A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. As terrifying as they look, most seizures last less than two minutes and stop on their own.

Seizures can be caused by epilepsy (the most common cause in dogs), toxins, low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, head trauma, brain tumors, or other neurological conditions.

What a seizure looks like:

• Before (pre-ictal phase):Your dog may seem anxious, clingy, confused, or restless — sometimes for seconds, sometimes for hours before a seizure begins.

• During (ictal phase):The dog typically falls on their side, muscles go rigid, then begin jerking or paddling rhythmically. They may vocalize, drool heavily, urinate, or defecate. Their eyes may be wide open and unfocused. The dog is unconscious and unaware during this time.

• After (post-ictal phase): Once the seizure stops, dogs are often disoriented, wobbly, temporarily blind, or very tired. This phase can last minutes to several hours. It is normal and does not mean the seizure is continuing.

What to do during a seizure:

• Stay calm. Your dog is not in pain and is not aware of what's happening.

• Clear away any furniture or hard objects they could hit

• Do not put your hands in your dog's mouth — dogs cannot swallow their tongue, and you will be bitten

• Do not try to hold them down or restrain them

• Time the seizure from start to finish

• If you can, record a short video — it will help your vet enormously

• Dim the lights and reduce noise if possible

• After the seizure ends, speak calmly and gently, and let them rest

When it becomes an emergency:

Go to an emergency vet immediately if:

• The seizure lasts more than 3–5 minutes (called status epilepticus — a life-threatening emergency)

• Your dog has two or more seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)

• Your dog does not start recovering within 30 minutes of the seizure ending

• This is your dog's first ever seizure (always warrants a same-day or next-day vet visit, even if brief)

Even a short, one-time seizure should be followed up with a vet appointment to determine the underlying cause.