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Pet
Seizure
Hub
Understanding Pet Seizures
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Stay calm and ensure safety
Do not restrain your pet
Do not put anything in their mouth
Record the event
When to call your veterinarian
Watching your pet seizure can be terrifying. Knowing what to do in the moment makes a big difference in keeping your pet safe and knowing when to seek emergency care.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Your calm presence can help protect your pet. Dim the lights and turn off loud TV or music. Remove furniture, breakable or sharp objects to prevent injury. If your pet is near stairs, furniture, or elevated surfaces such as a couch or bed, gently guide or cushion them away from the edge to prevent falling during the seizure.
Free Tools & Resources
Step 2: Do Not Restrain Your Pet
Allow the seizures to run its course. Do not hold your pet down or stop the movements. Restraining can cause injury to both you and your pet. Avoid wrapping your pets in blankets or towels during the seizure as it will contribute to overheating.
Do not put anything in your pet's mouth.
Do not restrain your pet or try to stop the movements.
Do not give food, water or medication until your pet is fully alert.
Do not panic - your calm helps your pet.
Myth
Pets cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Do not place hands or objects in their mouth
Step 3: Record the Event
If it is safe to do so, record the episode on your phone. Videos can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian or neurologist in determining whether the event is a seizure and understanding what type of seizure occurred.
Try to note:
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How long the episode lasted
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What the movements looked like
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Whether your pet was responsive
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Any unsual behavior before or after the episode
Step 4: Know when it is an emergency
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