Seizures are always something to take seriously, in humans and animals alike. But they don’t always look the same.

Sometimes seizures in pets look the way we imagine, with a recumbent animal shaking and drooling. But other seizures are more subtle, with affected animals biting the air, staring blankly into space or not responding to their name or commands.

Often an animal’s behavior changes just before, during or hours after a seizure. Unusual behavior may include neediness, fear, aggression or seeming lost.

Because there are so many reasons for seizures, it’s useful to record — either on video or in writing — what you see. It often requires teamwork to reach a diagnosis — and this can provide important clues.