You perhaps felt much fear if you’d witnessed a dog having a seizure. Seizures in dogs usually cause the pet to collapse to the ground, where he might remain with his legs hanging straight out from under him. In severe cases, he might even paddle his legs or run in an agitated circle for a few minutes prior to collapsing. Regardless of the reason, seeing your dog have a seizure is frightening, and you may be at a loss regarding how to comfort them during an attack.
What causes dog seizures?
Seizures can develop from a wide variety of different elements. The most prevalent form of canine epilepsy is idiopathic epilepsy, inherited but whose specific source is unknown. Conditions of the liver and kidneys, brain tumors, head injuries, and exposure to poisonous substances also contribute. Seizures usually occur during fluctuating brain activity, such as when a dog is delighted, 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 some of the symptoms. Other signs include dropping, jerking, stiffening, muscular twitching, losing consciousness, 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, unstable, or confused just before having a seizure. After that, your dog can be shaky, unsteady, or even temporarily blind.
How to help a dog with a seizure?
When a pet has a seizure, there are a few things to bear in mind. Keeping to these suggestions will ensure your dog’s and your safety during the seizure.
Try to Keep Your Composure
Whether this is the first time you’ve seen a dog seizure or seen multiple, it’s important to preserve your calmness before assisting the animal. Your dog will be even more horrified if you get all up in his face and start sobbing or screaming.
Relocate Your Dog to a More Secure Area
You must gently move your dog far from the stairs or the edge of the bed if he is having a seizure close by, or put something in front of him to prevent him from falling that will not damage him. Seizures in dogs can cause them to experience a state of panic and cause them to run around aimlessly. They might also have trouble sustaining their balance and experience severe seizures that cause them to fall.
Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature
During a seizure, your dog’s body temperature will increase rapidly. After the seizure, it may help to place cool hand towels softly over his feet. Do this after your dog has completely recovered consciousness.
Reach Out to Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian instantly if this is your dog’s first seizure or if the episode continues longer than predicted. Do what the veterinarian tells you to do. The veterinarian may suggest epilepsy drugs for your dog if diagnosed with the condition. You must consult your veterinarian to learn more regarding the appropriate dosage and any possible negative responses. Click here to learn more.
How are seizures treated medically?
To determine what is causing your dog’s seizures, your vet will do a full physical examination and order diagnostic vet lab tests. The vet might recommend medicine for your dog if it begins having seizures. When medicating your dog, be sure to comply with the directions provided by your vet strictly.
