Witnessing your pet having a seizure can be a distressing experience, and you may wonder what you can do to help. Seizures in pets can occur for various reasons, ranging from epilepsy to toxicity and underlying health conditions. Since seizures are common neurologic conditions, it’s essential to know how to respond calmly and effectively to help your furry friend during an episode. Our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team explains what to do if your pet has a seizure, including steps to take during the seizure and how to provide care afterward.

What are seizures in pets?

Seizures, also known as convulsions, are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain’s cerebral cortex. These episodes can manifest in various forms, from mild staring or twitching to severe convulsions involving unconsciousness and involuntary muscle movements. Most seizures in pets are caused by idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited condition of unknown origins. Seizures more often occur when a pet is excited or stimulated by something, which changes brain activity.

Seizure causes in pets

Several precipitating events can trigger pet seizures, other than the more common cause, epilepsy. A pet may have a seizure as a result of any of these following causes:

  • Epilepsy — Some pets have a genetic predisposition to epilepsy, a neurologic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Golden and Labrador retrievers are breeds that most commonly inherit this condition.
  • Underlying medical conditions — Seizures can be a result of underlying health issues such as brain tumors, liver disease, kidney failure, or metabolic disorders.
  • Toxins — If your pet ingests a poisonous substance, including pesticides, plants, or medications, they can experience seizures.
  • Trauma or injury — Any head trauma or injury can cause seizures.
  • Idiopathic causes — Some seizures’ causes may remain unknown. Such a condition is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.

What to do if your pet has a seizure

If your pet has a seizure, you must remain calm, which is easier said than done. To manage your pet’s seizures, follow these tips:

  • Ensure your pet is safe — Clear the immediate area of objects that could harm your pet during the seizure.
  • Do not restrain — Avoid restraining your pet or putting your hands near their mouth if they are having a seizure. Pets experiencing seizures are not conscious of what they are doing and may unintentionally bite. Also, never insert anything into your pet’s mouth if they are having a seizure, because you or they may be injured.
  • Time the seizure — Note the seizure’s start and end times. Most seizures last a few minutes, but monitoring the duration is crucial. This information will be useful for our veterinarian in managing your pet’s seizures. 
  • Protect your pet — If your pet is near stairs or other hazards, gently move them to a safe location if possible.
  • Comfort your pet – Speak to your pet soothingly to reassure and calm them during a seizure.

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or your pet has difficulty breathing, consider this an emergency and contact West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic for immediate assistance. If this is your pet’s first seizure, our veterinarian should examine your furry pal to rule out immediate threats, such as toxicity or other medical emergencies.

After the seizure, monitor your pet for distress signs or unusual behavior. Your pet will need to rest and recover, so restrict rigorous activities and noise. Some pets resume normal activities within a few hours, while others may need additional recovery time.

Seizures in pets can be alarming, but knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can significantly affect your pet’s well-being. By understanding the causes of your pet’s seizures, taking appropriate precautions during an episode, and providing necessary care afterward, you can help ensure your furry pal’s safety and comfort. Consult with our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team for guidance and support in managing your pet’s seizures and overall health.