Important
Active seizures, clusters of seizures, or seizures lasting more than a few minutes may require emergency veterinary care. Contact a veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately.
Overview
Seizures can be frightening to witness. They may occur due to epilepsy, toxins, metabolic issues, or other causes. If a seizure is currently happening, focus on keeping your dog safe from injury. Afterward, note the duration and any pattern. First-time seizures and prolonged seizures generally warrant veterinary evaluation.
When emergency veterinary care may be appropriate
- A seizure is currently happening and lasting more than a few minutes
- Multiple seizures in a short period
- Your dog does not seem to recover normally afterward
- Difficulty breathing during or after a seizure
- This is your dog's first seizure
- Suspected toxin exposure
- Your dog is injured during the seizure
What to tell your veterinarian
- How long the seizure lasted
- Whether there were multiple seizures and how close together
- What your dog did before, during, and after (staggering, drooling, urination)
- Any possible toxin, medication, or trauma exposure
- Your dog's seizure history if any
- Breed, age, and current medications
What not to do
- Do not put your hands near your dog's mouth during a seizure
- Do not try to restrain your dog forcefully
- Do not assume a single brief seizure never needs follow-up
- Do not wait until the next seizure to seek guidance after a first-time event
Learn more from trusted sources
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