Emergency · All species
Seizure / neurologic signs
Seizures, head tilt, circling, star-gazing, rolling, paralysis, or sudden loss of coordination need same-day or emergency care.
Immediate safe actions
- Clear the area of hard objects, water dishes, and perches the animal could hit or drown in.
- Dim lights and reduce noise. Do not restrain during a seizure unless it is in danger.
- Time the episode and record a video if safe.
- Afterwards, place in a small padded, warm (species-appropriate) container.
- Call an exotic or emergency vet.
What NOT to do
- Do not put anything in the mouth or beak.
- Do not give food, water, or medication during or right after a seizure.
- Do not place in deep water.
Information to gather for the vet
- Length and number of episodes
- Possible toxins (lead, zinc, pesticides, plants)
- Diet and supplements (calcium/UVB for reptiles)
- Recent trauma or temperature changes
Red flags
- Seizure longer than 2–3 minutes
- Clusters of seizures
- Not recovering between episodes
- Known toxin exposure
Veterinary escalation
- Repeated or prolonged seizures = emergency vet now.
- Single brief episode with recovery = same-day vet.
General educational information only. Species differ greatly — always confirm with a licensed veterinarian or animal poison service.