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🐕🐈 Dogs & Cats
Seizures in Pets
Seizures are always a serious event that warrants veterinary attention. During a seizure, dogs may collapse, paddle their legs, drool, urinate, and lose consciousness. Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) are a life-threatening emergency.
Use the Interactive Triage Tool
Answer a few quick questions to assess urgency for your pet's specific situation.
🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- ! Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- ! Multiple seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- ! Seizure after known toxin ingestion
- ! Pet does not regain consciousness between seizures
- ! First seizure in a senior pet (more likely to be a brain tumor or organ failure)
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
When to See Your Vet
- !After any first-time seizure
- !Seizures becoming more frequent
- !Seizure lasting more than 2 minutes
- !Cluster seizures (multiple in 24 hours)
- !Seizure in a puppy or senior pet
Home Monitoring & Care
- ✓Do NOT put your hand in your pet's mouth during a seizure
- ✓Move dangerous objects away from your seizing pet
- ✓Time the seizure duration — this is critical information for your vet
- ✓Keep the environment quiet and dim during the recovery (post-ictal) period
- ✓Record a video of the seizure if possible for your vet
Common Causes
Epilepsy (idiopathic — most common in dogs 1–5 years)Toxin ingestionLiver disease (hepatic encephalopathy)Kidney failureBrain tumor (more common in senior pets)Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)Electrolyte imbalancesHead traumaInfectious disease (distemper)
Disclaimer:This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific health concerns.