Post-Ictal Signs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
When people think of seizures, they often picture the dramatic phase — a dog collapsing, paddling its limbs, or foaming at the mouth. This is known as the ictal phase, but a seizure includes more than just this stage. Before the seizure, some dogs show changes in behaviour (the pre-ictal or prodromal phase). After the seizure, there’s the post-ictal phase — the recovery period that is just as important to understand.
What is the Post-Ictal Phase?
The post-ictal phase begins when the visible seizure activity ends. It’s the period when your dog’s brain is recovering from the abnormal electrical storm. While the seizure itself might last just a minute or two, post-ictal signs can last from minutes to hours — even days in some cases.
Common post-ictal signs reported in 90–97% of dogs include:
Wobbliness or clumsiness
Disorientation
Temporary blindness
Excessive hunger or thirst
Attention-seeking
Vocalisation or restlessness
Weakness
These signs are usually temporary but can be distressing to both dogs and their carers.
Why Do Post-Ictal Signs Matter?
A recent study involving 87 dogs found that in over 83% of cases, owners said post-ictal signs had just as much — or even more — impact on their dog’s quality of life (QoL) than the seizures themselves. Dogs bumping into things, unable to walk properly, or appearing scared or confused can create anxiety and frustration for both pet and carer.
Since epilepsy is often not "curable" and the goal is to manage symptoms and maintain QoL, the post-ictal phase deserves more attention than it currently receives.
Why is Recognizing Post-Ictal Signs Important?
Safety: Dogs may be confused, temporarily blind, or aggressive — they need a calm, safe space.
Behavioral understanding: Post-ictal whining or pacing isn’t misbehavior — it’s part of recovery.
Monitoring recovery: Long or worsening post-ictal periods may signal poorly controlled seizures.
Supporting your vet: Describing these signs helps tailor treatment and track progress.
Preventing emergencies: Knowing when the recovery ends helps spot cluster seizures early.
Managing the Post-Ictal Phase
Currently, there are no standard medical treatments for post-ictal signs in dogs. While emergency seizure medication is important during a seizure, it doesn’t usually affect the recovery phase. Instead, 77% of owners say the most effective support comes from:
Calm environments
Dim lighting
Staying close to your dog
Letting them rest
Every dog is different, and individualised care during the post-ictal phase may make a big difference in their overall well-being.
Autonomic Signs vs. Post-Ictal Signs — Not the Same
It’s important not to confuse autonomic signs with post-ictal ones.
Autonomic signs happen during the ictal phase of a seizure and include things like:
Pupil changes
Heart rate spikes
Excessive drooling
Urination or defecation
Post-ictal signs occur after the ictal phase of a seizure, during recovery.
Why the difference matters:
Helps recognize seizures early
Improves diagnosis
Guides better treatment choices
Ensures better recovery support
Right now, we don’t have much data on autonomic signs in dogs. Our neurology team is working on that. if you're interested in helping with our ongoing survey, you can participate here:
👉 Take the survey
Quick Summary
The post-ictal phase is the brain’s recovery period after a seizure.
It can involve confusion, clumsiness, blindness, or unusual behaviors.
These signs may last minutes to days and can affect your dog’s quality of life.
Managing this phase with calm, supportive care can be very effective.
Recognising and reporting these signs helps vets make better treatment plans
References:
Kähn, C.; Meyerhoff, N.; Meller, S.; Nessler, J.N.; Volk, H.A.; Charalambous, M. The Postictal Phase in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: Semiology, Management, and Impact on the Quality of Life from the Owners’ Perspective. Animals 2024, 14, 103. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010103
Nagendran A, Nettifee JA, Carter D, Muñana KR. Characterization of post-ictal clinical signs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: A questionnaire-based study. J Vet Intern Med. 2025; 39(1):e17302. doi:10.1111/jvim.17302
