Seizures in Shih Tzus: What to Do, Causes, and Treatment
How we researched this guide: This article is based on VCA Animal Hospitals guidance on seizures and epilepsy and the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) consensus on diagnosing epilepsy in dogs. It is not a substitute for an exam. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Watching your Shih Tzu have a seizure is scary. Knowing what to do in the moment, and what happens next, makes a big difference for your dog.
This guide explains what a seizure looks like, common causes, how to keep your dog safe, when a seizure is an emergency, and how vets diagnose and treat epilepsy.
Emergency: VCA Animal Hospitals advises that a seizure lasting more than five minutes, called status epilepticus, is a medical emergency. Several seizures close together, called cluster seizures, also need urgent care. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Also go to the vet the same day if this is your dog’s first seizure.
What a Seizure Looks Like
VCA describes three phases:
| Phase | What you may see | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Before (pre-ictal) | Hiding, nervousness, or seeking out the owner | Seconds to hours |
| Seizure (ictal) | Falling over, paddling legs, stiffening, jerking, drooling, loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of awareness | A few seconds to several minutes |
| After (post-ictal) | Confusion, pacing, drooling, restlessness, or temporary blindness | Minutes to hours |
Some seizures are smaller, called focal seizures. They may involve twitching of one part of the face or body, or odd behaviors such as snapping at the air.
What to Do During a Seizure
- Stay calm and note the time. Timing tells you whether it is an emergency.
- Keep your dog safe. Move furniture or objects away, and keep your dog away from stairs and water.
- Keep your hands away from the mouth. VCA notes that dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure. Putting your fingers or objects in the mouth can lead to a serious bite.
- Keep things quiet and dim. Lower noise and light.
- Record it if you can. A short video helps your vet understand the event.
- Comfort your dog afterward. Speak softly, and keep other pets away while your dog recovers.
What Causes Seizures in Shih Tzus?
VCA lists idiopathic epilepsy as the most common cause of seizures in dogs. This is an inherited tendency to have seizures with no other cause found. Other causes include:
- Reactive causes: problems outside the brain, such as low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, or toxins. Young toy-breed puppies can get low blood sugar if they skip meals. Some toxins, such as xylitol, also cause very low blood sugar.
- Structural causes: problems inside the brain, such as a tumor, inflammation, or head injury.
Age matters. The IVETF consensus uses seizure onset between 6 months and 6 years of age as one of the criteria that support idiopathic epilepsy. Seizures that start in a very young puppy or an older dog make other causes more likely, so vets usually recommend more testing.
How Vets Diagnose Epilepsy
Your vet will ask about the seizure, examine your dog, and run blood and urine tests to look for reactive causes. According to the IVETF, a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy usually needs two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart, a normal neurological exam between seizures, and normal blood and urine tests. Some dogs need an MRI or a referral to a veterinary neurologist.
Treatment and Long-Term Care
Not every dog needs medicine after one seizure. VCA says treatment is usually started when a dog has two or more seizures within six months, has cluster seizures or status epilepticus, or has seizures that are getting more frequent or severe.
- Medicines: common anticonvulsants include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, and levetiracetam. Some dogs need more than one.
- Blood tests: VCA notes that dogs on phenobarbital or potassium bromide need regular blood monitoring to check dose and organ function.
- Never stop medicine suddenly. Always talk to your vet before changing a dose.
- Keep a seizure diary. Record the date, time, length, and severity of every seizure.
The outlook is often good. VCA notes that most dogs do well on anti-seizure medication and resume a normal lifestyle, although the goal is usually fewer seizures rather than none.
Seizures can also be confused with fainting or tremors. If your Shih Tzu trembles without losing awareness, read our guide to why Shih Tzus shake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my Shih Tzu has a seizure?
Stay calm, time the seizure, move objects away, and keep your hands away from the mouth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues. Call your vet afterward, and go to an emergency clinic if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or several happen close together.
Is a seizure an emergency?
A single short seizure is rarely dangerous, but a first seizure should be checked by a vet the same day. A seizure lasting more than five minutes or a cluster of seizures is an emergency, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Why is my Shih Tzu having seizures?
The most common cause in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited tendency with no other cause found. Other causes include low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, toxins, and brain problems. Your vet will run tests to find the cause.
Can seizures in Shih Tzus be treated?
Yes. Medicines such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, and levetiracetam can reduce seizures. VCA notes that most dogs do well on medication, although some still have occasional seizures.
Can a Shih Tzu live a normal life with epilepsy?
Many can. With the right medication, regular blood checks, and a seizure diary, most dogs with epilepsy enjoy a good quality of life.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Seizures in dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Epilepsy in dogs
- De Risio L, et al. International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 2015
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
