My dog shakes, stares blankly, then acts normal. Is it a seizure?

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Jill. Some of the behaviors you are describing do sound similar to a seizure. Seizures can have a spectrum of severity, meaning that not all pets will have paddling like motions of their limbs or other typical signs of a seizure. More subtle jerking and shaking can be consistent with a seizure. Additionally, pets who are having a seizure are not mentally appropriate, meaning that they do not respond to stimuli (name calling, clapping, etc) like normal dogs. Seizures can have many causes. In a younger dog like Jill one possible cause is low blood sugar. I would recommend having Jill evaluated by a veterinarian so that she can be examined and further diagnostics (such as bloodwork) can be considered. If you are able to I would recommend trying to take a video of one of Jill's episodes. Additionally, until she is evaluated by a veterinarian I would recommend keeping a log of when these events occur and how long they last. Jill should be seen by a veterinarian immediately if these events last longer than 5 minutes, she has multiple events within 24 hours, or she does not normalize between events. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm a little concerned that these symptoms you report may be mild seizure activity. Especially if she does not really respond to you during the event. Circling can also be a symptom of something going on with the head (seizure or otherwise). If this has occurred more than once I would recommend a visit to your vet for a baseline neurologic exam and some blood work to rule out anything wrong with her blood sugar, electrolytes, or organ function. If you can catch an episode on video this can be really helpful so that your vet can determine if this is neurologic in origin. If determined to be neurologic in origin, then there are many things that can cause this, and further testing and/or anti-seizure medication may be needed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm sorry to hear that Lola is having these episodes. You are correct in that they could be a focal or partial seizure especially as she seems to recognize when an episode is coming. The typical grand mal seizure is where the patient falls to its side, losses consciousness and paddles. All seizures do not present this way though and heelers can be more prone to them than some other breeds. I recommend Lola sees her veterinarian for an exam and potentially bloodwork. She could also be painful causing the shaking. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like a seizure. I would recommend video taping an episode and showing your Vet. Causes of seizures depend on age. In dogs 1-5 epilepsy is the most common cause. In puppies: toxins, infectious or congenital problems and older than 6 years of age we worry about organ failures and brain tumors. One to 2 episodes a month may warrant starting medications. I would recommend full blood work with urine, thyroid testing if older than 6 and tick testing. If all that is normal then consider starting medications. i wish Bella the best!

That sounds like it could be some kind of seizure activity. Get a video of it if you can and take her to the vet so they can see it and give her an exam. If it is happening only occasionally, they may opt to not do anything but monitor her condition since the medication to treat seizures can be more harmful than for her to have one every now and then. But if it is happening often medication may be the best option since the danger with seizures is your pet's body temperature can become dangerously high is she has a sustained seizure.

That sounds like Jb had a seizure. I would recommend taking him in. I like to do blood work including checking thyroid levels. I’m looking for treatable things. He also needs a thorough neurological exam to see if there are any deficits. I don’t usually place on anti-seizure medication for one seizure. I do recommend keeping a seizure log- keeping track of what they were doing, how long it lasted.. etc I have been using Royal Veterinary College App for my personal dog. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bailey definitely may have had a seizure. Other signs of seizures would be strange behavior before the seizure, the seizure itself can include shaking or tending of all the muscles, Bailey may urinate or defecate during as well. I recommend keeping a close eye on her and trying to film this if it happens again to show your vet. They can determine the cause of the seizure with blood work and more advanced imaging such as a CT scan. If seizure activity is confirmed, Bailey will likely be placed on anti-seizure medication. I hope all is well!