What Causes Seizures?
Seizures happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect dogs and cats differently, and the signs are not always as obvious as falling over or shaking uncontrollably. Prolonged seizure activity, known as status epilepticus, can cause dangerous changes in body temperature and other serious complications. Some pets experience subtle changes in behaviour, facial movements or awareness. The underlying cause can vary, so it is important not to assume your pet has epilepsy after one episode.
Possible causes include:
- Epilepsy: A condition that causes recurrent seizures.
- Toxins: Certain insecticides, chemicals and medications can cause neurological symptoms. Inappropriate flea and tick products containing permethrin are highly toxic.
- Metabolic problems: Low blood glucose, liver disease, kidney disease and electrolyte abnormalities may affect the nervous system.
- Brain conditions: Inflammation, injury or other neurological disease like tumours and other abnormalities affecting the brain.
Inflammation or infection: Conditions affecting the brain or its surrounding tissues can trigger seizures.
After a seizure, your pet may be confused, restless, wobbly, tired or unusually thirsty or hungry. This recovery period is called the postictal phase and can last from minutes to hours, sometimes longer. During this time, the brain is returning to its normal activity, and your pet may behave differently from usual.
Your vet may recommend a physical and neurological examination, blood tests and further investigations depending on your pet’s age, medical history and symptoms.
What Does a Seizure Look Like in Dogs and Cats?
Seizures can vary in intensity, duration and appearance. Some involve the entire body, while others affect only one part of the body or cause brief changes in awareness.
Common signs of a dog or cat having a seizure include:
- Uncontrolled movements: Twitching, jerking, paddling the legs or repeated muscle contractions.
- Sudden collapse: Your pet may fall onto their side and become stiff or unresponsive.
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth: Excessive salivation can occur during a seizure.
- Jaw movements: Your pet may chew, chatter their teeth or make repetitive mouth movements.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Some pets urinate or defecate during an episode.
- Altered awareness: Your pet may appear disoriented, stare blankly or fail to respond normally.
- Unusual behaviour: Before or after a seizure, your pet may seem anxious, restless, confused or unusually clingy.
Cats may experience facial twitching, repetitive chewing movements or sudden jerking of their limbs. A focal seizure can affect only one area of the body, making it easier to mistake for another condition.
What to Do During a Pet Seizure
Watching your dog or cat have a seizure can be frightening, but try to stay calm. Your priority is to keep your pet safe, time the seizure and get veterinary advice. Although it can be tempting to hold them still or comfort them physically, handling a pet during a seizure can put both of you at risk.
Here’s what to do while your pet is having a seizure.
Stay calm and start timing the seizure
Note when the episode begins and how long it lasts. Seizures can feel much longer than they actually are, so using a clock or phone timer can help your veterinarian assess the situation accurately.
Remove nearby hazards
Move furniture, sharp objects and other potential hazards away from your pet if you can do so safely. If your pet is near stairs, water or an elevated surface, take precautions to prevent injury without restraining them. Avoid moving your pet unnecessarily, particularly if they are actively convulsing.
Keep your hands away from their mouth
Do not put your fingers, a spoon or any other object into your pet’s mouth. Dogs and cats do not swallow their tongues during seizures, and attempting to open their jaws can result in serious bite injuries. Keep your face away from their head and allow the seizure to run its course while monitoring their safety.
Reduce noise and stimulation
If possible, keep the surrounding area quiet and dim the lights. Ask other people and pets to give your affected pet space. Do not shout, shake your pet or attempt to stop the movements by holding their limbs down.
Record a video if it is safe
A short video can help your veterinarian understand what happened, especially if the episode has stopped by the time your pet is examined. Capture the movements and your pet’s behaviour without delaying emergency care or putting yourself at risk.
Contact your veterinarian
Contact your vet even if the seizure stops quickly, especially if it’s your pet’s first. Seek emergency care if it lasts five minutes, seizures repeat without full recovery, or your pet struggles to breathe or is injured. Never give medication unless your vet instructs you to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Seizures in Dogs and Cats Be Treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the frequency and severity of the seizures, and your pet’s overall health. If a seizure is linked to an underlying problem, such as low blood glucose or toxin exposure, treatment focuses on addressing that cause. Pets with repeated seizures may need anti-seizure medication to reduce how often they occur and how severe they are.
Not every pet needs daily medication after a single seizure. If medication is prescribed, give it exactly as directed. Do not stop treatment, change the dose or skip doses speaking to your vet, as this may increase the risk of further seizures.
Keeping a seizure diary can also help. Record the date, duration, observed symptoms, recovery time and any possible triggers. These details help your veterinarian evaluate whether treatment is working and whether adjustments are needed.
Although some seizure disorders cannot be cured, many pets can enjoy a good quality of life with appropriate treatment and regular monitoring.
Can a dog or cat have a seizure while sleeping?
Yes. Seizures can occur during sleep or rest. However, normal dreaming can also cause twitching, small movements and vocalisation. A seizure may involve more intense or repetitive movements, abnormal responsiveness and confusion afterwards.
Should I take my pet to the vet after a first seizure?
Yes. A first suspected seizure warrants prompt veterinary assessment, even if your pet appears normal afterwards. The cause may be minor or treatable, but it can also indicate a serious underlying problem. Seek emergency care if the seizure is prolonged, repeated or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Can a seizure kill a dog or cat?
Seizures can be life-threatening, particularly when they last five minutes or longer, recur without adequate recovery or result from serious underlying disease or poisoning. Not every seizure is fatal, but prolonged or repeated seizure activity requires urgent veterinary treatment.
Can my pet swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No. Dogs and cats do not swallow their tongues during seizures. Never put your hand or an object into your pet’s mouth, as involuntary jaw movements can cause serious injuries.
What should I do if my pet has several seizures in one day?
Contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately, particularly if the episodes occur close together or your pet does not fully recover between them. Repeated seizures can become life-threatening and should not be managed at home without veterinary guidance.
Don’t Wait for Another Seizure Before Calling Your Vet
Watching a dog or cat experience a seizure can be distressing, but recognising the signs and responding safely can make an important difference. Do not assume that a seizure is harmless simply because your pet seems normal afterwards. A first seizure, a change in seizure pattern or unexplained neurological symptoms should be checked to identify possible causes and determine whether treatment is needed.
Worried about your pet? Concerns about a recent seizure or recurring episodes? Contact Rossmore Vet Hospital for veterinary assessment and advice. Don’t wait for a routine appointment if your pet needs emergency care.