What to Do When Your Pet Is Having a Neurological Emergency
For Pet Owners
As a pet parent, there’s nothing more frightening than watching your dog or cat suddenly lose control of their body, act confused, or have a seizure. Neurological emergencies can be alarming, but knowing what to do in those critical moments can make a big difference for your pet’s safety and recovery. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you respond if your pet is experiencing a neurological crisis.
What Counts as a Neurological Emergency?
Some signs that may indicate a neurological emergency include:
Seizures, especially if lasting longer than 5 minutes or clusters (2 or more seizures within a 24 hour period)
Sudden paralysis or weakness, especially in the back legs
Unusual eye movements (flickering or darting back and forth)
Disorientation, circling, or falling over
Head pressing (pushing their head against a wall or object)
Loss of balance or coordination
Unresponsiveness or coma-like state
If your pet is showing any of these signs, time is critical.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Your Pet Safe
Your pet may be scared and disoriented. If they are having a seizure:
Clear the area of sharp objects or furniture.
Turn off lights and reduce noise if possible.
Do NOT try to hold their mouth open. They will NOT swallow their tongue, and you could be bitten accidentally.
Time and video/record the episode. Knowing the timing and appearance of an event will help your vet assess the situation.
Step 2: Call Your Veterinarian or Emergency Animal Hospital
Call your regular vet or the nearest emergency animal clinic immediately. If your pet is having a prolonged seizure (longer than 5 minutes), is having multiple seizures in a row, or is unable to stand or walk, go straight to an emergency hospital.
Have this info ready when you call:
A description of what happened
How long the episode lasted
Any history of similar symptoms
Any medications your pet is on
Please note that SCAN vets are always available to assist after the ER has made its initial assessment.
Step 3: Transport Safely
Wrap your pet in a towel or blanket if they’re disoriented or thrashing.
Use a crate or pet carrier if possible to prevent injury during transport.
Keep the car cool and quiet.
Step 4: Stay with Your Pet at the Vet
Once you arrive at the clinic, stay calm and share all the details with the veterinary team. They may need to run blood tests, take X-rays, or refer you to SCAN for further assistance.
Aftercare: Monitoring and Support at Home
Depending on the cause of the episode, your pet may need:
Ongoing medication (e.g., anti-seizure meds)
Restricted activity
Follow-up appointments or advanced imaging
Keep a log of any future episodes, including time, duration, and what you observed.
Final Thoughts
Watching your pet go through a neurological emergency is scary, but you’re not alone. With quick thinking and veterinary support, many pets recover and go on to live happy lives.
Pro Tip: Keep the phone number and address of your nearest emergency vet in your phone or on the fridge. You’ll be glad you have it when every second counts.
Have questions or need help preparing for neurological emergencies? Contact our hospital. We’re here for you and your pet when you need us.
