Pet seizure

1. 1

   Clear the area — do NOT restrain

   Move furniture and hard objects away. Do not hold them down or put your hands near their mouth — they can bite without meaning to during a seizure.

   Important: Never put anything in a seizing pet's mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue. Fingers near the mouth will get bitten.
2. 2

   Time it

   Note when the seizure starts. Most last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A seizure over 5 minutes (status epilepticus) is a medical emergency — rush to the emergency vet immediately.

3. 3

   Dim lights and reduce stimulation

   Turn off bright lights, TV, music. Speak softly. Sensory stimulation can prolong or worsen the seizure.

4. 4

   After the seizure — keep calm and warm

   Pets are confused, disoriented, or temporarily blind for minutes to hours afterward. Keep them in a quiet, dimly lit room. Offer water once they're alert. Don't let them climb stairs.

5. 5

   Call your vet

   Any first seizure needs vet evaluation. Multiple seizures in 24 hours, seizures lasting over 5 minutes, or not regaining consciousness between seizures = emergency.

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.