Learning To Cope With Seizures In Dogs

Seizures in dogs can be a concerning occurrence for the owner or carer. Finding out about what they are and the different types can help you to understand why they are happening and what to look for before another one occurs. You should learn what you can do and what you shouldn't do if you witness one. There are things which you could do to help your pet through their recovery and a diagnosis and treatment plan can be discussed with your vet.

Seizures can result in reduced levels of consciousness or total loss of consciousness and are triggered by an unusual occurrence in the brain. When they occur they can be unexpected and a shock to the owner and can last from few seconds to a whole hour. It is important to contact the vet when you first witness one and particularly if it lasts longer than five minutes.

What may appear as an amusing leg twitch or an unusual mouth movement that the animals appears to have no control over may be a focal seizure. The more obvious and well known type of occurrence is the full body stiffness with some involuntary movement of part of the body, and perhaps uncontrolled barking or whining. These are called Generalized seizures.

Both before and after you will witness a period of unusual behavior. Your dog may appear unusually worried or frightened and you may not be able to determine the cause. Afterwards there will be a period of adjustment for your canine where it will seem tired and confused.

If this is the first time you have experienced a seizure in your animal you should contact your veterinarian, this will allow them to determine the severity and possible cause of the incident. Whilst the seizure is happening remain calm and move things that might hurt the dog out of the near vicinity. Although it is a worrying experience try not to go near your dog, the involuntary movements can result in an injury to you. If they are near stairs try to block the entry way to them to prevent the canine from falling down them.

Whether your canine seems sleepy and grumpy or disorientated and lost your best response is one that is calm and controlled. Talk quietly to your dog and reassure them, allow them to decide where they want too be but try to keep an eye on them. Make some notes about what happened, such as the length of time it took for the dog to be conscious again.

Your vet may recommend a course of treatment or one that is more long term and that will have to be administered regularly at home. If it occurred as a result of injury or tumor there may be a need for an operation. The vet will determine the severity and whether or not medication is needed. It could take some time however to find a medication which suits the animal.

Whether it is the first time you have witnessed a seizure or the tenth time you might see that there are differences and what you should look for in an attempt to predict their occurrence. You will learn how to behave both during and after in a way that is most suitable for your pet and your vet can advise you on suitable long term care plans.