You probably felt a lot of concern if you’d ever seen a dog suffering a seizure. Seizures in dogs typically lead to the pet collapsing to the ground, where he might remain with his legs hanging straight out from under him. In severe scenarios, he might even paddle his legs or run in a frantic circle for several minutes before collapsing. Regardless of the reason, watching your dog have a seizure is scary, and you might be at a loss regarding how to comfort them throughout an attack.
What causes dog seizures?
Seizures can arise from a number of different elements. The most prevalent form of canine epilepsy is idiopathic epilepsy, inherited but whose precise source is unknown. Conditions of the liver and kidneys, brain tumors, head injuries, and exposure to toxic substances also play a role. Seizures normally take place during fluctuating brain activity, such as when a dog is excited, eating, sleeping, or waking up. Ask your veterinary internal medicine specialist for more information.
What are the symptoms of seizures?
Drooling, chomping, tongue biting, and foaming at the mouth are only a few symptoms. Other symptoms include falling, 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 urinate or excrete. It prevails for dogs to appear bewildered, unsteady, or confused just before having a seizure. After that, your dog can be shaky, unstable, or even temporarily blind. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, bring them immediately to an emergency vet clinic.
How to help a dog with a seizure?
When an animal has a seizure, there are a few things to remember. Maintaining these guidelines 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 numerous, it’s important to keep your composure before helping the animal. Your dog will be much more terrified if you get up in his face and begin sobbing or yelling.
Relocate Your Dog to a More Secure Area
You should gently move your dog far from the stairs or the side of the bed if he is having a seizure nearby, or put something in front of him to prevent 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 trouble sustaining their balance and may experience serious seizures that cause them to fall.
Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature
Throughout a seizure, your dog’s body temperature will increase rapidly. After the seizure has stopped, it might aid in placing cool hand towels gently over his feet. Do this after your dog has completely recovered consciousness.
Reach Out to Your Veterinarian
Contact your vet instantly if this is your dog’s first seizure or if the episode lasted longer than anticipated. Do what the veterinarian advises you to do. The veterinarian might prescribe epilepsy drugs for your dog if diagnosed with the condition. You must consult your veterinarian to learn more concerning the appropriate dosage and any possible negative reactions.
How are seizures treated medically?
To determine what is causing your dog’s seizures, your veterinarian will do a complete physical examination and order diagnostic laboratory examinations. The veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog if it begins having seizures. When medicating your dog, make sure to comply with the directions supplied by your veterinarian strictly. Click here for more information.