It’s one of the most frightening things a pet owner can witness: your dog or cat suddenly collapses, shaking and unresponsive. In that moment, your mind races with questions. Are they in pain? Will it stop? Is this an emergency? Feeling helpless is completely normal, but your calm actions can make a critical difference.
At Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel, we want to give you the confidence to act. This guide explains what to do when your pet has a seizure and how to know when you need our help—fast.
What to Do During a Seizure: A First-Aid Checklist
Your main job is to keep your pet safe until the seizure stops. Focus on these simple steps:
- Stay calm. Your pet is not aware of what is happening. A calm environment is best for them.
- Clear the area. Gently move furniture or other objects away from your pet. Guide them away from the stairs to prevent a fall.
- Time the seizure. Make a note of when it starts and stops. A seizure lasting more than five minutes requires immediate medical attention.
- Do not touch their mouth. Pets do not swallow their tongues during a seizure. Trying to hold their mouth or tongue can cause a serious bite.
- Keep them cool and quiet. Dim the lights and reduce noise. Do not cover your pet with a blanket, as their body temperature can rise quickly.
What to Expect After the Seizure Ends
Once the shaking stops, your pet will enter a “post-ictal” phase. This is a period of confusion and strange behavior that can last from a few minutes to an hour. You might notice your pet pacing, bumping into things, acting blind, or hiding. Speak to them in a soft, reassuring voice, but give them space to recover.
When Is a Pet Seizure an Emergency?
A single, short seizure may not be an emergency, but you should always call a veterinarian for advice. Head to an urgent care clinic immediately if you see any of these signs:
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- Your pet has more than one seizure in a 24-hour period (this is called a cluster seizure).
- Your pet does not return to normal behavior within an hour.
- This is your pet’s very first seizure.
- Your pet may have eaten something toxic or poisonous.
How We Help When Every Second Counts
When you arrive, our team is ready. We can provide immediate care to stop a seizure and begin vital diagnostic tests. Our in-house laboratory allows us to run blood work right away to check for toxins or other medical causes. For pets needing closer observation, we offer overnight hospitalization and continuous monitoring to ensure they are safe and stable.
Watching your pet have a seizure is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you see any emergency signs, our team is here to provide the urgent answers and care your pet needs.
Call Us Before You Drive
If your pet needs attention, call (813) 279-6500 so our team can prepare for your arrival. Then head to 27027 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544.
Our Business Hours
- Mon: 24 hours
- Tue: 6 pm – 11 pm
- Wed: 6 pm – 11 pm
- Thur: 24 hours
- Fri: 24 hours
- Sat: 24 hours
- Sun: 24 hours
Our Holiday Hours
- New Year’s Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- Memorial Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- Independence Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- Labor Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- Thanksgiving Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm
- Thanksgiving Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- Christmas Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm
- Christmas Day: 9 am – 11 pm
- New Year’s Eve: 2 pm – 11 pm