Seizures in dogs and cats: what to do
A seizure is an abnormal electrical burst in the brain. The animal may fall, stiffen, paddle its legs, drool or lose bladder control. It usually lasts a short time but is very distressing to watch. The most important things are to stay calm, protect your pet and time the episode.
What to do and what NOT to do during the seizure
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Stay calm and time how long it lasts | Don't put your hand in its mouth |
| Move away furniture and objects it could hit | Don't hold it down forcefully |
| Cushion its head with something soft | Don't try to pull out its tongue |
| Dim the lights and reduce noise | Don't give water or food during the seizure |
| Film it if you can (it helps diagnosis) | Don't shout or shake it |
The three phases of a seizure
- Before (aura): minutes of restlessness, attention-seeking or odd behaviour.
- The seizure: stiffness, tremors or paddling movements, drooling, sometimes loss of urine or stool. Usually lasts from seconds to 1–2 minutes.
- After (postictal phase): disorientation, clumsiness, temporary blindness or a lot of thirst and hunger, for minutes or hours. It is normal; keep it company calmly.
Why they happen
The causes vary widely: epilepsy (the most common in young dogs), poisoning, low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, heatstroke, trauma or tumours. That is why, even if the animal recovers, a veterinary check-up is advisable to find the cause.
When it is an immediate emergency
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) or several happen in a row.
- It is the first time, or it doesn't regain consciousness between seizures.
- It comes with a possible toxin or heatstroke.
- There are other serious symptoms (difficulty breathing, high fever).
What the vet will do
They will look for the cause with examination and blood tests, and may use medication to stop the seizure if it is prolonged (status epilepticus), stabilise the animal and, if epilepsy is confirmed, start maintenance treatment. Bring the video, the duration and any possible trigger.
Frequently asked questions
Should I hold its tongue?
No. It is a myth that they swallow their tongue. Putting your hand in its mouth during a seizure only gets you bitten reflexively. Cushion its head and don't restrain it.
When should I go urgently?
If it lasts more than 5 minutes, if they recur without regaining consciousness, if it is the first time, or if you suspect a toxin or heatstroke. In those cases, go immediately.
Is it normal for it to act strange or disoriented afterwards?
Yes. The postictal phase (disorientation, clumsiness, hunger or thirst, passing blindness) can last from minutes to hours. Keep it company calmly in a quiet, safe place.
Should I film the seizure?
If you can do so without neglecting its safety, yes: a video helps the vet a lot to tell the type of seizure and guide the diagnosis.
Does a single seizure mean epilepsy?
Not necessarily. It can have many causes. A diagnosis of epilepsy is made by the vet after ruling out others and assessing whether the seizures recur.
Can I give it its medication or something to calm it?
Only the medication your vet has prescribed for seizures and in the way indicated. Don't improvise with human or home remedies.
This is first-aid guidance only and does not replace a vet's diagnosis. In any emergency, contact a professional.
