When to Call the Emergency Vet

Not every seizure is an emergency. But some are. Knowing the difference between a seizure you can manage at home and one that requires immediate veterinary intervention could save your dog’s life. This article is meant to be bookmarked and referenced in the moment.

What Counts as a Seizure Emergency?

A seizure becomes a medical emergency when it puts your dog at risk of brain damage, organ failure, or death. There are two primary emergency scenarios: status epilepticus and cluster seizures.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or a series of seizures without your dog regaining full consciousness between them. According to the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, status epilepticus is a true neurological emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Prolonged seizure activity can cause:

• Dangerous hyperthermia (body temperature above 106°F / 41°C)
• Brain edema (swelling)
• Permanent neuronal damage
• Respiratory failure
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a life-threatening clotting disorder

If your dog is actively seizing for more than 5 minutes, go to the emergency vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it stops.

Cluster Seizures

Cluster seizures are two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, with your dog regaining consciousness between events. While each individual seizure may seem normal, clusters significantly increase the risk of escalating to status epilepticus. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with a history of cluster seizures tend to be more difficult to treat and are at higher risk for emergency presentations.

When Should I Call the Vet Immediately?

Call your emergency vet or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital if any of the following are true:

When Is It Safe to Monitor at Home?

If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy and is on medication, a single isolated seizure lasting less than 2 minutes is generally not an emergency. Your dog will enter the post-ictal phase (confusion, disorientation, exhaustion) and gradually recover. In this case:

1. Time the seizure from start to finish
2. Keep your dog safe by moving nearby objects
3. Do not put anything in your dog’s mouth
4. Record the seizure if possible (video helps your vet enormously)
5. Log the event in Anchor with as much detail as you can remember
6. Contact your regular vet the next business day to report the seizure

However, even “normal” seizures should be reported to your vet. Changes in frequency, duration, or character may warrant adjustment to your dog’s treatment plan.

What Will the Emergency Vet Do?

If your dog is actively seizing when you arrive (or has been seizing repeatedly), the emergency veterinary team will typically:

1. Administer IV diazepam (Valium) or midazolam to stop the active seizure
2. Place an IV catheter for fluid support and additional medication access
3. Monitor body temperature and cool your dog if hyperthermic
4. Run emergency blood work (glucose, electrolytes, liver values, toxin screening) to identify any treatable cause
5. Start a constant rate infusion (CRI) of anti-epileptic medication if seizures continue

Some veterinarians prescribe rectal diazepam or intranasal midazolam for at-home emergency use in dogs with a history of cluster seizures or status epilepticus. Ask your vet if this is appropriate for your dog.

Be Prepared: Your Emergency Checklist

Emergencies are chaotic. Having a plan in advance reduces panic and saves time:

• Save your emergency vet’s number in your phone (and on your fridge)
• Know the fastest route to the 24-hour emergency animal hospital
• Keep a printed summary of your dog’s medications, dosages, and seizure history in a folder by the door
• Have emergency medication (if prescribed) in an accessible location with clear instructions
• Use Anchor to generate a seizure summary you can share with the emergency vet on arrival

“When in doubt, go. You will never regret a vet visit that turns out to be unnecessary. You will always regret one you delayed.”