Few things are as frightening for a pet owner as watching their dog or cat have a seizure. These episodes often come on suddenly, and in the moment, it can be hard to know what to do.

A seizure happens when there’s a sudden surge of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Exactly where that electrical storm occurs — and how much of the brain it involves — shapes what pet parents see during an episode.

Seizures in pets are serious. Without prompt evaluation and care, they can worsen over time, potentially causing permanent injury or even death. However, with timely veterinary attention, many pets who experience seizures can still live long, happy lives.

Spotting the Signs: What a Pet Seizure Looks Like

Seizures don’t always look like dramatic full-body convulsions. Depending on the type, signs can be subtle or striking:

• Generalized (grand mal) seizures: whole-body convulsions, collapse, stiffening, loss of consciousness, paddling of the limbs, drooling, or foaming at the mouth.
• Focal seizures: twitching of one limb, facial spasms, or repetitive movements on one side of the body.
• Psychomotor seizures: unusual, repeated behaviours like circling, chasing shadows, or chewing motions that don’t respond to cues.

After a seizure, pets may appear disoriented, anxious, or even try to hide. Some may pace, walk in circles, or bump into objects. In some cases, you may notice subtle warning signs before a seizure begins, such as restlessness or confusion.

Staying Calm in the Storm: What to Do in the Moment When Your Pet is Having a Seizure

Seeing your pet seizing can be frightening. Try to stay as calm as possible, and follow these guidelines:

• S — Secure the area: Move your pet away from stairs, furniture, bodies of water, or hard objects, while keeping hands away from your pet’s face to prevent any accidental bite injuries. Most animals are not aware of their surroundings during and after a seizure and may exhibit behaviours that are atypical for them, including an aggressive demeanor or biting. If possible, cushion their head if they’re on a hard surface. Don’t restrain them — let the seizure run its course but keep them safe.
• T — Time and track the episode: If you can, start timing the seizure from the first abnormal movement until things calm down. Use your phone to record a video if it’s safe to do so. This objective data is extremely useful to neurologists in diagnosing the type and severity of the seizure.
• A — Avoid their mouth: Pets cannot swallow their tongues. Trying to put anything in their mouth risks serious injury — usually to you. Stay near your pet but keep your hands and fingers away from their head and mouth.
• R — Reach out to your veterinarian: Call your primary care veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic immediately. Describe what happened, how long it lasted, and what your pet is doing now.
• T — Transport to emergency care if needed: If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if there are multiple seizures in a short time (cluster seizures or status epilepticus), or your pet doesn’t return to normal within a few hours, head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

When does a Pet Seizure Event Warrant Urgent Veterinary Attention?

Not all seizures are emergencies, but some demand urgent care. Seek immediate help if:

• It’s your pet’s first seizure
• A seizure lasts more than five minutes
• Multiple seizures occur in a 24-hour period
• Your pet stays disoriented long after the episode
• Seizures are becoming more frequent or severe

Prolonged seizures can cause dangerous complications, including overheating, injury, and permanent brain damage. Repetitive or untreated seizures may ultimately become more difficult to manage over time.

What Happens After Emergency Care?

When your pet is brought in for a seizure, the immediate priority is stabilizing them and keeping them safe. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Bellingham, our expert team, in collaboration with the knowledgeable team at Animal Emergency Care, works tirelessly to provide 24-hour emergency care for pet owners. Call ahead if you have time; walk-ins are welcome.

Once your pet is out of crisis, the focus shifts to determining next steps. Depending on your pet’s condition, follow-up care may involve:

• Diagnostic testing — such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging to look for underlying causes.
• Medications — to reduce the frequency or severity of seizures, if ongoing seizure management is needed.
• Referral for specialized care — in some cases, your pet may be referred to a neurologist or another specialty service for long-term management.

Common Medications for Managing Recurring Seizures in Pets

If the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy (recurring seizures without an identifiable underlying brain lesion), the goal becomes managing seizures to preserve quality of life.

• Anti-seizure medications are started when seizures are repetitive, frequent, prolonged, or worsening.
• First-line options might include levetiracetam, phenobarbital, topiramate, or potassium bromide, which are relatively cost-effective.
• If seizures continue despite those, other medications — such as zonisamide, gabapentin, topiramate, or pregabalin — may be added or substituted.
• In emergency or severe cases, short-acting medications such as midazolam or diazepam may be prescribed as “rescue” protocols.
• Successful long-term management relies on monitoring: tracking seizure frequency, duration, inter-ictal behaviour, medication side effects, blood levels, and adjustments as needed.

Final Thoughts

Watching your pet experience a seizure can be overwhelming but remember — you play an important role in helping them through it. Staying calm, keeping your pet safe, and knowing when to seek emergency care can make all the difference.

With your quick action and the help of emergency veterinarians, many pets who experience seizures go on to live safe, happy, and healthy lives.