Seizing pets can be particularly difficult and dangerous to transport and seizures are difficult and scary to watch. You need to take extremecare to avoid getting hurt, bitten or scratched.
Don’t panic! Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.
Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic before you move your pet so they can be ready for you when you arrive.
If your pet has experienced seizures before and they have not lasted more than 5 minutes in duration, wait for the seizure to finish before attempting to move your pet. However, if the seizure is lasting more than 5 minutes, the pet must be carefully moved despite the on-going seizure activity.
Pets who are experiencing a seizure often are unable to see or hear properly, do not recognize people or places, can react aggressively, in particular, to physical stimulus (touch). These pets do not have control over their body, their body's functions (and may urinate or defecate), or their body's reaction to its environment. Don't attempt to hug or hold a seizing pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth.
While transporting your pet during a seizure, keep it confined in a small area to reduce the risk of injury to itself and you. Pet carriers work well, or you can use a box or other container (but make sure your pet has enough air). Avoid excessive bedding in the carrier, as seizing pets can often experience hyperthermia (extremely high body temperatures) during long episodes. For larger dogs, you can use a board, toboggan/sled, door, throw rug, blanket or something similar to act as a stretcher. If using a rug, blanket or other insulating-type material, remember to remove as much as possible from on/around dog during transport in case your pet is experiencing hyperthermia.
If your pet has been seizing for an extended period and feels warm to the touch, DO NOT bathe your pet to cool it. Seizing pets can easily aspirate water or even drown.
Occasionally pets may vomit during or immediately after a seizure episode. Although seizing pets do pose a significant bite risk to those who are aiding in transporting them, unless absolutely necessary, DO NOT muzzle your pet. If muzzling is necessary to move your pet, remove the muzzle as soon as possible (once in the car) to avoid the pet aspirating or choking if it vomits.
Continue to confine your pet while in transport. Seizures can present in clusters with varying duration between the end of one and the onset of the next. Even if the seizure has stopped and your pet appears fully recovered, if your pet is unconfined in the car when another seizure begins, it may injure itself, you or others in the vehicle, or become a driving hazard and subsequently cause an accident.
You should always keep your pet's medical records in a safe, easily accessible place. Bring these with you when you take your dog for emergency treatment.