Generalized seizures are what we usually think of when we think "seizure". They are referred to as tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures. They can vary greatly, but this is the usual sequence of events:

The seizure usually begins with the stiffening of all muscles and the loss of consciousness. If the dog is standing, she will fall on her side. Her legs will extend and her head will draw back. The eyes and mouth may be open, but the dog is NOT CONSCIOUS. This is the "tonic" phase. The dog may drool, urinate and/or defecate. The dog may vocalize (moaning, howling or screaming can be the worst part for the observer) but this is involuntary and is NOT a sign of pain or distress. The "clonic" phase is the characteristic jerking movement of the legs, head and jaws. After the seizure is over, the dog will probably be disoriented and confused for a time. Some dogs will lay quietly, others will be agitated or restless. The dog may be temporarily blind, and may react fearfully or aggressively to you until his confusion clears up.

Some dogs have strong or even violent movements while they are sleeping, and this is quite different. If you aren't sure if your dog is dreaming or having a seizure - well, my first reply to that is that he's sleeping because if he's really having a seizure, you'll KNOW it! :-) But two good indicators that the dog is asleep are:
1. The sleeping dog's body is relaxed, except for the part that is moving. You'll usually see the body jiggle as the dog kicks. The eyes are closed, and the facial expression is usually peaceful although the eyes and/or lips may be twitching.

2. You can wake a sleeping dog up. It may take a few minutes but is possible. You CANNOT "wake" a dog up from a seizure.

What to do if your dog has a seizure:

1. Stay calm. This is HARD to do, but keep telling yourself that your dog is not conscious, and seizures are not painful (according to human epileptics).

2. Check the time, if you can. The first question your vet will ask is "how long did it last?" This is important information. Most seizures only last a couple of minutes but it feels like FOREVER, so your sense of how long it lasted will probably not be accurate.

3. Make sure the dog is safe. If the dog is in a crate, leave him there. If he's laying on a bed or couch, make sure he isn't going to fall off. If he starts to fall, help ease the dog to the floor. If the dog is banging his head against something hard put a pillow, rug, folded jacket etc. under his head to cushion it. KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE DOG'S MOUTH. Dogs will NOT swallow their tongues, and during a seizure will often have strong chewing movements. Be careful if you are handling the dog's head or you will be badly bitten. ** Keep telling yourself that the dog is not conscious, and is not suffering***
Watch out for other dogs in the house - it is very common for other dogs to want to attack a seizuring dog. This has nothing to do with how well the dogs like each other normally. You may have to shut the other dogs out of the room, or crate them.

4. It often seems to help to dim the lights in the room, and turn off or turn down any radio or TV that is playing. If the room is dark, turn on a small light so you can see what you are doing. Don't cover the dog - seizure activity usually raises the body temperature anyway.

5. If the seizure lasts continuously for more than 5 minutes, or if the dog comes out of a seizure then begins another right away, it is an emergency. Don't panic - actually, it is only after 25 or 30 minutes of CONTINUOUS seizuring that the dog risks brain damage, but since it will probably take you at least 20 minutes to get the dog to an emergency clinic the 5 minute limit is recommended.

If the seizure is lasting more than 5 minutes, first try putting some honey, Karo syrup or other quick sugar source in the dog's mouth - carefully! Raising the blood sugar will sometimes stop a seizure. You will probably have to carry the dog to the car - use a blanket as a stretcher.

6. If the seizure stops in less than 5 minutes, you will still want to contact your vet ASAP but you probably don't need to go to the emergency clinic unless the dog starts to seizure again.

7. When the seizure ends, check the time again. After the seizure, if the dog wants to lay quietly that is good. Speak to her gently but be careful about touching her - she may be blind and very confused, and may growl or snap at you. If she wants to get up and walk around, stay with her so that she doesn't bump into furniture or walk through a window or glass door. If she's uncoordinated or disoriented it may be best to put her into a crate to settle down.

8. Offer the dog a small snack as soon as he's able to eat. Something with sugar, fat and protein is best to help get the blood sugar back up, and keep it up for a few hours. This seems to help the dog recover faster, and may help prevent another seizure. I use Breyer's All Natural ice cream (no chemicals), and either let it sit out for a few minutes or microwave it so it's partially melted. Peanut butter and honey is another good option. Or some Karo syrup on a bit of hamburger or an egg - anything you have handy that your dog will like. Just a little bit though - a couple spoonfuls is plenty. Dogs can sometimes be nauseous after a seizure.

If you have any Rescue Remedy you can give some to the dog, maybe with the snack. Take some yourself, too - it will help you calm down.

I hope that helps, and I hope none of you ever needs to use this
information!!

One final note - in #5 above I mentioned you might have to carry the dog to the car. With our Danes, obviously this isn't a one-person job! And it's not just a seizure that might make that a necessity: bloat, heart disease or a severe injury may also require that the dog be carried. It would be an extremely good idea to have some sort of contingency plan for this: someone nearby you can call for help (even in the middle of the night) if necessary. Even if you live with a big, strong person <g> they may not be home when the emergency happens, so think now about who you could call, and talk to them about it before hand.

Barb Bristol, currently lives with and adores a puppy that has grand mal seizures