07/30/2026
Not every seizure looks the way people expect.
Some pets experience full-body convulsions, while others may have subtle signs like facial twitching, repetitive chewing motions, staring into space, sudden collapse, or unusual behavior.
Seizures can have many different causes, ranging from epilepsy to toxin exposure, metabolic disorders, or underlying neurologic disease.
A seizure lasting more than 3–5 minutes, multiple seizures occurring close together, or unusual behavior that persists after a seizure may require emergency veterinary care.
If your pet experiences a seizure, keep them safe, avoid placing your hands near their mouth, and if possible, record a video of the episode. Then contact your veterinarian for guidance on the safest next steps. A video can provide valuable information to help your veterinary team determine the type of seizure and guide treatment recommendations.