose.
The most commonly prescribed first-line medication is phenobarbital.
The two newest AEDs are levetiracetam (Keppra) and zonisamide (Zonegran).



I’m Bobbi Jo, a lab-lover who took my passion for animals and dogs and turned it into something bigger. When I adopted Jake and Maggie, my love for them became the driving force behind Two Adorable Labs, and my blog was born. My hope is to not only share them with the world, but to help educate others on the importance of animal health and well-being.
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Enjoyed reading your blog on first aid, for dogs. As you know I have had my Rottweiler grand dog having seizures. He was placed on Keppra . Many hours of researching I was surprised to learn how common it is in dogs, particularly large breeds. Great information you have provided. Always a joy to read and learn! Glad Jake is on the mend! They looked like they enjoyed Tennessee!!
Thank you! Glad I’m able to help you.
Yes, Jake and Maggie really enjoyed Tennessee. It was so nice to experience our vacation with them.