What to Do if Your Pet Has a Seizure

Watching your pet have a seizure can be alarming. There are steps that you can take to make sure your pet recovers safely. Be sure to have your veterinary clinic’s number in Laguna Hills handy to call after your pet has a seizure.

What Does a Seizure Look Like?

It may not always be easy to tell if your animal is having a seizure. If it is a grand mal seizure, it will cause your pet’s entire body to convulse. These are easier to visually identify, but there are other types of seizures as well. If the seizure is more localized, it can present as rhythmic actions or movements, such as barking. Many animals recover quickly, but if you are watching your pet have a seizure, it can feel like it lasts forever.

Steps to Take

In order to keep your pet safe until the seizure is over, there are a few things you can do. You need to remain calm. While this is hard, your pet’s health depends on your ability to focus during this situation. Look at the clock and check the time. Knowing when the seizure started and how long it lasts can be important information to give to your veterinarian.

If there is also someone else there, try to film your pet's seizure. Know that your pet isn’t in pain even if it seems like it. Dogs won’t swallow their tongues during a seizure, so don’t try and grab your pet's tongue, since this can cause you to be bitten.

In order to prevent your pet from getting hurt during a seizure, cushion his head and carefully hold and comfort your pet until he regains consciousness. Seizures that last for longer than three minutes can put your pet at risk for overheating. You may need to cool your pet with wet towels or cool water.

Contact Your Veterinary Clinic

Contact our animal hospital in Laguna Hills if your pet has a seizure, even if normal behavior resumes after. Pets that have multiple or more than one seizure in a 24-hour period are having cluster seizures and this requires immediate attention from your veterinarian. Here at Trinity Pet Hospital, we can help your pet in the even he has a seizure or if he's in need of any other veterinary care.