At Bark & Wiggle, we know that nothing is more frightening than seeing your beloved pet experience a medical emergency—and seizures can be one of the scariest. If you’ve ever witnessed your dog or cat have a seizure, you’re not alone—and we want to help you feel prepared and supported.
This topic is personal for us. Our sweet dog, Eddie, an English Springer Spaniel, began having grand mal seizures when he was just 4 years old. It was terrifying at first, but with veterinary care and daily medication, we managed his seizures for 4½ years until his passing. We know firsthand how scary this can be—and how much love and care it takes to support a pet through it.
What Are Pet Seizures?
A seizure is a sudden burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in your pet’s brain, leading to temporary muscle spasms, twitching, or even unconsciousness. Some pets may just seem disoriented for a few seconds, while others may have full-body convulsions like Eddie did.
Common Causes of Seizures in Pets:
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Epilepsy (the most common cause in dogs)
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Low blood sugar
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Toxins (like chocolate, xylitol, certain plants, or pesticides)
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Head injuries
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Kidney or liver disease
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Brain tumors (rare but possible)
What To Do If Your Pet Has a Seizure:
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Stay Calm. Easier said than done, but your calm presence helps your pet.
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Keep Them Safe. Move anything nearby that could harm them, and gently keep them away from stairs or sharp corners.
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Time the Seizure. If it lasts longer than 2–3 minutes, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
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Don’t Put Anything in Their Mouth. Pets won’t swallow their tongue, but you could get bitten by accident.
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Comfort Them Afterwards. After a seizure, pets may be confused or tired. Offer quiet, gentle reassurance.
Can Seizures Be Treated?
Yes, depending on the cause. In Eddie’s case, he needed daily medication to keep his seizures controlled, and with good veterinary care, he lived a happy life filled with love, treats, and plenty of belly rubs.
Prevent What You Can
One of the most preventable causes of seizures is accidental ingestion of harmful substances. That’s why we always recommend:
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Keeping chocolate, grapes, and sugar-free gum out of reach.
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Avoiding certain essential oils and plants that can be toxic to pets.
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Using pet-safe cleaning products whenever possible.
At Bark & Wiggle, we’re all about keeping your pets safe, happy, and healthy—because they’re family.
If you ever have questions about pet safety, we’re here for you.
🐾 Stay safe. Stay prepared. Hug your pets a little tighter today.
Thank you for supporting our small, pet-loving business. We appreciate you.