Seizures in Pets: What to Do in the Moment

A seizure can look terrifying, with collapsing, paddling legs, drooling and unresponsiveness. Most seizures stop on their own in a few minutes, and your calm response helps.

If your pet has trouble breathing, collapses, cannot urinate, has an ongoing/repeated seizure or may have swallowed poison, call an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for an online consultation or for paperwork.

What to do during a seizure

Stay calm and note the time. Duration matters to your vet.
Clear the area. Move furniture and keep your pet away from stairs and water.
Keep your hands away from the mouth. Pets do not swallow their tongues, and you could be bitten.
Dim lights and reduce noise. Speak softly.
Record a video if you can do so safely. It helps your vet.

When it's an emergency

Go to an emergency clinic right away if:

The seizure lasts more than five minutes
Your pet has more than one seizure in 24 hours, or they come back to back
It's your pet's first seizure
Your pet doesn't return to normal afterward
You suspect poison, head trauma or heatstroke

To locate care, find a nearby veterinarian.

After the seizure

Pets may be confused, wobbly, hungry or temporarily blind afterward. Keep them calm and comfortable, and offer water when they're alert.

Possible causes

Epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, liver disease, head injury and brain conditions can all cause seizures. Only a vet can sort out why, which may involve bloodwork and imaging.

What to tell your vet

How long the seizure lasted, what it looked like, what happened before, any medications or toxins your pet could have been exposed to and prior episodes.