urgent

Seizures: Pet First Aid Guide

This first aid guide covers everything you need to know about handling seizures in pets. Watching your pet have a seizure is deeply frightening, but most seizures look worse than they are. Your job during a seizure isn't to stop it — it's to keep your pet safe until it passes. Post-seizure, staying calm, collecting information, and knowing when to seek emergency care is critical.

Quick Answer

If your pet is experiencing seizures, act immediately. Stay calm and note the time (seizures lasting over 3 minutes are emergencies) This is classified as an urgent situation — follow the 8 steps below and contact your veterinarian right away.

What To Do: Step-by-Step

Stay calm and note the time (seizures lasting over 3 minutes are emergencies)

Move furniture and objects away to prevent injury

Do NOT put your hands near their mouth - they cannot swallow their tongue

Dim lights and keep the environment quiet

Do not restrain them

Time the seizure and record video if possible for the vet

After the seizure, keep them warm and calm

Call your vet - first seizures always require evaluation

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Important Warning

Seizures lasting more than 3 minutes or multiple seizures in a row are emergencies. Rush to the vet.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

Falling overPaddling legs or jerking movementsDrooling or foaming at the mouthLoss of bladder or bowel controlStaring blanklyConfusion after episode

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URGENT

Severity

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Warning Signs

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Steps to Take

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Dogs & Cats

Applies To

🚨 Emergency Numbers — Save These Now

ASPCA Poison Control

(888) 426-4435

$95 consultation fee

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

$85 consultation fee

💡 Save your local emergency vet's number in your phone contacts NOW — you won't have time to search during an emergency.

Trusted First Aid Resources

For authoritative veterinary first aid guidance, consult these organizations:

• AVMA Pet Emergency Care — Official first aid guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control — 24/7 poison emergency hotline and toxin database

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my pet swallow their tongue during a seizure?▼

No! This is a harmful myth. Never put your hands or objects in your pet's mouth during a seizure — you WILL be bitten. Keep them safe from falling objects and hard surfaces only.

What causes seizures in pets?▼

Common causes: epilepsy (most common in dogs), toxin ingestion, liver/kidney disease, brain tumors, head trauma, low blood sugar, or infection. First seizures always require veterinary evaluation to determine cause.

How long is too long for a seizure?▼

Seizures over 2-3 minutes, or multiple seizures in a row ("cluster seizures") are emergencies. Prolonged seizures can cause brain damage, hyperthermia, and death. Time every seizure and call emergency vet immediately if >3 minutes.

What should I do after my pet has a seizure?▼

Keep them calm and quiet in a dim room. They'll be disoriented (post-ictal period) for minutes to hours. Don't offer food/water until fully recovered. Note duration, time, and any unusual behavior. Call your vet.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only.

It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always contact your veterinarian in an emergency.