Dog seizure / fit
If your dog is having a seizure, stay calm, keep them safe from injury, and time it. A seizure lasting more than about five minutes, two or more seizures close together, or a first-ever seizure is an emergency — call a veterinarian now. Do not put anything in your dog's mouth. Most single seizures stop within a couple of minutes; afterwards dogs are often disoriented. Prolonged or repeated seizures can overheat the body and become dangerous, so they need immediate veterinary care.
Go to a vet now if
- A seizure lasting more than about five minutes
- Two or more seizures without full recovery in between
- A first-ever seizure, or seizures after a possible toxin
- Trouble breathing, or not regaining awareness after the seizure
Call a vet today if
- A single short seizure in a known epileptic dog who recovers normally (contact your vet to report it)
What to tell the vet
- How long the seizure lasted
- Whether there were several
- Possible toxin exposure or head injury
- Any known epilepsy or medication
- How your dog is between seizures
- Breed, weight, age and conditions
What not to do
- Do not put your hands or any object in your dog's mouth
- Do not restrain your dog tightly — clear the area of hazards instead
- Do not give human seizure or sedative medicines
What your vet may check
Your vet will work to stop a prolonged seizure, cool the body if needed, and look for causes such as toxins, low blood sugar, organ disease or epilepsy with blood tests and other diagnostics.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
If a cause is found and treated, your vet will guide ongoing management. After a seizure, let your dog rest and recover quietly; any supportive nutrition is used on veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
When is a dog seizure an emergency?
A seizure over about five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery between them, a first-ever seizure, or seizures after possible poisoning all need an immediate veterinary call.
What should I do during my dog's seizure?
Keep calm, move furniture and hazards away, do not touch the mouth, dim lights and noise, and time it. Once it stops, keep your dog quiet and contact your vet.
Why do dogs have seizures?
Causes include epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, and brain problems. A vet can investigate to find the cause and guide treatment.
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Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows AVMA, Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, and small-animal emergency-medicine standards, reviewed by our veterinary advisory board.