Bayswater Vets’ Team Discuss Pet Seizures and What to Do

Seeing your pet have a seizure can be frightening, especially if it comes out of the blue. As vets, we understand how distressing this can be, so it helps to know what signs to look for, what could be causing the problem, and how you can help in the moment.

Read the advice below from Bayswater Vets' team of highly experienced veterinary surgeons and make sure you have our number in your phone in case your pet does have a seizure. Call us on 020 7229 2040 if you have any concerns about seizures in dogs, cats, or small furry pets.

What does a pet seizure look like?

According to our vets in Bayswater, seizures in pets can vary, but they often involve sudden, uncontrollable movements, twitching, drooling, or loss of consciousness. Some pets may appear dazed beforehand or behave oddly just before it happens. Afterwards, they might seem confused, unsteady, or temporarily blind.

Common causes of seizures in pets

Bayswater Vets' team share that there are several reasons why a pet might experience a seizure. These include:

• Epilepsy – a condition that causes repeated seizures
• Liver or kidney disease
• Infections or inflammation of the brain
• Head injury or trauma
• Toxins or poisoning – such as slug pellets, chocolate or certain plants
• Heat stroke – particularly in hot weather or for flat-faced breeds

Heat stroke is a serious emergency that can lead to seizures and collapse, especially in warm weather. Never leave pets in parked cars and always provide shade and fresh water when temperatures rise. Call our vets in Bayswater on 020 7229 2040 if you think your pet could be suffering from heat stroke.

Which pets can suffer from seizures?

Dogs and seizures

Seizures in dogs can be caused by conditions such as epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, liver disease, brain tumours, or heat stroke. Some breeds are more prone, including Border Collies, Labradors, German Shepherds, and Boxers.

Cats and seizures

Although less common than in dogs, Bayswater Vets' team explain that seizures in cats can be caused by toxins, head trauma, epilepsy, brain tumours, or underlying conditions like liver or kidney disease.

Rabbits and small pets and seizures

Seizures in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small furries are rare, but can occur due to infections, trauma, genetic issues, neurological conditions, metabolic issues (low blood sugar and heatstroke), or exposure to toxic substances. Seizures in these pets are often a sign of serious illness.

What should you do if your pet has a seizure?

1. Stay calm – your pet needs you to be steady
2. Keep them safe – gently move anything they might bump into
3. Don’t hold them down – this could cause injury to both of you
4. Call your vet straight away – even if the seizure is brief
5. Time the seizure – if it lasts more than a couple of minutes, tell us immediately
6. Let them recover – speak softly and keep the room quiet and dim

Even if it’s a one-off, Bayswater Vets' team say it’s important your pet is checked over to find out what’s caused it. Repeated seizures or a sudden change in health could be a sign of something serious.

If your pet has a seizure, or you’re worried about their health, call our vets in Bayswater for help on 020 7229 2040.