What Should You Do if Your Cat or Dog Has a Seizure?
At McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic, we understand how scary it can be to witness your furry companion experiencing a seizure. Whether your dog collapses without warning or your cat starts twitching uncontrollably, it’s important to seek emergency care. Knowing what seizures look like, what causes them, and how to respond can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your furry friend.
What Are Pet Seizures?
Seizures in pets are sudden surges of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause temporary, involuntary changes in behavior, movement, or awareness. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, and they may occur as isolated events or in clusters.
Seizures are often classified into two main types:
- Generalized Seizures: Also known as grand mal seizures, these involve the entire body and may cause collapsing, stiffening, jerking, drooling, or loss of consciousness.
- Focal Seizures: These affect only one part of the brain and may cause twitching of the face, unusual repetitive movements, or behavioral changes such as sudden aggression or confusion.
Regardless of the type, pet seizures are a sign that something is affecting the brain or nervous system and should always be taken seriously.
What Causes Seizures in Dogs and Cats?
There are many reasons pets may experience seizures. Some of the most common causes include:
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often diagnosed in otherwise healthy young pets.
- Toxins: Ingesting household items such as chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze, pesticides, or certain plants can trigger seizures.
- Metabolic Issues: Low blood sugar, liver disease, or kidney disease can trigger abnormal brain activity.
- Infections or Inflammation: Conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis may also cause seizures.
- Head Trauma or Injury: Head trauma or injury from accidents that affect the brain or skull can result in seizures.
- Tumors: Tumors or growths in the brain, especially in older pets, can be an underlying cause of pet seizures.
What Are the Warning Signs of Pet Seizures?
Pet seizures don’t always look the same, which is why it’s important to know the possible signs. You may notice:
- Sudden collapse or falling over
- Muscle stiffness or jerking movements
- Paddling of the legs as if running
- Drooling, foaming at the mouth, or chomping motions
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Vocalization such as whining, barking, or yowling
- Staring blankly into space or appearing confused after the episode
Some pets may experience an “aura” phase before the seizure, during which they may exhibit behaviors such as restlessness, hiding, or clingy behavior. Afterward, many pets enter a post-ictal phase (the recovery phase after a seizure), during which they appear disoriented, exhausted, anxious, or even temporarily blind.
What Should You Do if Your Pet Has a Seizure?
Witnessing pet seizures can be alarming, but staying calm will help you respond effectively. Here’s what to do:
- Keep your pet safe: Gently move furniture or objects out of the way to prevent injury. Do not try to hold your pet down or put anything in their mouth. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot swallow their tongue, and attempting to help may cause accidental injury.
- Stay nearby and time the episode: Note how long the seizure lasts and what symptoms you observe. This information will help our veterinary team make a diagnosis.
- Provide a quiet, dim environment: Once the seizure ends, keep your pet in a calm, quiet space to recover.
- Seek immediate veterinary care: If the seizure lasts more than 2 to 3 minutes, if multiple seizures occur in a row, or if this is your pet’s first seizure, contact McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic right away. Prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) are a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent care.
If possible and safe to do so, please take a video of your pet having a seizure. This can help provide valuable information to our veterinarian.
How Are Pet Seizures Treated?
Treatment for seizures depends on their underlying causes. For example, toxin ingestion requires immediate removal of the substance from your pet’s system, while epilepsy can be managed with long-term anti-seizure medications. Some pets may need blood work, imaging, or other diagnostic tests to determine the causes of the episodes and guide treatment. Our team at McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic will stabilize your pet and start treatment without delay.
Emergency Veterinary Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
If your feline or canine friend with no history of seizures experiences one, especially one that lasts longer than three minutes, make sure to contact McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic for emergency care. Prompt treatment can help get your pet’s health back on track. Our experienced team understands how stressful it can be to see your furry friend in distress and is dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care when you need it most.
If your pet experiences an emergency, please contact us at 469-820-0233. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to household pets in McKinney, TX, and the surrounding communities.