Seizures in Pets: What Causes Them and What to Do During an Episode

Watching your pet experience a seizure can be one of the most frightening moments for any pet owner. While seizures are often sudden and unpredictable, understanding what may be causing them and knowing how to respond can help you stay calm and support your pet through the episode.
 

What Causes Seizures in Pets?

Seizures in pets, especially dogs and cats, can stem from a variety of underlying issues. Some of the most common causes include:

• Epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a genetic condition that often affects younger pets, particularly certain breeds of dogs. It’s one of the most common causes of recurrent seizures with no identifiable cause.

• Toxins: Exposure to household toxins like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), insecticides, or even certain plants can trigger seizures in pets.

• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver disease, or kidney failure can cause the body’s chemistry to become unbalanced, potentially leading to seizures.

• Brain Trauma or Tumors: Head injuries or growths within the brain can interfere with normal neurological function and provoke seizures.

• Infections and Inflammation: Diseases like distemper in dogs, feline infectious peritonitis in cats, or meningitis can inflame the nervous system and trigger seizures.
   

What to Do If Your Pet Has a Seizure

If your pet begins to seize, your immediate response can make a big difference in their safety and your ability to provide helpful information to your veterinarian.
 

• Stay Calm and Keep Your Pet Safe: Clear the area around your pet of anything they could hit or hurt themselves on. Do not try to restrain them, and avoid putting your hands near their mouth - they will not swallow their tongue, but they may bite unintentionally.

• Time the Seizure: Use your phone or watch to note how long the seizure lasts. Most seizures are brief and last under two minutes. If it goes longer than five minutes, seek emergency care immediately.

• Keep the Environment Quiet: Reduce external stimulation by turning off lights, lowering noise, and asking others to remain calm and quiet during the episode.

• Monitor Post-Seizure Behavior: After a seizure, pets may be disoriented, blind, wobbly, or extremely hungry. This post-ictal phase can last from minutes to hours.

• Call Your Veterinarian: Even if the seizure stops quickly, it’s important to call your veterinarian or an emergency center to determine if further testing or treatment is needed.

When to Seek Emergency Help

You should seek emergency veterinary care immediately if:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes

• Your pet has multiple seizures within 24 hours

• Your pet does not recover well between seizures

• This is your pet’s first seizure
   

Conclusion

Seizures in pets can be distressing, but understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can help you protect your pet and provide vital information for their treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian or bring your pet to an emergency facility if you're concerned about their condition.
 

If your pet experiences a seizure, contact Animal Emergency Center of Temple-Belton right away or bring them in for emergency care. Visit our office in Temple, Texas, or call (254) 231-3774 today.