How to Recognize an Animal Seizure in Minutes

If your dog or cat suddenly goes still, twitches, or flails, you might be watching a seizure. It can look scary, but spotting the signs early helps you act fast and get proper care.

Common Signs Across Species

Most pets show three stages: pre‑ictal (odd behavior before it starts), ictal (the seizure itself), and post‑ictal (confusion afterward). In the pre‑ictal phase you might see pacing, drooling, or a vacant stare. The ictal phase often includes muscle jerks, stiffening, loss of consciousness, or rhythmic paddling of legs. After it ends, pets may be disoriented, sleepy, or have a throbbing head.

Look for these red flags:

• Sudden collapse with no obvious injury
• Uncontrolled shaking that lasts more than 30 seconds
• Foaming at the mouth without a bite wound
• Pawing at the air or “running” while lying down
• Brief loss of bladder or bowel control

What to Do When It Happens

Stay calm. Your pet can sense panic, which may worsen the episode.

1. Keep them safe. Move objects out of the way, but don’t try to hold them down. A pillow or folded towel under their head can prevent a hard hit.

2. Time it. Count seconds; most seizures stop on their own within 2‑3 minutes. If it goes longer, call your vet right away.

3. Check temperature. A quick ear or paw check lets you know if they’re overheating – a sign of a more serious problem.

4. Call the vet. Give details: species, age, how long it lasted, and any triggers you noticed (new food, stress, medication changes).

5. After care. When they’re awake, speak softly, offer water, and let them rest in a quiet spot. Avoid feeding for an hour until they’re fully alert.

If seizures become frequent – more than once a month – it’s time for diagnostic tests like blood work or brain imaging. Underlying causes can include epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, or liver disease.

Knowing the signs and having a quick action plan turns a scary moment into manageable care. Keep this guide handy, share it with family members, and you’ll feel more confident protecting your furry friend when seizures strike.