Seizures, also known as epilepsy, are dogs’ most common neurological problems. This can alter how they look and act. Most dog owners find it frightening to see their favorite companion having seizures, and you might be wondering what you can do to help your scared furry friend. This post will discuss the signs of seizures, various types and causes, what to do if your animal companion has one, and how to treat them.
In this section, find out more about the warning signs that your dog might have a seizure and what to do if you suspect one.
Types of Seizures
There are various types of seizures. Each type might display different signs and require different treatment options.
Generalized Seizures
A generalized seizure or grand mal seizure is the most typical type of seizure. These might last a few seconds to a couple of minutes and are typically caused by irregular electrical activity in the brain.
Dogs often pass out, fall to the side, have involuntary urination or defecation, excessively drool, and have rhythmic muscle contractions like jerking limbs, paddling, and chewing jaw movements.
Partial Seizures
Partial seizures, also known as focal seizures, only affect one side of the pet’s brain or one specific area of the brain. There are two types of focal seizures: focal motor and psychomotor. Sometimes a focal seizure can develop into a grand mal.
Focal motors are caused by nerve cells in one brain hemisphere firing abnormally and often present as repetitive facial muscle movements or uncontrolled limb jerking.
Psychomotor seizures can be hard to identify for dog owners and veterinarians as they often do not cause a dog to fall to the ground. Instead, the dog could act strangely during this seizure, like running around and biting at inanimate things or excessively chasing its tail.
Causes of Dog Seizures
Seizures can have many possible causes, some more serious than others. One or more of the following can lead to seizures or convulsions:
- Poisoning
- Traumatic head injury
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Brain cancer
- Anemia
- High or low blood sugar level
- Brain infection or swelling
- Stroke
- Hydrocephalus
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Encephalitis
- Vascular disease/Embolism
These are just a few key reasons why seizures happen in dogs. A diagnostic examination with a veterinarian like Airport Pet Emergency Clinic is the only approach to determining the cause of a seizure.
Signs of Seizures
Many symptoms can help you recognize whether your dog is having a seizure or convulsion, such as:
- Collapsing
- Jerking physical movements
- Stiffening
- Muscle twitching
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooling
- Chomping or tongue chewing
- Mouth foaming
- Involuntary excreting or urinating
If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, do not panic. However, if your pet experiences multiple seizures within a few minutes and does not get up between each one, you need to take it to an emergency vet hospital quickly. You may visit this link to find a reputable hospital that can promptly address emergencies.
Seizure Treatments
When dealing with seizures, your veterinarian might recommend some medications. Depending on your animal companion’s situation, you should also consider some holistic options, including:
- Acupuncture
- Chinese Herbal Formulas
- CBD Oil
- Food Therapy
To effectively treat seizures and eliminate any underlying issues, your dog will have an extensive checkup from your veterinarian, including complete lab work at a veterinary hospital.
Be sure to tell your vet about your dog’s medications or supplements. This will help your vet identify the most effective method to treat your pet based on their specific needs and lower the chance of a drug interaction.
Final Thoughts
It’s never fun to see your dog have a seizure, despite how it takes place. You may wonder what you can do to comfort your scared pet; when this occurs, try to remain relaxed before tending to your pet. Unfortunately, there is no chance to stop your pet from having a seizure. However, routine veterinary tests, including vaccinations and blood tests, might help discover underlying diseases that cause seizures.