Seizures in Pets: What and What Not to Do

Watching a pet experience a seizure can be overwhelming. It’s a moment that often leaves pet owners feeling helpless, confused, and scared. Seizures in pets may last only a few seconds, but those moments can feel much longer when you’re unsure what’s happening or how to respond. This blog will walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do during and after a seizure. By knowing how to react, you can help protect your pet and share helpful information with your veterinarian. If your pet has experienced a seizure, contact Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic in Granger, IN. Call us at (574) 277-6533!

What Are Seizures in Pets?

Seizures in pets are temporary episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause sudden, uncontrolled movements, behavior changes, or even loss of consciousness. They can affect dogs and cats of all breeds and ages, though some pets may be more predisposed based on genetics, underlying health issues, or environmental factors.

Common Causes of Seizures in Pets

While some seizures are idiopathic—meaning they occur without a known cause—others are linked to identifiable conditions, such as:

• Epilepsy
• Liver or kidney disease
• Brain tumors
• Head trauma
• Exposure to toxins (e.g., chocolate, rodent poison, or xylitol)
• Low blood sugar
• Infections or inflammation in the brain (e.g., meningitis)

Signs That Your Pet May Be Having a Seizure

Seizures in pets can present in different ways, depending on the type and severity. Some are more obvious, while others may be subtle.

Generalized Seizures

These are the most easily recognizable and may involve:

• Sudden collapse
• Paddling of the legs
• Jerking or stiffening movements
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Loss of consciousness
• Involuntary urination or defecation

Focal Seizures

Focal (or partial) seizures affect only one area of the brain and may look like:

• Twitching on one side of the face
• Repeated chewing motions
• Staring into space
• Sudden, repetitive behaviors

In both types, seizures typically last less than two minutes, but the aftereffects—known as the postictal phase—can linger much longer.

What to Do During a Seizure

Staying calm is key when your pet is having a seizure. While it’s distressing to witness, your reaction can help keep your pet safe and prevent further injury.

Move Your Pet Away from Hazards

If your pet is near stairs, furniture, or other objects that could pose a risk, gently move them to a safer area. Don’t attempt to restrain them. Instead, create a clear space so they don’t injure themselves during the episode.

Time the Seizure

Use your phone or a watch to track how long the seizure lasts. Let your veterinarian know the exact duration when you bring your pet in. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, it’s considered a medical emergency.

Stay Quiet and Keep the Environment Calm

Turn off lights, lower any loud sounds, and avoid touching your pet unless absolutely necessary. Stimulation can sometimes prolong the seizure or cause more disorientation afterward.

Protect Their Head, But Don’t Put Anything in Their Mouth

If your pet is at risk of hitting their head, use a pillow or folded towel for support. Never try to hold their tongue or place anything in their mouth—pets do not swallow their tongues, and attempting this can result in serious injury to you or your pet.

What Not to Do If Your Pet Has a Seizure

Some well-meaning actions can unintentionally cause harm. Avoid the following responses during and after a seizure:

Don’t Restrain Your Pet

Holding your pet down can increase stress and may result in accidental bites or injuries. Let the seizure run its course while ensuring the environment is safe.

Don’t Offer Food or Water Immediately After

Once the seizure stops, your pet may seem confused, uncoordinated, or even blind temporarily. Wait until they are fully alert before offering food or water.

Don’t Delay Veterinary Care

Even if the seizure appears to resolve quickly, call your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Frequent or lengthy seizures could signal a serious underlying condition. Your vet may recommend an examination and diagnostic testing.

What to Expect After a Seizure

The postictal phase—the period following the seizure—can last minutes to hours. Your pet may act unusually during this time, but their behavior should gradually normalize.

Common Post-Seizure Behaviors

• Disorientation
• Pacing or restlessness
• Temporary blindness
• Clinginess or hiding
• Fatigue or deep sleep

Every pet responds differently, so it’s important to monitor their behavior and let your veterinarian know what you observed.

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian? 

Contact your vet immediately if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
• Your pet has multiple seizures in a 24-hour period
• Post-seizure behaviors persist for an extended time
• Your pet is not responding normally within a few hours

Diagnosing Seizures in Pets

Your veterinarian may recommend several diagnostic tools to better understand the cause of your pet’s seizures. These tests help rule out underlying issues and guide treatment planning.

Diagnostic Testing May Include:

• Blood work to check for organ function, infections, or low blood sugar
• Urinalysis
• Advanced imaging (such as MRI or CT scan)
• Neurological examination
  

If no clear cause is found, your pet may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, a common condition that often begins between six months and six years of age.

Managing Seizures with Veterinary Support

Although witnessing seizures in pets is stressful, many pets with seizure disorders go on to live happy lives with the right veterinary care.

Treatment and Monitoring

Treatment depends on the cause and frequency of the seizures. In some cases, anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed to reduce seizure activity. Your veterinarian will guide you on what’s best for your pet and recommend regular follow-up visits to monitor their response to treatment.

Keeping a Seizure Log

A seizure log can help track patterns and triggers. Include the date, time, length of the seizure, and any behaviors before or after the episode. This information is incredibly helpful for your veterinarian when adjusting treatment.

Take the Right Steps for Your Pet’s Health

Seizures in pets require thoughtful, informed responses—both in the moment and after the event. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can help you protect your pet, provide helpful information to your veterinarian, and ensure your pet receives the care they need. If your pet has experienced a seizure or shown signs of neurological changes, call Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic in Granger, IN. Our experienced team is equipped to help guide you every step of the way. Call us at (574) 277-6533 to book an appointment today.