Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 7/21/2026

What does it mean if my dog is walking in circles after a seizure?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Dogs often walk in circles after a seizure due to postictal confusion, a temporary state of disorientation that can last minutes to hours. During this phase, your dog's brain is recovering from abnormal electrical activity, which can cause pacing, circling, restlessness, temporary blindness, or unusual behavior. While postictal circling is common and usually resolves on its own, repeated seizures, prolonged confusion, or worsening symptoms warrant urgent veterinary attention.

If you're experiencing similar neurological symptoms yourself—like confusion, dizziness, or unusual episodes—it's important not to guess. Understanding your symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about whether to see a doctor, visit urgent care, or monitor at home. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

answer background

Important Next Steps

Learn why your dog walks in circlesDiscover if circling means a seizureSee if your dog needs urgent careFind OTC options for seizure symptomsFind a vet for seizure concernsLearn home care after a dog seizureUnderstand if this could be a seizure

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

After a seizure, dogs might walk in circles due to confusion or disorientation. This behavior can be related to cognitive changes that occur in dogs with epilepsy.

Possible Reasons:

  1. Disorientation: After a seizure, dogs can feel confused and may not know where they are.
  2. Cognitive Effects: Dogs with epilepsy may have changes in how they think and act, which can affect their behavior.

What to Do:

  • Stay Calm: It's important to stay calm and help your dog feel safe.
  • Observe: Keep an eye on your dog and note any other unusual behaviors.

If your dog keeps walking in circles or shows other worrying signs, you can quickly check your own symptoms to rule out any environmental factors, and it might be helpful to talk to a vet for advice about your pet.

(References)

  • Packer RM, McGreevy PD, Salvin HE, Valenzuela MJ, Chaplin CM, & Volk HA. (2018). Cognitive dysfunction in naturally occurring canine .... PLoS ONE, 5805257.

  • Hobbs SL, Law TH, Volk HA, Younis C, Casey RA, & Packer RM. (2020). Impact of canine epilepsy on judgement and attention biases. Scientific Reports, 7576193.

  • Trevisan C, Mkupasi EM, Ngowi HA, Forkman B, & Johansen MV. (2016). Severe seizures in pigs naturally infected with Taenia .... Veterinary Parasitology, 4819911.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.