First aid for dogs and cats
Fits (seizures)
Falling over, paddling legs, stiffness, twitching or jaw chomping, often with drooling or peeing.
When to go to a vet
Go to a vet now if a fit lasts 5 minutes or more, if another fit follows, or if it is their first fit.
What to do
- Time the fit. It often feels longer than it is. The fit timer in our symptom checker can help.
- Move furniture and anything they could hit away from them. Keep them away from stairs and water.
- Dim the lights and keep things quiet.
- Film it on your phone if you can. It helps your vet.
- Afterwards, they may be confused, wobbly or blind for a while. Keep them somewhere safe and quiet, and call your vet.
Don't
- Don't put your hands near their mouth. They can't swallow their tongue, and they may bite without meaning to.
- Don't try to hold them down.
Other first aid guides
First aid is not a substitute for a vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.