Airport Freeway Animal Emergency Hospital

Seizures in Pets: What to Do During and After a Seizure Episode Seizures are one of the most common neurological emergencies seen in pets, and they often happen without warning. Knowing how to act in the moment and what steps to take afterward can help protect your pet from injury and ensure they receive prompt veterinary care when it matters most. What Is a Seizure in Pets? A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can affect dogs, cats, and other animals. Seizures vary in severity and duration and may be linked to epilepsy, toxin exposure, infections, metabolic issues, trauma, or underlying neurological conditions. Common signs of a seizure include: • Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness • Muscle stiffness or uncontrollable shaking • Paddling motions of the legs • Drooling or foaming at the mouth • Vocalization, confusion, or loss of bladder/bowel control Some seizures are brief and mild, while others may last several minutes or occur in clusters. What to Do During a Seizure Your first priority during a seizure is safety - both for your pet and yourself. • Stay calm. While seizures look alarming, most last one to three minutes and are not painful to your pet.