Dog Seizures: Causes, Emergency Signs, and When to See a Vet in the Bay Area

This Article will address:

• Why seizures in dogs should be treated as emergencies
• What a dog seizure looks like and how to recognize one
• What to do during a seizure to keep your pet safe
• Common causes of sudden seizures in dogs
• When seizures become life-threatening
• Other emergency signs in pets you should not ignore
• Why Bay Area pet owners trust Urgent Pet Animal Hospital for urgent care

Dog Seizures: Causes, Emergency Signs, and When to See a Vet 

When your dog experiences a seizure, it can be sudden, frightening, and life-threatening. At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito, we know that every minute matters in these situations. That is why we are the Bay Area’s first dedicated urgent care facility for pets. Our team, led by Dr. Nilanthi Kulasekara, who brings over 20 years of emergency veterinary experience, is here to provide immediate assessment and treatment when your pet needs it most.

Is a Seizure in Dogs an Emergency?

Yes. A seizure in dogs should always be treated as an emergency. While not every seizure is fatal, you cannot predict when one may turn into a life-threatening event. If your dog’s seizure lasts longer than two to three minutes, or if multiple seizures occur within 24 hours, immediate veterinary attention is required. At Urgent Pet, we are equipped to handle these urgent cases quickly and effectively.

What Does a Dog Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can vary in appearance, but most share common signs that are recognizable. Pet owners often describe seizures as dramatic and sudden, with symptoms that include:

• Sudden collapse or falling over
• Stiffening of the body or paddling of the legs
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Uncontrolled movements or twitching
• Disorientation, pacing, or temporary blindness after the episode

Recognizing these signs is crucial. If you see them in your dog, it is time to call Urgent Pet right away.

What to Do During a Dog Seizure

Seizures can be chaotic, but your calm response can help protect your dog until you reach urgent care.

Steps to take during a seizure:

• Clear the surrounding area of objects that could cause injury.
• Do not attempt to restrain your dog or put anything in their mouth.
• Time the seizure and note how long it lasts.
• Stay close by to monitor breathing and recovery.
• Call Urgent Pet immediately for further instructions and to prepare our team for your arrival.

Quick action helps us respond efficiently once you reach our facility.

What Causes Sudden Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures may be triggered by several underlying conditions. Common causes include:

• Epilepsy or genetic predisposition
• Exposure to toxins or poisons
• Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalance
• Metabolic disease such as liver or kidney failure
• Brain tumors or neurological disorders
• Head trauma or injury

Because the causes are diverse, urgent diagnostic testing is often necessary. At Urgent Pet, we use advanced tools such as blood work, radiographs, ultrasound, and cytology to identify the underlying problem quickly.

When is a Seizure Life-Threatening?

Some seizures can pass quickly and resolve on their own, but others require emergency intervention. A seizure is life-threatening if:

• It lasts longer than two to three minutes
• Multiple seizures occur in a 24-hour period
• Seizures occur continuously without recovery (status epilepticus)
• They are accompanied by additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, collapse, or inability to walk afterward

In these cases, pets are at risk of brain damage, overheating, or even death. Immediate emergency veterinary care is essential.

Other Emergency Signs Pet Owners Should Watch For

While seizures are one of the most urgent emergencies we see, they are not the only ones. Bring your pet to Urgent Pet right away if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
• Swollen or bloated abdomen
• Ingestion of toxins or poisons
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with weakness
• Sudden collapse or fainting
• Straining to urinate with no result

We only treat urgent conditions. If your pet is facing a sudden crisis, our facility is designed to provide fast, focused care.

Why Choose Urgent Pet Animal Hospital for Emergency Seizure Care in the Bay Area

Urgent Pet Animal Hospital is not a general practice. We do not perform routine services like vaccines or extractions. Instead, we focus solely on emergencies and urgent conditions. Pet owners choose us because:

• We are the Bay Area’s first dedicated urgent care for pets
• Our veterinary team includes Dr. Kulasekara, Dr. Audrey Buatois, and Dr. Julie Lowe, who bring extensive training and experience in emergency and critical care
• Our facility offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments, from blood transfusions to oxygen therapy up
• We provide same-day emergency appointments with immediate assessment upon arrival
• We minimize stress with separate cat and dog housing, certified fear-free cat cages, and a calm environment

When every second matters, you can trust our experienced team to respond quickly, effectively, and compassionately.

Call Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito for Immediate Care

Dog seizures can be terrifying, but you do not have to face them alone. At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito, CA, we provide rapid and compassionate urgent care for Bay Area pets. If your dog is experiencing a seizure or showing other emergency signs, contact us immediately. Our team is ready to deliver the emergency care your pet needs, right when they need it.

Sources

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)