Seizures in Pets: What to Do and When to Worry
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Seizures are one of the most frightening things a pet owner can witness. They're caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can range from mild (a few seconds of staring) to severe (full-body convulsions). While they look terrifying, most seizures are not immediately life-threatening — but they always need veterinary evaluation.
- Stay calm and don't touch your pet's mouth during a seizure
- Time the seizure — anything over 5 minutes is an emergency
- Keep the area safe — move furniture and objects away
- Seizures have many causes, from epilepsy to toxins
- Most seizures stop on their own within 1-3 minutes
- Always see the vet after a first seizure
What a Seizure Looks Like
A generalized seizure (grand mal) typically involves: sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, paddling or jerking movements, drooling, urination or defecation, and sometimes vocalizing. Before a seizure, some pets show unusual behavior (hiding, clinginess) called the 'aura' phase. Afterward (post-ictal), they may seem confused, blind, or temporarily paralyzed.
During a Seizure
Do NOT put your fingers in your pet's mouth — they cannot swallow their tongue, but they can bite you involuntarily. Clear the area of objects that could cause injury. Time the seizure. Speak calmly. Do not restrain your pet. Place a blanket under them if on a hard surface. Note what happened before, during, and after — this helps your vet diagnose the cause.
Common Causes
Epilepsy (the most common cause in dogs aged 1-5), toxins (chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, certain plants), brain tumors (more common in older pets), infections (encephalitis, meningitis), liver or kidney disease, low blood sugar, and head trauma. In cats, the most common causes are toxins and brain tumors.
When Seizures Become an Emergency
Status epilepticus — a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures without recovery between them — is a life-threatening emergency. Rush to the vet immediately. Cluster seizures (multiple seizures within 24 hours) also need urgent care. A single short seizure in a young dog may not be an emergency but still needs evaluation within 24 hours.
- First seizure — always needs evaluation
- Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Multiple seizures in 24 hours
- Your pet doesn't recover between seizures
- Seizures in a very young or very old pet
- Suspected toxin exposure
RVC
RVC's team can diagnose seizure causes through blood work, imaging, and neurological assessment. We provide emergency seizure management and long-term treatment plans. Available 24/7 — call +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611