Seizures in Pets: What They Are and What to Do

Seizures in dogs are one of the most frightening things a pet owner can witness. It’s not just scary for the pet; it’s deeply unsettling for the people who love them. In this blog, we’ll walk through what seizures are, what can cause them, and most importantly, what you should do if your pet has one.

What is a seizure?

Under normal circumstances, the brain is a highly organized network. Neurons (brain cells) are constantly “talking” to each other; think of it like a cocktail party where conversations are happening in a coordinated, balanced way.

A seizure occurs when that balance is lost. Instead of organized communication, a group of neurons begins firing excessively and in synchrony. This creates abnormal signals that lead to the physical signs we see during a seizure.

Focal seizures occur when this abnormal activity is limited to one part of the brain.

These may look like:

• Repetitive facial movements
• Limb twitching
• Odd sensations or behaviors like staring off into space

Generalized (tonic-clonic) seizures happen when the entire brain is involved. These are more dramatic and may include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Falling to the side
• Stiffening of the body (increased muscle tone)
• Paddling of the limbs
• Frothing at the mouth
• Facial tenseness

Most seizures last less than 2 minutes even though they may feel much longer in the moment.

Why seizures matter

Unlike some other symptoms (like vomiting or diarrhea), seizures themselves are harmful, regardless of the cause. That’s why there is urgency in recognizing and managing them.

• Cluster seizures: Multiple seizures occurring within a short period (often within 24 hours)
• Status epilepticus: A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures without full recovery in between (this is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care)

Conditions that can look like seizures

Not every abnormal movement is a seizure. Some common “seizure mimics” include:

• Sleep disorders
• Muscle cramping events
• Vestibular (balance) episodes
• Pain-related movements
• Sudden onset weakness

The single most helpful thing you can do is record the event on your phone. Video allows veterinarians to differentiate between true seizures and other conditions much more accurately.

What causes seizures?

Once we determine that an event is truly a seizure, the next step is identifying the cause. These generally fall into three categories:

• Problems outside the brain (reactive seizures); i.e., liver disease or toxin exposure
• Problems inside the brain (structural causes); i.e., inflammation, stroke or tumors
• Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy, which is very common in dogs and typically begins between 1–6 years of age

What should you do if your pet has a seizure?

Here are the most important steps:

1. Keep them safe: Move objects away and make sure your pet won’t fall or get injured.
2. Do NOT put your hands near their face: Even the most gentle pet may unintentionally bite during a seizure.
3. Record the event: Video is incredibly valuable for diagnosis.
4. Stay calm: Your pet is not aware during the seizure and will not remember it.
5. Take notes and document:
   • How long it lasted
   • What it looked like
   • Any possible triggers or recent changes (diet, environment, medications)

When should you seek veterinary care after your dog’s first seizure?

• Single seizure → Schedule an appointment with your primary care veterinarian
• Seizure lasts more than 2 minutes → Seek urgent care
• More than one seizure in 24 hours → Seek urgent care
• Poor recovery after the seizure → Seek urgent care

Most primary care veterinarians are comfortable managing early stages of seizure disorders and will guide you on whether referral to a neurologist is needed.

Looking ahead

Seizures can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone and there is a clear path forward. In future blogs, we’ll discuss how we determine the underlying cause of seizures and the treatment options available to help your pet live a full, happy life.

If your pet has had a seizure, start with your primary veterinarian. They know your pet’s history and are well-equipped to begin the evaluation process. If a referral to a neurologist is recommended, The Animal Neurology Center is here.

Call us at 314-246-9780 or visit animalneurology.com to learn more.