Dog symptom guide
My Dog Just Had a Seizure — What Should I Do?
A single seizure under 2 minutes that resolves may need vet follow-up within 24 hours. Multiple seizures, 5+ minute seizures, or poor recovery are emergencies.
Emergency if prolonged/repeated
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Watching your dog seize is frightening, but your first priority is safety and timing. Move objects away, keep your dog from stairs, and avoid placing hands near the mouth. Most seizures are brief, but duration matters greatly: prolonged or repeated episodes can overheat the body and cause life-threatening complications.
After the event, your dog may seem confused or temporarily unsteady. If recovery is quick and complete after one short seizure, same-day or next-day vet care is still important. If seizures cluster, last 5 minutes or longer, or your dog does not return to baseline, seek emergency care immediately.
Use this page as a fast decision guide, not a diagnosis. A symptom can look mild early and become urgent later, especially overnight. The safest approach is to combine your dog's symptom details with behavior, breathing, hydration, and gum color. If multiple warning signs appear together, urgency rises quickly.
If you are unsure, choose the safer option and run triage now. The goal is to avoid missing emergencies while also reducing unnecessary panic trips. Taking two minutes to assess timing, progression, and red flags gives your veterinary team better information and helps you act with confidence.
Common causes
- • Idiopathic epilepsy
- • Toxin exposure or medication reaction
- • Metabolic disease (e.g., low blood sugar, liver disease)
- • Inflammatory, infectious, or structural brain disease
When it IS an emergency
- • Seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer
- • Two or more seizures close together
- • Persistent disorientation, collapse, or breathing issues after seizure
When it may be okay to wait briefly
- • Single brief seizure (<2 minutes) with full recovery
- • No additional neurologic or systemic warning signs
What you can do at home while monitoring
- • Time the seizure and record video if safe
- • Keep lights/noise low during recovery period
- • Offer water only when fully alert and coordinated
- • Use triage to decide urgency based on event pattern
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FAQ
Should I hold my dog's tongue during a seizure?
No. Keep hands away from the mouth and focus on preventing injury around the dog.
Can one seizure still be serious?
Yes. Even one seizure should be discussed with your veterinarian promptly.
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Take the free 2-minute quiz →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you believe your dog is in immediate danger, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.