A dog is one of the most widely cared for pets. Considered as man's best friend, a dog owner would treat it like a true family member. He would spend money, time and effort in ensuring the well being and happiness of the dog. And as such, if a dog gets sick, the owner would do all that it takes to make it well.
One of the most dreaded sights for dog owners is his pet having seizures. But in order for one to handle the situation properly, he has to be prepared. To effectively manage this condition, one should be educated with the causes of dog seizures so that appropriate precautions and treatments can be applied.
There are many reasons why canine seizures occur. One of the most common is epilepsy which is a chronic neurological disorder, marked by recurrent seizures. Another cause is canine distemper which is a viral disease that normally occurs in young dogs. This viral disease can worsen and reach the nervous system, thus resulting to the weakening of muscles, loss of basic motor skills and seizures. But if your dog has received distemper vaccination, most probably this is not the reason for such condition.
Another reason why seizures in dogs can occur is toxin ingestion. Dogs may be exposed to household products like pesticides which can be poisonous as well as toxic substances in trash, that can all lead to seizures. Lead poisoning is regarded as a common factor in toxin related canine seizure. If you have lead based paint at home, this should be stored securely to prevent it from causing health risk.
Other reasons why seizures occur are brain tumor, head injury and metabolic problems. Brain tumor can cause seizures because the abnormal growth in the brain disturbs that normal brain functions. A head injury can damage the dog's cranium and consequently the brain tissues resulting to incidents of seizures. Metabolic problems such as low blood sugar level can also trigger canine seizures.
An understanding of the causes of seizures is essential in effective management of the condition. In all circumstances, a pet owner should be calm so that he can clearly plan his actions. One should be quick to move anything that can harm the dog while it is having seizures. He should not try to interfere with the seizure, much more open the dog's mouth as he could be injured.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Causes of Dog Seizures
In England they often call them "fits" - what happens when the brain loses control of the body. In America, they are more commonly called seizures. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief summary as to some of the many causes of dog seizures.
EPILEPSY. The primary cause of dog seizures is epilepsy, but it is important to make the distinction that not all seizures are attributable to epilepsy. The most common form of epilepsy was made known to the world by a group of idiots walking through the woods one day and they all found themselves on the same path, and collectively observed a wolf in a clearing doing the hokey-pokey. They reported this unusual sighting to the forest rangers and the term "idiopathic epilepsy" was coined. Well, that's not exactly true, but the scientific reason is a bit more boring and doesn't make any more sense. In short, the term "idiopathic epilepsy" is a catch-all for when the experts just don't know what is causing a dog to have seizures.
TOXINS. Unfortunately for dogs, there are all kinds of toxins in their environment, many of which can cause seizures. These toxins range from poisons to get rid of rodents or slugs to flea powders or chemicals that are actually meant for dogs to wear as collars. Antifreeze, insecticides and paint products are also known toxins which can not only induce seizures, but can kill the unwitting animal that ingests them. With early treatment and intervention, most animals have a good to fair prognosis of making a full recovery if they have a seizure as a result of an environmental poisoning.
BRAIN TUMORS. Obviously, one of the easiest things to rule out, as a cause of dog seizures, is whether there is an abnormal growth in the dog's brain. Growths cause pressure on the brain tissue, which in turn can cause seizures and other neurological abnormalities. Fortunately, there are diagnostic tests (MRI or CAT scans) that can determine if that is the problem; however, only a very small percentage of dog seizures are caused by tumors or head injuries. In either case, anti-epileptic drugs would not be effective for dogs suffering from seizures caused by either of them.
TICK INDUCED DISEASES. The bite of the bloodsucking arachnid known as a tick can cause Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which can cause dog seizures. If the tick is discovered within the first 24 hours after it has attached itself to the dog, the chance of infection is greatly reduced. There are antibiotics that can kill Lyme Disease, and most dogs respond quite well in general to antibiotics.
DISTEMPER. Distemper, in which a fever develops, then diarrhea and dehydration, can cause seizures in dogs, especially puppies, when they lose their maternal antibodies at about the age of 3 months. Only through the use of vaccinations can this debilitating disease be prevented, and once a dog has acquired it, they have a fight ahead for their very lives.
Sandra is the author of Cory's Story, the wonderful, true tale of how a particular canine beat canine seizures. Pay a visit to her Website at www.corysstory.com to discover her incredible secret to just how she cured Cory's epilepsy.
EPILEPSY. The primary cause of dog seizures is epilepsy, but it is important to make the distinction that not all seizures are attributable to epilepsy. The most common form of epilepsy was made known to the world by a group of idiots walking through the woods one day and they all found themselves on the same path, and collectively observed a wolf in a clearing doing the hokey-pokey. They reported this unusual sighting to the forest rangers and the term "idiopathic epilepsy" was coined. Well, that's not exactly true, but the scientific reason is a bit more boring and doesn't make any more sense. In short, the term "idiopathic epilepsy" is a catch-all for when the experts just don't know what is causing a dog to have seizures.
TOXINS. Unfortunately for dogs, there are all kinds of toxins in their environment, many of which can cause seizures. These toxins range from poisons to get rid of rodents or slugs to flea powders or chemicals that are actually meant for dogs to wear as collars. Antifreeze, insecticides and paint products are also known toxins which can not only induce seizures, but can kill the unwitting animal that ingests them. With early treatment and intervention, most animals have a good to fair prognosis of making a full recovery if they have a seizure as a result of an environmental poisoning.
BRAIN TUMORS. Obviously, one of the easiest things to rule out, as a cause of dog seizures, is whether there is an abnormal growth in the dog's brain. Growths cause pressure on the brain tissue, which in turn can cause seizures and other neurological abnormalities. Fortunately, there are diagnostic tests (MRI or CAT scans) that can determine if that is the problem; however, only a very small percentage of dog seizures are caused by tumors or head injuries. In either case, anti-epileptic drugs would not be effective for dogs suffering from seizures caused by either of them.
TICK INDUCED DISEASES. The bite of the bloodsucking arachnid known as a tick can cause Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which can cause dog seizures. If the tick is discovered within the first 24 hours after it has attached itself to the dog, the chance of infection is greatly reduced. There are antibiotics that can kill Lyme Disease, and most dogs respond quite well in general to antibiotics.
DISTEMPER. Distemper, in which a fever develops, then diarrhea and dehydration, can cause seizures in dogs, especially puppies, when they lose their maternal antibodies at about the age of 3 months. Only through the use of vaccinations can this debilitating disease be prevented, and once a dog has acquired it, they have a fight ahead for their very lives.
Sandra is the author of Cory's Story, the wonderful, true tale of how a particular canine beat canine seizures. Pay a visit to her Website at www.corysstory.com to discover her incredible secret to just how she cured Cory's epilepsy.
Monday, October 25, 2010
How To Spot Dog Seizure Symptoms
If you have seen your dog have a seizure it can be quite frightening and you may not know what to do. However, knowing dog seizure symptoms can ensure that your vet can make sure your dog gets appropriate treatment. It is also important to keep calm and make sure your dog does not panic.
Making sure dog does not panic can be difficult, especially if this is the first time that the seizure has occurred. There are ways you can prevent this. If you are in a park, make sure you keep the dog away from any poisonous berries. If you have children, do not let them feed the dog chocolate as this is toxic for dogs. When there are firework displays outside, keep your dog inside. Measures like this will help prevent seizures caused by outside influences.
One common misconception when dealing with a dog seizure is that you need to make sure that you need to grab their tongue to ensure they do not swallow it. Not only is this inaccurate but can be potentially very dangerous. This is because the dog is likely to react and bite you, causing you a serious injury.
With any seizure the best thing to do is remain calm. While this may not always be easy, this is a vital part of making sure your dog does not panic. Talk to your dog in a calm and reassuring way. Keep away from holding the paws as you may get clawed. Note the time of the seizure and how long it took the dog to return to normal. This is the kind of information the vet will want to know as well as any unusual occurrences such as fireworks or excessive playtime.
A serious seizure to look out for is status epilepiticus. This either consists of a single seizure lasting up to half an hour or a series of repetitive seizures. It often occurs with dogs who have had a history of milder seizures or who have had suffered an injury to the brain or eaten toxic substances. It is important to check this with your vet as they can sometimes be mistaken for cluster seizures. The difference is that dogs will often be conscious between seizures.
Two types that are often confused are status epilepticus and cluster seizures. Status epilepticus can be potentially life threatening and is characterized by either one half hour length seizure or several on a loop. The difference between that and cluster seizures is that between seizures the dog will be conscious.
Take a note of when the seizure occurred and contact the veterinarian immediately, especially if this is the first time this has happened. They will usually ask if there was any outside influence such as fireworks or excessive play time. You should also note how long before the dog appeared to be acting normally. For some time after your dog may appear to be in an almost drugged state and take longer to respond to commands.
Once you have reported a dog seizure to a vet, they will usually look at the symptoms to see what kind of seizure has occurred. In some cases they may suggest waiting and seeing if there are any further developments. They will often seem groggy after the seizure and be slower to respond to commands. If necessary, the vet may then do blood tests to check factors such as glucose and calcium levels. If spotted early enough, this will allow the dog to get the best treatment to lead a happy and healthy life. If you have any concerns about your dog or want more information speak to your local vet.
Making sure dog does not panic can be difficult, especially if this is the first time that the seizure has occurred. There are ways you can prevent this. If you are in a park, make sure you keep the dog away from any poisonous berries. If you have children, do not let them feed the dog chocolate as this is toxic for dogs. When there are firework displays outside, keep your dog inside. Measures like this will help prevent seizures caused by outside influences.
One common misconception when dealing with a dog seizure is that you need to make sure that you need to grab their tongue to ensure they do not swallow it. Not only is this inaccurate but can be potentially very dangerous. This is because the dog is likely to react and bite you, causing you a serious injury.
With any seizure the best thing to do is remain calm. While this may not always be easy, this is a vital part of making sure your dog does not panic. Talk to your dog in a calm and reassuring way. Keep away from holding the paws as you may get clawed. Note the time of the seizure and how long it took the dog to return to normal. This is the kind of information the vet will want to know as well as any unusual occurrences such as fireworks or excessive playtime.
A serious seizure to look out for is status epilepiticus. This either consists of a single seizure lasting up to half an hour or a series of repetitive seizures. It often occurs with dogs who have had a history of milder seizures or who have had suffered an injury to the brain or eaten toxic substances. It is important to check this with your vet as they can sometimes be mistaken for cluster seizures. The difference is that dogs will often be conscious between seizures.
Two types that are often confused are status epilepticus and cluster seizures. Status epilepticus can be potentially life threatening and is characterized by either one half hour length seizure or several on a loop. The difference between that and cluster seizures is that between seizures the dog will be conscious.
Take a note of when the seizure occurred and contact the veterinarian immediately, especially if this is the first time this has happened. They will usually ask if there was any outside influence such as fireworks or excessive play time. You should also note how long before the dog appeared to be acting normally. For some time after your dog may appear to be in an almost drugged state and take longer to respond to commands.
Once you have reported a dog seizure to a vet, they will usually look at the symptoms to see what kind of seizure has occurred. In some cases they may suggest waiting and seeing if there are any further developments. They will often seem groggy after the seizure and be slower to respond to commands. If necessary, the vet may then do blood tests to check factors such as glucose and calcium levels. If spotted early enough, this will allow the dog to get the best treatment to lead a happy and healthy life. If you have any concerns about your dog or want more information speak to your local vet.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What Options Are Available For Dog Seizures Treatment?
Many dog owners will never worry about the effects of a seizure on their beloved dog. These are more common than a person might think that they are, there are several different dog seizures treatment options that can be used in the effective treatment of a dogs seizures. There is the issue of dealing with these when they occur. If this is a first time, then this can be a gut-wrenching experience for a dog owner to have to watch.
There are certain dog breeds that are naturally susceptible to have seizures occur in their life. These dog breeds range in size and type. The other leading cause of these seizures is the presence of epilepsy, while it may sound strange, dogs are able to have these seizures as much as a person.
There are several treatment options that can be used in order to take care of these issues for a dog owner. Many of these may involve your vet giving you something that is designed to lessen the effects of the seizure if not eliminate them altogether. You will need to make sure that you talk with them to design a treatment option for your dog.
There are also several natural treatments that are safe for a dog to use that will also help to reduce the number of seizures that they have on a regular basis. These can be bought at a large number of pet stores and great taste and the dog will never know that it is medicine. The easier that it is for a person to give the do its medicine, then the better this will be for the both of you.
There will however be that one seizure that you will not be able to avoid, this is the one that lets you know that there is an issue. There will need to be several things that you need to make sure and do during the seizure that will allow you and the pet to get through the event with little to no trouble at all.
The first thing is to make sure that they are not around anything that they can hit their head on. This will help to make sure that there is no more damage done to the dogs head. Try to get the dog to an area that has a lot of padding, such as a couch or chair. If this cannot be done, the grab some of the pillows and cushions from the couch and try to pad the dog during the seizure.
Make sure to never try to do anything with their mouth during the event, this can lead to them clamping down during the seizure and cause serious injury to you as a result. Let the dog be and just allow things to take their course. This will help you and the dog from being injured any further.
Never try opening their mouth, this is a very bad idea as often times this will lead to there being damage done to the dog as well as them biting down during the seizure and injuring you in the process. Following these tips will assist a person to get the best dog seizures treatment option for their dog.
There are certain dog breeds that are naturally susceptible to have seizures occur in their life. These dog breeds range in size and type. The other leading cause of these seizures is the presence of epilepsy, while it may sound strange, dogs are able to have these seizures as much as a person.
There are several treatment options that can be used in order to take care of these issues for a dog owner. Many of these may involve your vet giving you something that is designed to lessen the effects of the seizure if not eliminate them altogether. You will need to make sure that you talk with them to design a treatment option for your dog.
There are also several natural treatments that are safe for a dog to use that will also help to reduce the number of seizures that they have on a regular basis. These can be bought at a large number of pet stores and great taste and the dog will never know that it is medicine. The easier that it is for a person to give the do its medicine, then the better this will be for the both of you.
There will however be that one seizure that you will not be able to avoid, this is the one that lets you know that there is an issue. There will need to be several things that you need to make sure and do during the seizure that will allow you and the pet to get through the event with little to no trouble at all.
The first thing is to make sure that they are not around anything that they can hit their head on. This will help to make sure that there is no more damage done to the dogs head. Try to get the dog to an area that has a lot of padding, such as a couch or chair. If this cannot be done, the grab some of the pillows and cushions from the couch and try to pad the dog during the seizure.
Make sure to never try to do anything with their mouth during the event, this can lead to them clamping down during the seizure and cause serious injury to you as a result. Let the dog be and just allow things to take their course. This will help you and the dog from being injured any further.
Never try opening their mouth, this is a very bad idea as often times this will lead to there being damage done to the dog as well as them biting down during the seizure and injuring you in the process. Following these tips will assist a person to get the best dog seizures treatment option for their dog.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
How To Manage Dog Epilepsy In Your Home
When someone picks out a pet and brings it home, they may be surprised to learn that it has dog epilepsy. This is a condition that the dog will have for the rest of it's life. It is up to the dog owner to find out everything they can about it, in order to keep the dog safe and living a long life. The first thing a dog owner should do is visit a vet.
To first diagnose a condition such as epilepsy in a canine, an episode will have occurred. This traumatic event for both the owner and dog will have triggered a call to a vet office. The vet will then be able to run some tests on the dog to confirm the condition. If the condition is confirmed, a vet can also help to answer the questions that an owner may have. They can also give out various info packages and ensure that the owner knows what to do.
Sometimes a dog owner will know what a trigger is for their dog's attacks. It could be a certain food, or noise that triggers it. Some dogs have seizures when they travel in cars or get into something they shouldn't have. For some owners they have no idea what may trigger it and do not know when it will happen again.
Some dogs will have an epilepsy episode once in their lifetime, and then never experience it again. While some pets have few and far between symptoms, others have attacks a few times a week. This can be scary for the pet owner and the pet. The first attack could leave a pet and owner in a frantic situation. The best way to get through it, is to stay calm and assured. A dog will get through the attack and it will be short lived.
When a dog does have an attack, they could respond in two different ways. They may drop and lay on their back panting, or they could just zone out and seem to lose what they are doing. In both situations there are certain things that an owner can do.
Helping the pet out of a seizure may be different for each pet. They can try calling them by their name to see if the dog can come out of it. Another thing the owners can try, is to ensure that the dog is in a safe spot and free from harm. When the dog is done with the attack, they may be very thirsty and tired.
A vet could suggest daily medicine to help with the issue. There could be different medical ways to handle the epilepsy in a dog. The vet can also offer suggestions and tips for the owners of the pet. They can offer some great ideas for helping a dog through the attack and ensuring their comfort.
People cannot predict what dog they are going to own will have dog epilepsy. However, these dogs are still special and a part of a family life. Knowing how to best manage the attacks is key in developing a strong hold over the condition of epilepsy. The owner may want to keep track of the attacks and time then as they happen. This can be useful when medicine and vet appointments are made to discuss the progress or condition of the situation.
To first diagnose a condition such as epilepsy in a canine, an episode will have occurred. This traumatic event for both the owner and dog will have triggered a call to a vet office. The vet will then be able to run some tests on the dog to confirm the condition. If the condition is confirmed, a vet can also help to answer the questions that an owner may have. They can also give out various info packages and ensure that the owner knows what to do.
Sometimes a dog owner will know what a trigger is for their dog's attacks. It could be a certain food, or noise that triggers it. Some dogs have seizures when they travel in cars or get into something they shouldn't have. For some owners they have no idea what may trigger it and do not know when it will happen again.
Some dogs will have an epilepsy episode once in their lifetime, and then never experience it again. While some pets have few and far between symptoms, others have attacks a few times a week. This can be scary for the pet owner and the pet. The first attack could leave a pet and owner in a frantic situation. The best way to get through it, is to stay calm and assured. A dog will get through the attack and it will be short lived.
When a dog does have an attack, they could respond in two different ways. They may drop and lay on their back panting, or they could just zone out and seem to lose what they are doing. In both situations there are certain things that an owner can do.
Helping the pet out of a seizure may be different for each pet. They can try calling them by their name to see if the dog can come out of it. Another thing the owners can try, is to ensure that the dog is in a safe spot and free from harm. When the dog is done with the attack, they may be very thirsty and tired.
A vet could suggest daily medicine to help with the issue. There could be different medical ways to handle the epilepsy in a dog. The vet can also offer suggestions and tips for the owners of the pet. They can offer some great ideas for helping a dog through the attack and ensuring their comfort.
People cannot predict what dog they are going to own will have dog epilepsy. However, these dogs are still special and a part of a family life. Knowing how to best manage the attacks is key in developing a strong hold over the condition of epilepsy. The owner may want to keep track of the attacks and time then as they happen. This can be useful when medicine and vet appointments are made to discuss the progress or condition of the situation.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Guide To Canine Seizures For Worried Owners
These are common culprits of seizures but certainly not all of the possibilities. If a veterinarian runs multiple tests and still cannot find a direct cause, he will usually diagnose your pet as having epilepsy. This only means that the animal is repeatedly seizuring without it being caused by another condition. It is thought that a chemical imbalance in the brain leads to misfiring of neurons which causes the episode. It usually shows up between the ages of six months to five years.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Noticing The Signs Of A Dog Seizure And Helping Your Pet
When you first looked into those little puppy dog eyes, you knew it was love at first sight. She sleeps in your bed, eats every time you eat, rides in your car, and so far as you are concerned, this puppy is part of your family. You never want to see an illness overcome her but, grievously, sickness is a part of life. Discovering the possibilities that a dog seizure might happen, could give you the information you need to save her life.
There is no single reason for a seizure to occur. Drinking, or eating, anything poisonous, receiving an injury to the head, calcium inadequacies from a nursing mother to her pups, chemicals, toxic plants, and heartworm disease can be some of the contributing factors for convulsions. The first thing you must remember, should convulsions happen, is to remain calm.
You might never see an approaching convulsion. On the other hand, you may see the character of your pet differ from what you usually expect. There really is no reason to blame yourself because predicting these aberrations can be close to impossible. You may, or may not see any indications before hand, and the greatest insurance you have is staying knowledgeable on the subject.
Here are some signals, which may show, your dog is about to have a convulsive encounter: Whining, salivating, looking for a place to hide, trembling, seeking your affection, wandering from place to place, and showing signs of restlessness (or nervousness). In addition, being non-responsive to your commands, uncontrollable urination (or defecation, or both), chewing at paws or limbs, experiencing hallucinations, and involuntary tightening of the muscles (which can include the whole body, or only various parts) may show the oncoming of an episode.
Realize that your canine does not know what he, or she, is doing. They are not in control, of anything that happens, before, during, or even after a seizure. There is some kind of trigger which occurs in the brain, making the body unable to render itself useful, and just as a human would not be held accountable, for any problems which may happen, neither should your furry friend. You can, however, try to keep your friend, so comfortable as possible.
It has been proven, medically, that tongues will not be swallowed during a seizure. The belief seems to have stemmed from choking hazards which can occur during a convulsion. So long as your pet is on her side, there should be no trouble with choking. You may receive an injury, though, if you are near her mouth. Bites are an issue during a convulsive event. Keep your body parts away from her mouth, and you should have no problem.
You should, however, move anything from your friend's area if there is a chance he could get harmed. If moving the furniture will cause more harm, then leave it alone, and speak calmly to your pet. Gently say his name, and tell him it will be alright. Keep yourself behind him so that you will not receive injury from his movements.
A dog seizure is nothing to laugh about, and should be reported to your veterinarian so soon as possible. It may require some medicating, or no medicating, at all. Tell your animal doctor exactly everything you remember about the occurrences, and discuss what decisions you may have to make, to keep your pet cozy.
There is no single reason for a seizure to occur. Drinking, or eating, anything poisonous, receiving an injury to the head, calcium inadequacies from a nursing mother to her pups, chemicals, toxic plants, and heartworm disease can be some of the contributing factors for convulsions. The first thing you must remember, should convulsions happen, is to remain calm.
You might never see an approaching convulsion. On the other hand, you may see the character of your pet differ from what you usually expect. There really is no reason to blame yourself because predicting these aberrations can be close to impossible. You may, or may not see any indications before hand, and the greatest insurance you have is staying knowledgeable on the subject.
Here are some signals, which may show, your dog is about to have a convulsive encounter: Whining, salivating, looking for a place to hide, trembling, seeking your affection, wandering from place to place, and showing signs of restlessness (or nervousness). In addition, being non-responsive to your commands, uncontrollable urination (or defecation, or both), chewing at paws or limbs, experiencing hallucinations, and involuntary tightening of the muscles (which can include the whole body, or only various parts) may show the oncoming of an episode.
Realize that your canine does not know what he, or she, is doing. They are not in control, of anything that happens, before, during, or even after a seizure. There is some kind of trigger which occurs in the brain, making the body unable to render itself useful, and just as a human would not be held accountable, for any problems which may happen, neither should your furry friend. You can, however, try to keep your friend, so comfortable as possible.
It has been proven, medically, that tongues will not be swallowed during a seizure. The belief seems to have stemmed from choking hazards which can occur during a convulsion. So long as your pet is on her side, there should be no trouble with choking. You may receive an injury, though, if you are near her mouth. Bites are an issue during a convulsive event. Keep your body parts away from her mouth, and you should have no problem.
You should, however, move anything from your friend's area if there is a chance he could get harmed. If moving the furniture will cause more harm, then leave it alone, and speak calmly to your pet. Gently say his name, and tell him it will be alright. Keep yourself behind him so that you will not receive injury from his movements.
A dog seizure is nothing to laugh about, and should be reported to your veterinarian so soon as possible. It may require some medicating, or no medicating, at all. Tell your animal doctor exactly everything you remember about the occurrences, and discuss what decisions you may have to make, to keep your pet cozy.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Canine Epilepsy - 5 Ways to Lessen the Severity of Dog Seizures
Does your dog have canine epilepsy? Here are five ways to lessen the severity of your dog's seizure:
1. Carry Rescue Remedy wherever you go. Rescue Remedy is an herbal, homeopathic liquid that comes in a small bottle and provides calming relaxation when placed in small dosages on the tongue. You can buy a bottle for about $7. Buy several bottles and keep them around the house, in the car, and in your purse or pocket when you are away from the home or car. We found that it lessened the duration and severity of his seizures.
2. Minimize stimulation to his senses. One of the main causes of seizures can be too much outside light or noise stimulation. Just like strobe lights are known to trigger seizures in humans, bright lights and too much noise can also trigger seizures in epileptic dogs.
In addition, be sure to tell people to keep their dogs away from yours. Dogs have been known to attack seizing dogs since they are genetically wired to eliminate weak pack members which could cause a threat to the pack. If you are indoors, turn out all the lights, be completely silent and instruct anyone else around you to be quiet as well.
3. Don't let your dog hurt himself. When your dog has a seizure, his whole body could violently spasm, during which time his head may hit objects or the floor. This could injure your dog and prolong the seizure, so it's important that you shield your dog's head from injury. If your dog has a seizure near a staircase, be sure he doesn't fall down them. Check his airway periodically to ensure his tongue doesn't block his breathing.
4. Apply ocular compression. OC is simply an application of pressure on one or both eye balls. This pressure stimulates the Vagus Nerve which experts claim produces GABA as well as glycine into the chemistry of the brain. Gamma aminobutyric acid is an inhibitor that acts to de-activate 'messages gone out of control', i.e. seizures, and regulates balance within the chemistry of the brain.
5. Take some time to give loving attention to your dog after the seizure. Since dogs can't communicate with humans about things like seizures, it's a very frightening experience. Your dog will need compassion, love, and reassurances that everything will be OK. Try offering him some treats, play a game with him, or offer to go for a walk. Whatever you can do to help get your dog's mind off the frightening experience that has just happened will be best for you and your furry friend.
I hope these tips help you and your furry friend cope with seizures in the future. Best of luck!
1. Carry Rescue Remedy wherever you go. Rescue Remedy is an herbal, homeopathic liquid that comes in a small bottle and provides calming relaxation when placed in small dosages on the tongue. You can buy a bottle for about $7. Buy several bottles and keep them around the house, in the car, and in your purse or pocket when you are away from the home or car. We found that it lessened the duration and severity of his seizures.
2. Minimize stimulation to his senses. One of the main causes of seizures can be too much outside light or noise stimulation. Just like strobe lights are known to trigger seizures in humans, bright lights and too much noise can also trigger seizures in epileptic dogs.
In addition, be sure to tell people to keep their dogs away from yours. Dogs have been known to attack seizing dogs since they are genetically wired to eliminate weak pack members which could cause a threat to the pack. If you are indoors, turn out all the lights, be completely silent and instruct anyone else around you to be quiet as well.
3. Don't let your dog hurt himself. When your dog has a seizure, his whole body could violently spasm, during which time his head may hit objects or the floor. This could injure your dog and prolong the seizure, so it's important that you shield your dog's head from injury. If your dog has a seizure near a staircase, be sure he doesn't fall down them. Check his airway periodically to ensure his tongue doesn't block his breathing.
4. Apply ocular compression. OC is simply an application of pressure on one or both eye balls. This pressure stimulates the Vagus Nerve which experts claim produces GABA as well as glycine into the chemistry of the brain. Gamma aminobutyric acid is an inhibitor that acts to de-activate 'messages gone out of control', i.e. seizures, and regulates balance within the chemistry of the brain.
5. Take some time to give loving attention to your dog after the seizure. Since dogs can't communicate with humans about things like seizures, it's a very frightening experience. Your dog will need compassion, love, and reassurances that everything will be OK. Try offering him some treats, play a game with him, or offer to go for a walk. Whatever you can do to help get your dog's mind off the frightening experience that has just happened will be best for you and your furry friend.
I hope these tips help you and your furry friend cope with seizures in the future. Best of luck!
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