Understanding Seizures in Pets: Causes, Signs, and How to Help

Seizures in pets can be a deeply distressing experience not only for the animals themselves but also for their owners. Watching a beloved dog or cat go through a seizure can leave you feeling frightened, helpless, and uncertain about what to do next. It's a moment filled with panic, especially when you're unsure whether it's a one-time event or a sign of something more serious.

we understand just how overwhelming these situations can be. Our goal is not only to provide professional veterinary care but also to equip pet owners with the knowledge and confidence they need to support their pets through health challenges like seizures.

Understanding what a seizure is, what causes it, how to recognise the signs, and knowing what steps to take during and after an episode can make a world of difference. Whether your pet has had their first seizure or has been diagnosed with a condition like epilepsy, being informed allows you to act quickly, stay calm, and ensure your furry companion gets the care they need.

We’ll walk you through the common causes of seizures in dogs and cats, explain the different types of seizures, help you identify the warning signs, and offer practical advice on what to do during a seizure. We'll also discuss how seizures are diagnosed, the treatment options available, and how to manage long-term conditions to give your pet the best possible quality of life.

Because when it comes to your pet's health and wellbeing, you're not alone—our dedicated veterinary team is here to help every step of the way.

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. This disruption can lead to a wide range of physical symptoms, from minor twitching to full-body convulsions. Seizures are a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than a disease themselves. While witnessing your pet have a seizure can be terrifying, the good news is that many animals recover well and can continue to live happy lives with the right care and management.

There are several types of seizures your pet may experience:

• Generalised (Grand Mal) Seizures: These affect the entire brain and often involve loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, paddling of the limbs, drooling, and urination or defecation.
• Focal (Partial) Seizures: These affect a specific area of the brain and may present as unusual movements or behaviours, such as facial twitching, excessive salivation, or abnormal barking.
• Cluster Seizures: When two or more seizures occur within a 24-hour period.
• Status Epilepticus: A life-threatening emergency where a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or multiple seizures occur without recovery in between.

Seizures can stem from a wide range of causes. Some are temporary and reversible, while others may be long-term conditions requiring ongoing care. Common causes include:

• Epilepsy: This is a neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures with no identifiable cause (idiopathic epilepsy). It’s more common in dogs than cats and often begins between six months and six years of age.

• Toxins: Ingestion of poisonous substances such as pesticides, chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), human medications, or toxic plants.

• Liver Disease (Hepatic Encephalopathy): The liver helps remove toxins from the blood. If it isn’t functioning properly, toxins can affect the brain and cause seizures.

• Kidney Disease: Similarly, kidney dysfunction can lead to a build-up of toxins that may trigger neurological symptoms.

• Brain Tumours: Most common in older pets, tumours may interfere with normal brain activity and result in seizures.

• Trauma: Head injuries can cause brain swelling or bleeding, leading to seizures.

• Infections and Inflammation: Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis (often caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites) can trigger seizures.

• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): Especially common in puppies, small breeds, and diabetic pets receiving insulin.

Understanding the cause of your pet’s seizures is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and management plan.

The signs of a seizure may vary, but typically occur in three stages:

1. Aura (Pre-Ictal Phase): This is the period before the seizure when your pet may appear anxious, restless, or unusually clingy. Some pets may pace, whine, or hide.
2. Ictal Phase (The Seizure): This is the actual seizure event. Depending on the type of seizure, your pet may collapse, shake uncontrollably, foam at the mouth, or paddle their limbs. This phase typically lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
3. Post-Ictal Phase: After the seizure, your pet may be disoriented, wobbly, temporarily blind, or unusually tired. This recovery period can last from minutes to hours.

Staying calm is the most important thing you can do. Here are the steps to follow:

• Keep your pet safe: Move furniture or objects away to prevent injury. If they’re near stairs or a sharp object, gently guide them to a safer space.
• Don’t touch their mouth: Despite common myths, pets won’t swallow their tongues. Putting your hands near their mouth could result in a bite.
• Time the seizure: If it lasts more than five minutes, or if they have multiple seizures within a short period, this is a medical emergency—contact your vet immediately.
• Lower lights and reduce noise: Dim the lights and keep things quiet, as stimulation can sometimes prolong a seizure.
• Record the event: If possible, safely record the seizure to show your vet. It can help with diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Comfort your pet afterwards: Once they start to recover, speak to them in a calm, soothing voice. They may be confused or frightened.

Your vet will take a thorough history and perform a physical examination to determine the likely cause of the seizure. Depending on the findings, diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests: To check for issues such as low blood sugar, liver disease, or exposure to toxins.
• Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and look for signs of infection.
• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI): Particularly if a brain tumour or structural abnormality is suspected.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: To detect inflammation or infection in the brain and spinal cord.

By identifying the root cause, your vet can tailor a treatment plan specific to your pet’s needs.

The treatment for seizures depends largely on the underlying cause. If a treatable issue is found—like toxin exposure, infection, or a metabolic disorder—addressing that issue may resolve the seizures.

In cases of epilepsy or when a long-term condition is diagnosed, your pet may need ongoing management. This often includes:

• Anti-seizure medications: Drugs like phenobarbitone, potassium bromide, or newer medications such as levetiracetam can help control seizure frequency and intensity.
• Regular monitoring: Pets on long-term medications require periodic blood tests to monitor organ function and drug levels.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Keeping a seizure diary to track frequency, potential triggers, and duration can be valuable. Minimising stress and maintaining a regular routine can also help.
• Dietary changes: Some pets may benefit from prescription diets or supplements that support brain health.

It’s important to never stop or adjust your pet’s medication without veterinary guidance, as doing so may cause rebound seizures.

Yes! Many pets with seizures—especially those with well-managed epilepsy—can live long, happy lives. While seizures can’t always be cured, they can often be controlled to the point where your pet experiences few or no episodes.

Being proactive about your pet’s health, sticking to their treatment plan, and attending regular veterinary check-ups all play a major role in their long-term wellbeing.

Always seek veterinary attention if:

• Your pet has their first-ever seizure
• A seizure lasts more than five minutes
• Your pet experiences multiple seizures in a short period
• They seem unwell or different in between seizures
• You suspect exposure to a toxin

Prompt action can save your pet’s life and prevent further complications.

Seizures in pets are undoubtedly alarming, but with the right care, most animals can continue to enjoy life to the fullest. At Karalee Karana Veterinary Surgery, our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way—from initial diagnosis to ongoing care. If your pet is experiencing seizures or you're concerned about their neurological health, don't hesitate to reach out.

We're committed to helping you keep your furry family member safe, comfortable, and thriving.