Go to a clinic immediately if
- The seizure lasts several minutes, repeats before full recovery, is a first episode, or follows possible poisoning or trauma
- A seizure lasting five minutes or repeated seizures before full recovery are life-threatening
Possible signs
- Falling, body stiffening, involuntary limb movement, drooling, jaw movements or loss of awareness
- Temporary confusion, staggering, restlessness, apparent blindness or intense hunger may follow the seizure
What it is
A seizure reflects abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may be caused by epilepsy, poisoning, low blood sugar, electrolyte disturbance, organ disease or a brain disorder. Even one brief first seizure needs assessment, while prolonged or closely repeated seizures rapidly increase the risk of overheating, oxygen deprivation and brain injury.
What to expect at the veterinarian
Tell the veterinarian when the episode started and ended, how it began, how the pet moved and behaved afterwards; a safely recorded video is often very useful. Initial tests commonly check temperature, blood glucose, electrolytes and organ function. Prolonged or repeated seizures need emergency medication and monitoring; brain imaging or other neurologic investigation may be planned after stabilization.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. Pet First Aid
- Guideline or consensus statement. 2026 WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines