With seizures, the length and the number inside 24 hours are the records that decide whether something is an emergency. Enter the minutes and seconds of this episode, how many happened in the last 24 hours and whether consciousness returned in between, and this tool reports the total in seconds, how that sits against the three emergency criteria, and the gap since the previous seizure. It does not deal with causes or medication.
Three situations count as emergencies: a seizure that carries on past 5 minutes, two or more running together without consciousness returning, and two or more separate seizures inside 24 hours (cluster seizures) even when each one stops. Body temperature climbs to dangerous levels, and past 30 minutes permanent neurological damage becomes a risk. These criteria are shared by references published through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and by the canine health center at Cornell, and are as of October 2026. This tool treats the 5 minute mark as reached rather than waiting past it.
Even when no criterion is met, a first ever seizure needs a visit. This tool is for reference only and does not replace veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice symptoms or suspect a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
A seizure carrying on past 5 minutes is an emergency. Because the risk grows while you wait, this tool flags it from the moment the 5 minute mark is reached.
More than two in 24 hours meets the emergency criterion. Even at two, tell your veterinarian if that is more than usual.
Keep hands and objects out of the mouth and clear hard objects nearby so nothing causes injury. Note the start time right away and record a video if you can.