If your dog has ever had a seizure, you know how frightening it can be. Seizures can occur for many reasons, and some dogs are more prone to them than others. If your dog is having seizures, it’s important to get them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There may be ways to help reduce the occurrence of seizures or even prevent them altogether. Here’s what you need to know about seizures in dogs.
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What are seizures?
A seizure is a sudden, brief change in the normal electrical activity of the brain. Seizures can cause changes in your behavior, movement, and consciousness. They can also cause problems with memory, vision, and hearing.
Most susceptible dog breeds to seizures
There are certain dog breeds that are more prone to seizures than others. These include:-
– Dachshunds
– Miniature Schnauzers
– Labrador Retrievers
– Golden Retrievers
-Beagles
Types of seizures in dogs
There are two main types of seizures
- focal seizures. Focal seizures (previously called partial seizures) start in one area of the brain.
- Generalized seizures (previously called primary generalized seizures) involve all areas of the brain.
Seizures can last for a few seconds or up to several minutes. Some people have only one seizure in their lifetime, while others have frequent seizures. Seizures that occur often are called epilepsy.
Causes of seizures in dogs
There are many possible causes of seizures in dogs, and the most common cause is unknown. Some known causes include:
-Genetic disposition: Some breeds are more prone to seizures than others.
-Metabolic disorders: Things like low blood sugar or sodium can trigger a seizure.
-Infections: Seizures can be a symptom of rabies, distemper, and other diseases.
-Tumors: Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can cause seizures.
-Trauma: Head injuries can lead to seizures.
-Seizures can also be caused by things like poisoning, heatstroke, or lack of oxygen.
Symptoms of seizures in dogs
The most obvious symptom of a seizure is convulsing or shaking. Other symptoms may include:
-Loss of consciousness: Dogs may become unresponsive during a seizure.
-Paddling: A dog may paddle its legs as if it’s swimming.
-Drooling: Seizures can cause excessive drooling.
-Loss of bowel or bladder control: This is common during seizures.
-Foaming at the mouth: This is usually caused by excessive drooling.-Chomping: A dog may clench its jaw and make chewing motions.
-Eye movements: A dog’s eyes may move from side to side or roll back into its head.
Preventing seizures in dogs
there is no guaranteed way to prevent seizures in dogs, but there are some things that may help. -For dogs with epilepsy, talk to your veterinarian about medication options. Medication can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
-If your dog has a known seizure trigger (such as low blood sugar), try to avoid it.
-Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations. This can help prevent infections that can cause seizures.
-Keep a seizure diary. This can help you and your veterinarian track possible triggers and patterns.
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Managing seizures in dogs
If your dog has a seizure, there are some things you can do to help.
-Stay calm down: It can be scary to see your dog having a seizure but try to stay calm.
-Clear the area: Remove any objects that could hurt your dog if it falls or bumps into them.
– Time it: seizures usually last for a minute or two, so time it and make sure it doesn’t last long.
– Cushion your dog’s head: Put something soft under your dog’s head to prevent injury.
– Loosen your dog’s collar: This will help them breathe more easily.
-Don’t try to stop the seizure: You can’t stop a seizure from happening, and you could get hurt in the process.
What to do when a seizure is over?
Once the seizure is over, help your dog to a quiet and safe place. Give them time to recover before moving them or offering food or water. If your dog has a seizure, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about it. Seizures can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, and your vet can help you figure out what’s causing them and how to best manage them.
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Conclusion
Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, and the most effective treatment will vary depending on the individual dog. If your dog has a seizure, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian so they can determine the cause and create a treatment plan that’s right for your dog.
Learn all you need to know about dogs & their care in our detailed guide.
Faqs
1. What are some common causes of seizures in dogs?
A. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is unknown, but some known causes include genetic disposition, metabolic disorders, infections, tumors, trauma, and poisoning.
2. What are some symptoms of seizures in dogs?
A. Symptoms of seizures in dogs can include convulsing or shaking, loss of consciousness, paddling, drooling, loss of bowel or bladder control, foaming at the mouth, chomping, and eye movements.
3. Is there any way to prevent seizures in dogs?
A. There is no guaranteed way to prevent seizures in dogs, but some things that may help include medication for dogs with epilepsy, avoiding known seizure triggers, keeping up-to-date on vaccinations, and tracking possible triggers and patterns in a seizure diary.
4. What should I do if my dog has a seizure?
A. If your dog has a seizure, there are some things you can do to help including staying calm, clearing the area, timing the seizure, cushioning your dog’s head, loosening your dog’s collar, and not trying to stop the seizure. Once the seizure is over, help your dog to a quiet and safe place and give them time to recover before moving them or offering food or water.
5. What should I do after my dog has a seizure?
A. After your dog has a seizure, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian so they can determine the cause and create a treatment plan that’s right for your dog.
