Seizures in Dogs and Cats

— By Dr. Breckyn Clark — 

Watching your pet experience a seizure can be a frightening and overwhelming moment for any pet owner. Seizures can come on suddenly and may leave you feeling unsure of how to help or what steps to take next. While they can be caused by various issues, understanding what to do during and after a seizure is key to ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort.

We’ll walk you through the basics of recognizing seizures, potential causes, and the steps your veterinarian might recommend to manage them effectively. Please call your nearest veterinarian if your pet experiences a seizure.

What does a seizure look like?

  • Generalized: Your pet will get stiff, may collapse, and begin to shake or paddle.
    • During this time, your pet may vomit, urinate, and/or defecate
    • The pet is not responsive to external stimulus
  • Partial or Focal: Described as “fly biting,” head shaking, confusion, tremors, and a variety of clinical signs.

What causes seizures, and what will my veterinarian recommend?

There are many possible causes for seizures, including:

  • A metabolic abnormality such as low blood glucose (*especially in puppies and kittens!), low calcium, or general organ dysfunction such as liver or kidney disease
  • Toxins (dark chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, antifreeze, rat poison, and alcohol are a few examples)
  • A structural abnormality in the brain, such as cancer, stroke, trauma, inflammation, or infectious organisms
  • Often in dogs, a genetic component is the most common cause of seizures (also known as epilepsy)

When should my pet be started on seizure medications?

  • If your pet is experiencing an average of 2 or more seizures per month
  • If your pet is experiencing cluster seizures (more than one seizure in a 24-hour period
  • If your pet’s seizure lasts 5 minutes or more
  • If your pet is experiencing particularly violent seizures
  • Please remember these medications are typically lifelong, and we are attempting to reduce the number of seizures.
  • You might be sent home with a “rescue” dose of medication, such as diazepam or midazolam, to be given into the nostril if your pet experiences a seizure at home.

Monitoring Pet Seizures

  • Depending on the medication started, your veterinarian will recommend bloodwork to monitor the direct effects on specific organ systems, such as the liver.
  • At home, please keep a log of all seizure activity, including the date, time, and duration of the seizure, as well as how your pet acted before and after the seizure.
  • This log will help you and your veterinarian develop a tailored treatment plan for your pet.

Caring for a pet with seizures can be challenging, but with proper guidance and management, you can help them live a comfortable and fulfilling life. By understanding the signs, following your veterinarian’s advice, and closely monitoring seizure activity, you can be prepared to handle these episodes and support your pet’s well-being.

Remember, you’re not alone—your veterinary team is here to provide the resources and support you need every step of the way. Have any questions or concerns? Contact us today!