Dog symptom

Seizure / tremors in dogs

Emergency — get veterinary help right now

Seizures, tremors, twitching, or loss of awareness can come from epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, heatstroke, or serious internal disease. A seizure that is prolonged, repeated, or linked to toxin exposure is an emergency.

Common causes of seizure / tremors in dogs

  • Epilepsy or another neurologic disorder
  • Toxin exposure, including some human medications, xylitol/birch sugar, or insecticides
  • Low blood sugar, especially in puppies, kittens, toy-breed dogs, or diabetic pets
  • Heatstroke, head injury, liver disease, kidney disease, or severe electrolyte problems

Who's most at risk

  • Breeds prone to epilepsy (often young-adult dogs)
  • Pets with liver disease or low blood sugar
  • Toxin exposure (some insecticides, xylitol)
  • Diabetic pets (hypoglycemia)

What you can do at home

  • Move nearby objects away and keep the area quiet and dim
  • Do not restrain your pet and do not put anything in their mouth
  • Time the episode and take a short video if it is safe to do so
  • Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for next steps as soon as your pet is safe to move

When to see a vet

  • A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or another seizure happens within 24 hours
  • Your pet is still disoriented, blind, weak, overheating, or not returning to normal
  • You suspect toxin exposure, head trauma, low blood sugar, or heatstroke
  • This is your pet's first seizure

When it's more serious

  • A long or repeated seizure (status epilepticus) is life-threatening — get to an ER now.
  • A first seizure or possible toxin needs same-day veterinary assessment.
  • Not recovering between or after seizures is an emergency — seek care now.

What your vet may do

  • Stop an active or prolonged seizure with medication
  • Bloodwork to check sugar, organs, and electrolytes
  • Look for toxins; imaging or referral for recurring seizures
  • Start anti-seizure medication if needed

Questions to ask your vet

  • Could a toxin or low blood sugar be the cause?
  • Does my pet need long-term seizure medication?
  • What do I do during the next seizure?
  • When is a seizure an emergency vs manageable?

Frequently asked questions

What causes seizure / tremors in dogs?

Seizures, tremors, twitching, or loss of awareness can come from epilepsy, toxins, low blood sugar, heatstroke, or serious internal disease. A seizure that is prolonged, repeated, or linked to toxin exposure is an emergency. Common causes include: Epilepsy or another neurologic disorder; Toxin exposure, including some human medications, xylitol/birch sugar, or insecticides; Low blood sugar, especially in puppies, kittens, toy-breed dogs, or diabetic pets; Heatstroke, head injury, liver disease, kidney disease, or severe electrolyte problems.

Is seizure / tremors in dogs an emergency?

Emergency — get veterinary help right now. See a vet right away if: A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or another seizure happens within 24 hours; Your pet is still disoriented, blind, weak, overheating, or not returning to normal; You suspect toxin exposure, head trauma, low blood sugar, or heatstroke; This is your pet's first seizure.

What can I do at home for a dog with seizure / tremors?

Move nearby objects away and keep the area quiet and dim Do not restrain your pet and do not put anything in their mouth Time the episode and take a short video if it is safe to do so Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for next steps as soon as your pet is safe to move

Sources

Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

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