Everything You Must Know About Seizures in Dogs
You perhaps felt a lot of worries if you’d ever witnessed a dog enduring a seizure. Seizures in dogs typically result in the pet collapsing to the ground, where he may remain with his legs dangling straight out from under him. In severe cases, he may even paddle his legs or run in a crazy circle for a number of minutes before collapsing. Regardless of the cause, witnessing your dog have a seizure is frightening, and you might be at a loss regarding how to comfort them throughout an attack.
What causes dog seizures?
Seizures can develop from a number of different elements. The most widespread type of canine epilepsy is idiopathic epilepsy, inherited but whose specific source is unknown. Illness of the liver and kidneys, brain tumors, head injuries, and exposure to toxic materials also play a role. Seizures generally happen during fluctuating brain activity, such as when a dog is thrilled, eating, sleeping, or waking up. Ask your internal medicine vet for more information.
What are the symptoms of seizures?
Drooling, chomping, tongue biting, and foaming at the mouth are only several symptoms. Other symptoms include falling, snagging, stiffening, muscular twitching, passing out, and even collapsing. Dogs can flop to one side and paddle with their back legs. The seizure can cause them to pee or defecate. It prevails for dogs to appear bewildered, unsteady, or confused just before having a seizure. Afterward, your dog can be shaky, unstable, or even briefly blind. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, bring them immediately to an emergency animal hospital.
How to help a dog with a seizure?
When a pet has a seizure, there are a few things to remember. Keeping to these guidelines will guarantee your dog’s and your safety during the seizure.
Try to Keep Your Composure
Whether this is the first time you’ve witnessed a dog seizure or seen numerous, it’s important to keep calm before assisting the animal. Your dog will be horrified if you get all up in his face and start sobbing or yelling.
Relocate Your Dog to a More Secure Area
You should carefully move your dog away from the stairs or the side of the bed if he is having a seizure nearby, or put something in front of him to keep him from falling that will not harm him. Seizures in dogs can create them to experience a state of panic and cause them to run around aimlessly. They may also have difficulty sustaining their balance and may experience serious seizures that cause them to fall.
Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature
During a seizure, your dog’s body temperature will surge rapidly. After the seizure, it might help to place cool hand towels softly over his feet. Do this after your dog has recovered consciousness.
Reach Out to Your Veterinarian
Get in touch with your veterinarian promptly if this is your dog’s first seizure or if the episode continues longer than anticipated. Do what the veterinarian tells you to do. The veterinarian may recommend epilepsy medication for your dog if diagnosed with the condition. You must consult your veterinarian to learn more regarding the correct dosage and any potential negative responses.
How are seizures treated medically?
To determine what is triggering your dog’s seizures, your vet will do a full physical examination and order veterinary diagnostic lab examinations. The vet might prescribe medicine for your dog if it begins having seizures. When medicating your dog, make sure to comply with the directions provided by your veterinarian strictly.
