What should you do if your dog or cat has a seizure?
If your dog or cat has a seizure, stay calm, keep them away from furniture and stairs, do not restrain them, and time the episode. Most seizures last under two minutes and stop on their own. MaxPetz in Delhi provides emergency veterinary care for pets experiencing seizures — contact the clinic immediately if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if your pet has multiple episodes in 24 hours.
Warning: A seizure lasting longer than five minutes (status epilepticus) is a life-threatening emergency. Seek emergency veterinary care at MaxPetz Delhi without delay.
Seizures in dogs and cats are one of the most distressing events a pet owner can witness. Understanding what is happening — and what to do — can make a critical difference to your pet's outcome.
How can you help your pet during a seizure?
Your actions in the first moments of a seizure directly affect your pet's safety. Follow these steps in order:
- Stay calm. Your pet cannot respond to you during the episode, but your composure helps you act effectively.
- Clear the area. Gently move furniture, sharp objects, or stairs away from your pet to prevent injury.
- Do not restrain your pet. Holding a seizing animal can cause injury to both of you. Do not put your hand near their mouth — pets cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure.
- Time the seizure. Note when it started. Duration is critical information for your vet.
- Dim lights and reduce noise. A quiet, low-stimulation environment can help shorten the post-seizure recovery phase.
- Record a video if safe to do so. Footage helps the veterinary team assess seizure type and severity.
- Stay with your pet. After the seizure ends, your pet may be disoriented, temporarily blind, or unsteady. Keep them calm and confined to a safe space.
Tip: Write down the time, duration, and any behaviours you observed before and after the seizure. This post-ictal history is among the most useful information you can bring to your vet.
Why would a dog or cat suddenly start having seizures?
Seizures are a symptom, not a diagnosis. They occur when abnormal electrical activity disrupts normal brain function. The underlying cause determines the treatment approach.
| Category | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Idiopathic Epilepsy | No identifiable structural cause; most common in dogs aged 1–5 years |
| Metabolic Disorders | Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), liver disease, kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances |
| Toxin Ingestion | Pesticides, certain human medications, xylitol, rodenticides, toxic plants |
| Structural Brain Disease | Brain tumours, encephalitis, head trauma, congenital malformations |
| Infectious Disease | Distemper (dogs), FIP (cats), toxoplasmosis, fungal infections |
| Vascular Events | Stroke or ischaemic episodes, more common in older pets |
In cats, hypertension (high blood pressure) is a particularly common trigger — especially in cats over eight years of age with underlying kidney or thyroid disease. A thorough diagnostic work-up is essential to identify the root cause before treatment begins.
What does a seizure look like in dogs and cats?
Seizures present differently depending on type and severity. Recognising the phases helps you report accurately to your veterinarian.
Three phases of a seizure:
- Pre-ictal phase (aura): Restlessness, anxiety, attention-seeking, hiding, or staring into space — minutes to hours before the seizure.
- Ictal phase (the seizure itself): Uncontrolled muscle movements, paddling of limbs, jaw chomping, salivation, loss of consciousness, involuntary urination or defecation, vocalisation.
- Post-ictal phase (recovery): Confusion, temporary blindness, disorientation, excessive thirst or hunger, pacing — lasting minutes to hours after the seizure ends.
Not all seizures involve convulsions. Focal (partial) seizures may appear as facial twitching, repetitive blinking, fly-biting behaviour, or sudden aggression — and are frequently missed or mistaken for behavioural issues.
When should you take your pet to an emergency vet after a seizure?
A single brief seizure in an otherwise healthy adult dog or cat is not always an immediate emergency — but several situations require urgent veterinary attention. Go to an emergency vet without delay if:
- The seizure lasts more than five minutes (status epilepticus)
- Your pet has two or more seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
- Your pet does not regain consciousness between episodes
- Your pet is a puppy, kitten, or senior animal
- You suspect toxin ingestion (e.g. rat poison, human medication)
- The seizure follows a head injury
- Your pet has a known condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
- This is your pet's first-ever seizure — always warrants same-day veterinary evaluation
Even if the seizure resolves on its own, schedule a veterinary consultation within 24 hours. The post-seizure examination and diagnostic work-up are essential to determine cause and prevent recurrence.
Warning: Do not wait to see if a second seizure occurs before seeking care. Cluster seizures and status epilepticus carry serious risk of permanent neurological damage and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
How do vets diagnose the cause of seizures in pets?
Identifying the underlying cause of seizures requires a structured diagnostic approach. At MaxPetz in Delhi, the veterinary team uses cutting-edge technology and a thorough clinical assessment to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Typical diagnostic steps include:
- Full clinical history: Age of onset, seizure frequency, duration, any recent toxin exposure, diet, and vaccination status.
- Physical and neurological examination: Assessing reflexes, coordination, cranial nerve function, and mental status.
- Blood and urine tests: Complete blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis — to rule out metabolic causes such as hypoglycaemia, liver shunts, or kidney disease.
- Blood pressure measurement: Especially important in cats to detect hypertension.
- Advanced imaging: MRI or CT scan of the brain where structural disease is suspected.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: To detect encephalitis or infectious causes when indicated.
In many young-to-middle-aged dogs with no abnormalities on initial testing, a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is reached — a manageable, lifelong condition with appropriate medication.
How does MaxPetz Delhi support pets with seizures?
MaxPetz in Delhi offers emergency veterinary care for pets experiencing seizures, supported by cutting-edge diagnostic technology and compassionate clinical service. The team is equipped to manage acute seizure episodes, perform comprehensive neurological assessments, and develop long-term management plans for pets diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
Whether your pet has had a single episode or is experiencing recurrent seizures, the veterinary team at MaxPetz Delhi can guide you through diagnosis, treatment options, and home management strategies — so you feel prepared, not panicked, the next time a seizure occurs.
For ongoing epilepsy management, explore our neurology services and speak with our veterinary team about seizure management protocols tailored to your pet's needs.
Book an emergency or follow-up consultation at MaxPetz Delhi
Use the booking form on this page to schedule an appointment or speak with our veterinary team about your pet's seizure history.