Seizure in dogs: what to do
Whole-body stiffening, loss of consciousness, foaming — over 5 minutes or repeated clusters are critical.
This symptom warrants an immediate vet visit
This symptom is on the red-flag list: “wait and see overnight” is not advised before a veterinarian has evaluated your pet.
What are the common causes?
Home care & observation tips
- ✓Identify the substance and keep the packaging/remains
- ✓Do not induce vomiting yourself (corrosives cause secondary injury)
- ✓Check our poison lookup tool
- ✓Contact an animal hospital or poison hotline immediately
- ✓Isolate immediately
- ✓Bring vaccination records to the vet
When must you see a vet?
- ⚠The symptom itself is a red-flag sign — go straight to a clinic
- ⚠Confirmed or suspected ingestion of any toxic substance
- ⚠Drooling, tremors, seizures or a wobbly gait
- ⚠Purulent eye/nose discharge + fever in an unvaccinated dog
- ⚠Neurological signs (seizures, circling)
FAQ
Is seizure in dogs serious?
It depends on the combination of symptoms, how long it has lasted, and your pet's energy and appetite.Note that it can appear in problems that need prompt care, such as Poisoning (food / plant / chemical), Canine distemper. Enter the full symptom combination in our symptom checker for a more specific urgency assessment.
Can I monitor at home first? What should I watch?
Not recommended. This symptom is on the red-flag list — contact a vet directly.
What should I prepare before the clinic?
Note when the symptom started and how it changed; bring packaging or residue if ingestion is suspected; bring vaccination and deworming records; and if possible take a video (odd gait, cough sound) — clearer than describing.
Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker
Start symptom check →