What To Do If Your Pet Has A Seizure

This is a situation that many of us hope never to encounter but one that's incredibly important to discuss: our pets and seizures. Seeing your pet in the middle of a seizure is definitely heart-wrenching and can send you into panic mode, but we’re here to walk you through it.  

Here's a guide on how to respond, with steps to take during and after the seizure.

STEP 1: TIME THE SEIZURE

Grab a watch, your phone, or the nearest time-telling device as soon as the seizure kicks in. This may seem like a minor step, but it's crucial. Seizures lasting more than three minutes can pose significant risks to your pet and are considered an emergency. By timing the seizure, you provide valuable information to your veterinarian, which is essential for diagnosing the cause and determining the best course of treatment.

STEP 2: ENSURE SAFETY

Act quickly to ensure your pet's safety. Move furniture, steer clear of stairs, and create a soft barrier with pillows or blankets might help protect them from accidental injuries. Don't attempt to restrain your pet, they are often confused and not in control so this is when many people get bitten. Instead, creating a soft barrier with pillows or blankets might help protect them from accidental injuries.

STEP 3: LEAVE THEM ALONE

It's a common misconception that pets might choke on their tongues during a seizure. Do not try to pull their tongue out or put anything in their mouth – it's not safe for them or for your fingers! Animals are disoriented and can be temporarily blind following a seizure, making them more likely to bite out of fear or confusion. Rather turn off any music or television and dim any lights to reduce over stimulating them when they recover. 

STEP 4: APPROACH WITH CAUTION AND PROVIDE COMFORT

Alright, so the seizure is over – breathe out. Your pet will likely be confused and disoriented. Now, slowly approach them and softly speak to them. Acknowledging their confusion and giving them the time to recognise you is essential before you try to offer comfort. Once your pet starts showing signs of recognition and calmness, shower them with the TLC they deserve. A cosy spot to rest and recover, their favourite blanket, and a gentle cuddle time can work wonders. They might be exhausted, scared, and just want to curl up and sleep it off. And that's okay. They'll need it.

STEP 5: CONSULT YOUR VET

Finally, it's important to involve your vet, either during the event, if the seizure is prolonged, or immediately after. Providing your veterinarian with details of the seizure, including its duration and your pet's behaviour during and after, can significantly aid in diagnosis and treatment. 

Remember, seizures can shake us up just as much as our pets, but knowing how to handle them makes you an all-star pet parent. Love, patience, and a calm presence are the best medicine you can offer until you can get professional guidance. And you're not alone – there is a whole community of fellow pet parents and professionals standing with you.

Keep these tips in your back pocket, have your vet's number on speed dial, and remember: you're doing an incredible job!

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If you have an emergency, we urge you not to book a vet appointment using this booking form and instead contact us at (03) 8595 6655 so that we can organise to see you as soon as possible.

Dr. Vicky Wade

Veterinarian