Seizures in Pets: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes
Seeing your dog or cat have a seizure is scary. The most important thing you can do is keep them safe and note what’s happening so your veterinary team can help quickly. Here’s a clear guide for those crucial first minutes and how urgent care can help.
First 10 Minutes: Step-by-Step
1) Stay calm and time it.
Look at a clock. A seizure lasting over 5 minutes or more than once in 24 hours needs same-day urgent care.
2) Keep your pet safe.
Slide away furniture, block stairs, and cushion the head with a folded towel. Turn off lights/TV if possible. Keep children and other pets out of the area.
3) Don’t restrain the mouth.
Pets do not swallow their tongues. Do not put your hands or objects in the mouth—bites can happen unintentionally.
4) Lower body temperature if overheating.
If the episode goes past 3–5 minutes or your pet feels very hot, place a fan nearby and lightly mist paws/ears with cool (not cold) water while preparing to leave for urgent care.
5) Note what you see.
Record on your phone if safe. Details help your veterinarian:
- Full-body stiffening vs. facial twitching only
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Paddling, drooling, urination/defecation
- Duration and recovery signs (disorientation, blindness, pacing)
6) After the seizure (post-ictal phase).
Keep lights low and voices quiet. Most pets act confused for minutes to hours. Offer water only if fully awake and able to stand.
When It’s an Emergency (Don’t Wait)
Seek urgent care the same day if any apply:
- Seizure > 5 minutes or repeated seizures (“cluster seizures”)
- First-ever seizure
- Multiple episodes in 24 hours
- Known conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia, Addison’s/Cushing’s, or toxin exposure (xylitol, chocolate, marijuana, snail bait, human meds)
- Head trauma, heat exposure, or recent anesthesia
- Cats with any seizure activity
Common Causes We See
- Idiopathic epilepsy (young adult dogs)
- Low blood sugar (puppies, small breeds, diabetics)
- Toxins/medications (xylitol, THC/edibles, amphetamines, bupropion, ivermectin in MDR1 breeds)
- Metabolic issues (liver shunt, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances)
- Infections or inflammation (meningoencephalitis)
- Brain tumors (more common in seniors)
What to Expect at Urgent Care
At Urgent Care Pet Clinic, our team prioritizes stabilization first, then diagnostics as needed.
Immediate care may include:
- Oxygen, IV access, temperature support
- Fast-acting anti-seizure medication (diazepam, midazolam, levetiracetam)
- Blood sugar check, electrolytes, toxin screening
- Pain and nausea control
Diagnostics we can provide on-site:
- In-house lab work, blood glucose, electrolytes, lactate
- X-ray/ultrasound if trauma or toxin ingestion suspected
- Referral for neurology/advanced imaging if needed
You’ll leave with an initial plan, home-care instructions, and—if appropriate—at-home rescue medication for future events.
How to Prepare Before You Need Us
- Create a “go bag”: previous records, meds/doses, muzzle or towel, leash, carrier, blanket
- List possible toxins in the home: xylitol gum, edibles/THC, human meds, rodenticide
- Know your pet’s normal: weight, behavior, prior episodes
FAQ
Takeaway
Seizures are emergencies when they’re prolonged, clustered, or new. Protect your pet, time the event, and seek urgent veterinary evaluation the same day. Our evening team is equipped to stabilize, diagnose, and create a plan to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Learn more or plan your visit: urgentcarepetclinic.com
