
Symptom: Fits & Seizures – Why Is My Pet Having Fits?
Fitting or seizures can be very distressing to witness in your pet. They can happen for many reasons, including underlying health conditions or sudden triggers. In this article, we’ll explain what seizures can look like, common causes of fitting in pets, what you should do if your pet has a seizure, and when it’s important to seek veterinary help.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet

What are the signs of fitting or seizures in pets?
Becoming restless
Staring vacantly into space
Falling over and becoming stiff
Shake, jerk or twitch
Paddling their limbs
Foam at the mouth or drool
Lose consciousness
Lose control of body function (urine and stool)
Why does my pet have diarrhoea?
Idiopathic Epilepsy (non-identifiable cause), the most common cause, when all other causes have been explored
Toxin exposure
Brain disease/tumours or liver or kidney disease
Related reading - Kidney disease in cats
Head injury as a result of bleeding or damage to the brain
A birth disorder that can increase the risks of seizures
DOs - My pet is fitting/seizing, what to do at home
Do clear the area of any hazard to avoid injuries
Do protect his/her head
Do time and record the event e.g. on your phone, if safe to do so, sharing this with your vet maybe helpful Do keep him/her cool to avoid overheating
Do reduce stimuli (switch light off, or television) to minimise sensory input
Give medications, such as use of rectal ampule during your pet fitting to stop fitting only if prescribed by your vet
Do contact your vet for an appointment after your pet has come around, especially if this is the first time.
DON’Ts - My pet is fitting/seizing, what not to do at home
Do not restrain your pet and allow the seizure to run its course
Do not put anything in his/her mouth
Do not offer food or water until your pet is fully conscious
Do not shout, shake or hit
Do not put your hands near his/her mouth to avoid involuntary bites
When should I think about going to the vets?
If it's your pet's first seizure or if your pet is seizing even if already on medication for it, it's essential to seek veterinary attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan.
Even if the seizure is brief and your pet seems to recover quickly, it's important to contact your vet for a check-up.
My pet is having a fit. When is it an emergency?
Dog seizures lasting more than five minutes require emergency care. This condition can cause brain damage or overheating. Multiple seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures) also need quick attention, even if each seizure is brief.
Call us right away if your dog's seizure continues beyond five minutes or if they have more than one seizure in a day.