Watching your Boston Terrier have a seizure is frightening. One moment your dog is fine, and the next they may be stiff, paddling their legs or not responding to you. Knowing what to do ahead of time helps you stay calm, keep your dog safe and give your vet the information they need.
This guide covers seizure first aid for Boston Terriers: what a seizure looks like, exactly what to do during and after one, and when you need emergency help.
Please note: this guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Any dog that has a seizure should be seen by a veterinarian. Consult your vet about your own dog.
What Is a Seizure?
A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect the whole body or just one part of it. There are many possible causes, and a seizure is a symptom rather than a disease by itself.
Possible causes your vet may consider include:
- Idiopathic epilepsy, meaning recurrent seizures with no other cause found, which often starts in young adult dogs
- Toxins, such as xylitol (found in some sugar-free gum and peanut butter), certain human medications, chocolate, or some garden and household chemicals
- Low blood sugar, especially in very young or very small puppies
- Liver or kidney problems and other metabolic conditions
- Head injury, infection or inflammation of the brain
- Brain tumors, which are more often considered in older dogs, and are a known concern in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds
Read more in our guide to Boston Terrier epilepsy.
What a Seizure Can Look Like
Seizures do not always look the same. Signs can include:
- Falling to the side, stiffening, and paddling or jerking the legs
- Chomping, drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Losing control of urine or stool
- Not responding to their name or your touch
- Smaller “focal” seizures: twitching of the face, one leg jerking, or staring and snapping at the air
Some dogs act strange shortly before a seizure, for example clingy, restless, hiding or whining. This is sometimes called the pre-ictal phase.
Seizure First Aid: What to Do During a Seizure
1. Stay calm and note the time
Look at a clock or start a timer on your phone. How long the seizure lasts is one of the most important things your vet will want to know, and seconds can feel like minutes when you are scared.
2. Keep your hands away from the mouth
Dogs do not swallow their tongues. During a seizure your Boston may bite down hard without meaning to. Never put your fingers, a spoon or any object in their mouth.
3. Make the area safe
Move furniture, hard objects and other pets away. If your dog is near stairs, water or the edge of a bed or couch, gently guide them to the floor by their body, away from the head and mouth, or block the edge. A towel or blanket under the head can help protect it.
4. Reduce stimulation
Dim the lights, turn off the TV or music, and keep the room quiet. Keep children and other animals away.
5. Keep them from overheating
Long seizures can raise body temperature. Boston Terriers are a short-nosed breed and can overheat more easily, so keep the room cool. If a seizure is long, your vet may advise a cool (not ice-cold) damp towel on the belly and paws while you arrange transport.
6. Record a video if you can
If someone else is with you, have them film the episode. A short video helps your vet tell a seizure apart from other events like fainting, reverse sneezing or a movement disorder. Our article on reverse sneezing in Boston Terriers explains one common look-alike.
When a Seizure Is an Emergency
Call your vet or go to an emergency animal hospital immediately if:
- A seizure lasts longer than about five minutes
- Your dog has more than one seizure in 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- Your dog does not recover between seizures or does not wake up normally
- This is your dog’s first seizure
- You suspect your dog ate something toxic
- Your dog is a very young puppy, is pregnant, has diabetes, or has had a recent head injury
A seizure that does not stop, called status epilepticus, is a life-threatening emergency. Call ahead so the clinic can prepare while you are on the way.
What to Do After the Seizure
After a seizure, many dogs go through a recovery period called the post-ictal phase. Your Boston may seem confused, wobbly, temporarily blind, restless, very hungry or thirsty, or very tired. This can last minutes to hours.
- Stay with your dog and talk softly.
- Keep them in a safe, quiet space away from stairs and water.
- Offer small amounts of water once they can stand and swallow normally.
- Let them rest. Do not force them to walk or play.
- Call your vet to report what happened and ask when they want to see your dog.
Keep a Seizure Diary
Recording every episode helps your vet decide whether testing or medication is needed and whether treatment is working. Note:
- Date and time
- How long it lasted
- What it looked like (or a video)
- What your dog was doing beforehand
- Anything unusual eaten, chewed or exposed to
- How long recovery took
- Any medication doses given or missed
How Vets Investigate Seizures
Your vet will usually start with a physical and neurological exam and blood and urine tests to look for metabolic causes or toxins. Depending on your dog’s age and history, they may recommend referral to a veterinary neurologist for MRI and spinal fluid tests.
If your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, there are anti-seizure medications that can reduce how often seizures happen. Never stop or change seizure medication without your vet’s guidance, since stopping suddenly can trigger seizures.
Seizure-Proofing Your Home
- Keep xylitol products, human medications, chocolate, grapes, raisins and chemicals out of reach. Our list of human foods that are safe and unsafe for Boston Terriers can help.
- Block stairs and pool access if your dog has a seizure history.
- Keep your vet’s and nearest emergency clinic’s numbers saved in your phone.
- Make sure anyone who looks after your dog knows these first aid steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Boston Terrier die from a seizure?
Most short seizures are not fatal, but long seizures and clusters can be life-threatening. That is why any seizure lasting more than about five minutes, or repeated seizures, need emergency care.
Should I pick up my dog during a seizure?
Generally no, unless they are in danger, for example near stairs or water. If you must move them, move them by the body, away from the mouth.
Is my dog in pain during a seizure?
Dogs are generally thought to be unaware during a generalized seizure, but they can be confused and frightened afterward. Comfort them calmly once it ends.
Are seizures common in Boston Terriers?
Seizures can occur in any breed. Boston Terriers can develop epilepsy, and as a brachycephalic breed they are also among the breeds in which brain tumors are considered in older dogs. Your vet can tell you more about your dog’s specific risk.
What should I bring to the vet?
Bring your seizure diary, any videos, a list of your dog’s food, treats and medications, and anything your dog may have eaten if you suspect a toxin.
Consult your vet: This article does not replace veterinary care. If your Boston Terrier has had a seizure, contact your veterinarian, and seek emergency help for long or repeated seizures.