Seizures in Dogs, and What You Need to Know

All About Seizures in Dogs, and what you need to know

It has been said many times before that dog is man’s best friend and even man’s best friend needs to be taken care of. It can be scary when your best friend and the family pet is all of a sudden not feeling the best. Many people don’t realize that seizures can occur in dogs as well as humans. In fact, a seizure or an “ictus” are one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs.

Seizures can happen to any breed of dog, at any given moment for a number of reasons. If you notice that your dog seems off and doesn’t have the same energy that he usually does this can be one of the first warning signs. Tied into this if you notice that your pet seems nervous, whiny and unwilling to leave your side or perhaps is slightly shaking or drooling this can also be a precursor for a seizure.One of the most well-known signs of a seizure is uncontrollably convulsing that can last for periods up to two minutes while your pet is unconscious.

If your dog is having multiple seizures- these reoccurring episodes are known as “epilepsy.” If you notice that your dog is shaking uncontrollably and paddling the air as well as, doesn’t seem to be aware of their surroundings you will want to seek medical attention from a veterinarian immediately. After a seizure, your dog may seem disassociated and may even experience temporary blindness.

Despite the nervousness and anxiety you may feel at the situation try to stay calm. Your dog is not in pain and will most likely just leave the situation confused. Clear the area around your dog and make sure that they are not in the way of danger. Despite old wives tales- your dog is in no danger of swallowing their tongue. Keep your hands away from their mouth at the time of a seizure, as getting close can cause harm to you and you may be putting yourself into a situation where you will be bitten or scratched. In order to find the cause of the seizures, your vet may look at poison that your dog could have ingested, head trauma, heartworm tests, and look further into the case doing physical exams that include blood and urine tests in an attempt to pinpoint the problem and rule out other causes.

Seizures can happen for a number of reasons, some of them being: ingesting poison, liver disease, low/high blood pressure, kidney disease, electrolyte problems, anemia, a head injury, encephalitis, stroke and brain cancer. If seizures persist in your dog and occur regularly your vet may look at putting your pooch on treatment. Your dog may have to take a medication called an “anticonvulsant.” Once your dog goes on this medication they are on it for the rest of their life. Some research states that stopping this medication can cause further seizures- as always seek the advice of professionals. If for any reason, your pet must discontinue the use of anticonvulsant they will be able to guide you through getting off the drug.

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