Witnessing your beloved pet experience a seizure can be one of the most frightening moments for a pet owner. Seizures not only cause physical distress for pets but can also leave owners feeling helpless and unsure of how to respond. At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ, we are here to guide you through understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for seizures, while providing expert care and support every step of the way.

Recognizing a Seizure in Your Pet

Seizures in pets can vary in appearance, severity, and duration, making it important for owners to understand the signs and stages of this neurological condition.

Common Signs of a Seizure

Seizures generally occur in three phases, each with its own set of symptoms:

  • Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura): This is the warning stage before the seizure begins. Pets may display restlessness, clinginess, pacing, or unusual behaviors such as whining or hiding. These signs often go unnoticed unless you are closely familiar with your pet’s typical behavior.
  • Ictal Phase (Active Seizure): This is the seizure itself, which may involve:
    • Loss of consciousness or awareness.
    • Uncontrolled muscle movements, including paddling of the limbs or twitching, or jaw movement (e.g. biting).
    • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
    • Vocalizations such as whining, barking, or yelping.
    • Involuntary urination or defecation.
  • Post-Ictal Phase (Recovery): After the seizure ends, pets often appear disoriented or uncoordinated. Temporary blindness, confusion, or lethargy are also common during this phase, which can last from minutes to hours.

Subtle Seizures

Not all seizures are dramatic. Some pets experience focal seizures, which may only involve twitching of one side of the face, repetitive blinking, or unusual behaviors like snapping at invisible objects. Recognizing these subtle signs is essential to ensure your pet receives proper care.

For more information, visit our seizures page.

Common Causes of Seizures in Pets

Understanding the underlying causes of seizures can help with prevention and effective treatment.

Primary Causes of Seizures

  • Epilepsy: A common cause in dogs, epilepsy can be either idiopathic (no known cause) or symptomatic (linked to an identifiable issue such as a brain lesion). Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and Australian Shepherds, are genetically predisposed to epilepsy.
  • Toxins: Exposure to toxic substances, such as antifreeze, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), chocolate, or even certain plants, can trigger seizures. In Flagstaff, outdoor pets may encounter plants like sago palms, which are highly toxic.
  • Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): This is particularly common in young puppies, small breeds, and diabetic pets.
  • Head Trauma: Injuries to the head can disrupt normal brain function, leading to seizures.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Flagstaff’s unique environment presents additional seizure risks:

  • Altitude: High altitudes can impact pets with pre-existing medical conditions, potentially triggering seizures.
  • Heat Stroke: Warm summer temperatures combined with physical exertion can cause overheating, which in turn may lead to seizures.
  • Household Toxins: Cleaning products, pesticides, or medications left within reach can pose a danger to curious pets.

For additional resources, check out Understanding Canine Epilepsy.

What to Do During a Seizure

Knowing how to respond when your pet has a seizure can prevent further injury and help you stay calm.

Immediate Actions

  1. Keep Your Pet Safe: Move them away from furniture, stairs, or other hazards that could cause injury during involuntary movements.
  2. Do Not Restrain Them: Avoid holding your pet or trying to stop their movements—this can lead to accidental injuries for both you and your pet.
  3. Protect Their Head: Place a soft item, like a folded towel, under your pet’s head to prevent them from hitting it against the floor.
  4. Time the Seizure: Use a timer or clock to note how long the seizure lasts. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes, known as status epilepticus, are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care.

After the seizure ends, keep your pet in a quiet, dark room to allow them to recover. For emergencies, contact us immediately at Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona.

Post-Seizure Care and Monitoring

The moments after a seizure can be confusing for both you and your pet. Proper post-seizure care is essential to ensure your pet recovers fully.

Recovery Tips

  • Create a Calm Environment: Minimize noise, light, and distractions to help your pet feel safe.
  • Monitor Behavior: Watch for any lingering symptoms such as confusion, stumbling, or temporary blindness.
  • Document the Episode: Note any behaviors leading up to, during, and after the seizure. This information is invaluable for your veterinarian in diagnosing and managing the condition.

Visit our Pet Stories Blog to hear stories about patients and clients who went through tough times but got the care they needed.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Emergency Situations

Seek immediate veterinary help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
  • Your pet has multiple seizures within a 24-hour period.
  • Your pet fails to recover completely between episodes.
  • You suspect the seizure was caused by exposure to a toxin.

Chronic or recurring seizures may require advanced diagnostics and long-term management. Schedule an appointment to discuss your pet’s condition with our expert team.

Diagnosing and Treating Seizures

Identifying the cause of seizures is critical for determining the best course of treatment.

Diagnostic Steps

  • Blood Tests: These can identify metabolic issues such as hypoglycemia, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction.
  • Advanced Imaging: MRI or CT scans may be recommended to detect structural brain abnormalities, tumors, or trauma.
  • Neurological Examination: Your veterinarian will assess reflexes, coordination, and other neurological functions.

Treatment Options

  • Medications: Common anticonvulsants include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, and levetiracetam (Keppra).
  • Dietary Therapy: Emerging evidence suggests that ketogenic or MCT-enriched diets can reduce seizure frequency in some pets.
  • Toxin Removal: If a seizure is caused by poisoning, prompt treatment such as activated charcoal or IV fluids will be administered.

Long-Term Management of Seizures

Living with a pet prone to seizures requires commitment and consistency, but it is manageable with the right plan in place.

Strategies for Long-Term Care

  • Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits help monitor your pet’s condition and adjust treatments as needed.
  • Stress Management: Maintain a consistent schedule to minimize anxiety-related triggers.
  • Medication Monitoring: Regular bloodwork ensures that anticonvulsant medications remain effective and safe.

Preventing Seizures

While not all seizures are preventable, certain steps can reduce their occurrence:

  • Avoid Toxins: Keep cleaning supplies, human medications, and toxic foods like chocolate or onions out of reach.
  • Healthy Diet: Feed a balanced diet tailored to your pet’s needs. Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or CBD oil (after consulting your vet).
  • Minimize Stress: A stable, calm environment can prevent seizures triggered by anxiety.

Why Choose the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona?

At our Flagstaff facility, we provide:

  • Advanced diagnostics such as MRI and CT scans.
  • Customized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
  • A compassionate team dedicated to supporting you through emergencies and long-term care.

Meet our team here and see why Flagstaff pet owners trust us for their emergency and specialty care needs.

Seizures may be daunting, but with proper care and support, your pet can lead a happy, healthy life. Contact the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona for expert guidance and treatment today.