Having to watch seizures in dogs can be a very frightening and traumatic experience. If you own a dog, then it is important to know the simple steps to take should your dog have a seizure. Knowing how to respond can be very important during this difficult time for your pet.
As in any frightening situation, what you need to do is stay calm. Watching a loved pet have a seizure can send anyone into a panic, but your dog can sense this. Knowing that you are nervous or in state of panic can further agitate the dog. Try and remain calm through out the whole situation.
When your pet is experiencing a seizure, he will fall to one side. While the convulsions are happening he can be hurting his head on the floor. Because of this, its important to place something soft underneath his head. You can use a blanket or even a towel that can hold his head. Remove any hard objects such as toys away from your pet. If he is near a wall move him away from it. Removing him from hard surfaces can help him or her from further hurting themselves during the seizure.
Do not reach into your dogs mouth to hold its tongue. During this time your pet is not aware of what he or she is doing and can clench their jaws on your hand. This can be pretty painful and can cause severe damage to your hand. Do not worry about him choking on his tongue, he will not swallow it.
Once you have taken care of all these steps, you should sit down with your pet and talk to him in a soothing way. Let your dog feel that you are there and it is not alone. You should also encourage your pet to remain lying down even after the convulsions have stopped.
Try to keep track of when the seizure started as well as how long it lasted. This information is important to your vet when you take your dog in. If your dog has had seizures before then you should know that you do not need to take your pet in every time he has one. Your dog should be taken to the vet if he is having continuous seizures within 5 minutes.
One of the main causes of the seizures is low blood sugars. You should feed your pet one to two teaspoons of vanilla ice cream after the seizure has stopped. Do not give too much as this can also be bad. Follow it with some dog food so that your pet can maintain its sugar levels.
There are many causes for seizures in dogs, so it is important that you take your pet to the vet when it first happens. Take mental note of everything you feel is important during this time, so you can tell the veterinarian. Knowing these simple steps can help you remain calm and your pet get through the seizure.
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