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My healthy young dog had a seizure for the first time. What caused it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 29 days old | 66 lbs

My dog had a seizure which lasted 5 minutes today for first time. He was frothing from mouth and did potty during the seizure, he is one year old very healthy and active Labrador. What could have caused this ? He had bad cold and upper respiratory congestion a month ago during which he vomited for 2 days and had serious convulsions as vet gave him Benadryl on empty stomach for 24 hrs to stop coughing

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2019

There could be many causes for seizures in a young healthy dog.

He could have gotten into a toxin, he could have epilepsy or something else. I would recommend a veterinarian tomorrow to have blood work and a physical examination performed. I would also consider a neurologist to follow up so they can help with a diagnosis.

If he does have a seizure of that duration he should be taken to a veterinarian since seizures can have serious effects on a patient.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2017
The best thing you can do is is keep a journal of what he was doing before. How long it lasted, and how long until return to normal. If the seizures continue or get more seizure then diagnostics and medicine will be needed. It is. Not uncommon for some dogs to take 24 hours after a seizure to be normal as it can be exhausting.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on June 24th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. I highly recommend that you have Max evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start him on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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