Seizures in Dogs & Cats: What To Do

A seizure is frightening to watch, but your job is simple: keep your pet safe, do not restrain them, time it, and call your vet. Most single seizures stop on their own within a couple of minutes.

Warning signs

Collapse with paddling or jerking limbs
Stiffening of the body
Drooling, chomping or foaming
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Unresponsiveness, glazed stare
Confusion or wobbliness afterwards

What NOT to do

Do NOT put your hands near the mouth — pets cannot "swallow their tongue" and you may be bitten
Do NOT restrain or hold your pet down
Do NOT splash water or shout
Do NOT give food, water or medication during the seizure
Do NOT ignore a first-ever seizure — always tell your vet

What to do — step by step

Stay calm and note the time — timing the seizure is genuinely important for your vet.
Clear the area of hard or sharp objects and furniture so your pet cannot hurt themselves.
Gently move them away from stairs or edges if needed, holding the body, never the head or mouth.
Dim the lights, keep noise down, and speak softly — do not restrain the movements.
When it stops, keep your pet warm and quiet, and call your vet. Seizing for more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures in a row, is a life-threatening emergency — go to the vet immediately.

Background & prevention

Seizures have many causes — epilepsy, low blood sugar, liver problems, toxins (including some plants and foods like xylitol) and heatstroke among them. A single brief seizure in an otherwise well pet is usually not immediately dangerous, but it always warrants a vet visit to find the cause. Filming the episode on your phone, if you safely can, helps your vet enormously. Seek emergency care if a seizure lasts over five minutes, if several happen close together, or if you suspect poisoning — see our emergency guide.

This is first aid to buy time — it is not a substitute for a vet.

General first-aid information, not veterinary treatment. Always contact your vet or an emergency clinic as soon as possible. Full disclaimer.