Seizures, also known as epilepsy, are dogs’ most typical neurological conditions. This can affect how they look and behave. Most dog owners find it terrifying to see their precious pet having seizures, and you may be wondering what you can do to help your scared furry friend. This article will review the signs of seizures, various types and causes, what to do if your dog has one, and how to treat them.
Discover more about the warning signs that your pet may have a seizure and what to do if you suspect one in this section.
There are various types of seizures. Each type may display different symptoms and require different treatment options
A generalized seizure or grand mal seizure is the most typical type of seizure. These might last for a couple of seconds to a few minutes and are typically caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Dogs often pass out, fall to the side, have involuntary urination or defecation, excessively drool, and have rhythmic contractions like jerking limbs, paddling, and chewing jaw movements.
Partial seizures, also known as focal seizures, only affect one side of the dog’s brain or one particular part of the brain. There are two types of focal seizures: focal motor and psychomotor. Sometimes a focal seizure can become a grand mal.
Focal motors are triggered by nerve cells in one brain hemisphere firing abnormally and commonly present as repetitive facial muscle movements or involuntary limb jerking.
Psychomotor seizures can be challenging to identify for pet owners and vets as they typically do not trigger a dog to fall to the ground. Instead, the dog could act oddly during this seizure, like running around and biting at inanimate objects or overly chasing its tail.
Seizures can have different possible causes, some more severe than others. Several of the following can lead to seizures or convulsions:
These are just a few main causes of seizures that happen in dogs. A diagnostic test with your veterinarian is the only approach to identifying the cause of a seizure. Click here to learn about the diagnostic testing your pet might need.
Many symptoms can help you detect whether your dog is having a seizure or convulsion, such as:
If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, do not panic. However, if your dog experiences numerous seizures within a few minutes and does not get up between each one, you have to take it to a pet emergency hospital immediately.
When it comes to treating seizures, your veterinarian might recommend some medications. Depending on your animal companion’s situation, you must also consider some holistic options, including:
To properly deal with seizures and rule out any underlying issues, your dog will have a comprehensive checkup from your vet, including complete laboratory work at a veterinary laboratory.
Be sure to inform your veterinarian about your pet’s medications or supplements. This will help your vet determine the most effective method to treat your furry friend based on their particular needs and lower the chance of a drug interaction.
It’s never fun to see your pet have a seizure, regardless of how it occurs. You may wonder what you can do to comfort your scared pet; when this occurs, try to relax before tending to your pet. Sadly, there is no way to stop your pet from having a seizure. However, regular veterinary checkups, including vaccinations and blood tests, might help discover underlying health problems that cause seizures.
