Seizures in Pets: What to Do, What Not to Do, and When It's an Emergency - REVIVE Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital

Few experiences are as frightening for pet owners as witnessing a seizure.

One moment your pet may seem completely normal. The next, they may collapse, paddle their legs, become stiff, drool excessively, or appear completely unaware of their surroundings.

For many owners, the experience feels helpless and overwhelming.

The good news is that not every seizure is life-threatening. However, some seizures require immediate emergency care, and knowing how to respond can make an important difference for your pet’s safety.

Understanding what seizures look like, what causes them, and when to seek help can help you act quickly and confidently if the unexpected happens.

What Does a Seizure Look Like?

Seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity happens within the brain.

While the classic image of a seizure involves full-body convulsions, seizures can appear in several different ways.

Common signs include:

Falling over or collapsing
Stiffening of the body
Paddling or jerking movements of the legs
Muscle twitching
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Chomping or chewing motions
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Vocalizing or crying out
Temporary disorientation or confusion afterward

Some pets experience only subtle symptoms, including:

Staring into space
Facial twitching
Sudden repetitive movements
Appearing temporarily unaware of their surroundings

These episodes can sometimes last only a few seconds but should still be discussed with your veterinarian.

What Causes Seizures in Pets?

Seizures themselves are not a disease.

They are a symptom that can occur for many different reasons.

Some of the more common causes include:

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most common causes of recurrent seizures in otherwise healthy dogs, particularly in younger animals.

Toxin Exposure

Certain toxins can trigger seizures, including:

Chocolate
Xylitol
Certain human medications
Rodenticides
Toxic plants
Recreational drugs

Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia can occur in diabetic pets, young puppies, or critically ill patients.

Liver Disease

Certain liver conditions can allow toxins to build up in the bloodstream and affect brain function.

Kidney Disease

Advanced kidney disease can sometimes contribute to neurological symptoms.

Head Trauma

Falls, vehicle accidents, or other traumatic injuries can lead to seizures.

Brain Disease

Inflammation, infection, congenital abnormalities, or brain tumors may also cause seizure activity.

Because the list of possibilities is broad, diagnostic testing is often necessary to identify the underlying cause.

What Should You Do During a Seizure?

The most important thing to remember is to stay calm.

Although seizures can look dramatic, your pet is generally not aware of what is happening during the event.

Focus on keeping them safe.

Move Dangerous Objects Away

If possible, remove furniture, sharp objects, or anything your pet could injure themselves on during the seizure.

Keep the Environment Quiet

Dim lights and reduce noise if possible.

Excess stimulation may prolong recovery in some patients.

Time the Seizure

It can feel much longer in the moment, but most seizures last less than two minutes.

Knowing how long the seizure lasted can provide valuable information to your veterinary team.

Record Video if Safe to Do So

A video can be extremely helpful in helping veterinarians determine whether the episode was truly a seizure and what type of seizure may have occurred.

Monitor Recovery

Many pets experience a recovery phase called the postictal period after a seizure.

During this time they may appear:

Confused
Restless
Unsteady
Blind temporarily
Excessively hungry or thirsty

This period may last minutes or several hours depending on the patient.

What Should You Never Do?

While owners naturally want to help, some actions can unintentionally create additional risk.

Do Not Put Your Hands Near Your Pet’s Mouth

Contrary to a common myth, pets do not swallow their tongues during seizures.

However, they may accidentally bite without realizing it.

Do Not Try to Hold Your Pet Down

Restraining a seizing animal can increase the risk of injury to both the pet and the owner.

Do Not Put Objects in Their Mouth

Objects can damage teeth, obstruct the airway, or result in accidental injury.

Do Not Offer Food or Water Immediately

Wait until your pet is fully alert and able to swallow normally.

When Does a Seizure Become an Emergency?

Some seizures require immediate veterinary evaluation.

Seek emergency care immediately if:

The Seizure Lasts Longer Than Five Minutes

Prolonged seizures can increase body temperature and may cause serious complications.

Multiple Seizures Occur Close Together

Two or more seizures occurring without a full recovery between episodes is called cluster seizure activity and requires prompt medical attention.

Your Pet Does Not Recover Normally

If your pet remains disoriented, unable to stand, or unresponsive after the seizure ends, they should be evaluated immediately.

This Is Your Pet’s First Seizure

A first-time seizure should always be investigated, even if it appears brief.

Toxin Exposure Is Possible

If your pet may have consumed a toxin, seek emergency care immediately regardless of seizure duration.

What Diagnostic Tests May Be Recommended?

Because seizures can have many different causes, veterinarians often recommend diagnostic testing to identify the underlying problem.

Depending on your pet’s age, medical history, and symptoms, this may include:

Bloodwork
Urinalysis
Blood pressure evaluation
Toxicology screening
Radiographs (X-rays)
Ultrasound
Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI
Referral to a veterinary neurologist when appropriate

These tests help determine whether seizures are caused by metabolic disease, toxin exposure, epilepsy, or other neurological conditions.

How REVIVE Evaluates Neurological Emergencies

At REVIVE Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, neurological emergencies are evaluated every day.

When a patient arrives following a seizure, our team begins by assessing airway, breathing, circulation, body temperature, and overall stability.

A complete physical examination and medical history help guide diagnostic recommendations and treatment decisions.

Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment may include:

Intravenous medications to stop active seizure activity
Fluid therapy
Blood glucose correction
Advanced diagnostics
Continuous monitoring and hospitalization when necessary

Our emergency and specialty teams work together to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

Trust Your Instincts

You know your pet better than anyone.

If something feels wrong, trust that instinct.

While some seizures are brief and isolated events, others can indicate serious underlying illness that requires immediate medical attention.

When in doubt, it is always safer to have your pet evaluated rather than wait for symptoms to worsen.

If your pet experiences a seizure or shows signs of neurological distress, the REVIVE team is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Early intervention can make all the difference in helping your pet return to feeling their best.