Seizures, also referred to as epilepsy, are dogs’ most common neurological problems. This can affect how they look and act. The majority of dog owners find it scary to see their favorite furry friend having seizures, and you might be thinking about what you can do to help your scared furry friend. This post will review the symptoms of seizures, different types and causes, what to do if your dog has one, and how to treat them.
Discover more about the warning signs that your furry friend may have a seizure and what to do if you suspect one in this section.
Types of Seizures
There are different types of seizures. Each type might show different symptoms and need different treatment options
Generalized Seizures
A generalized seizure or grand mal seizure is the most typical type of seizure. These might last for a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes and are typically caused by irregular electrical activity in the brain.
Dogs often lose consciousness, fall to the side, have involuntary urination or defecation, excessively drool, and have rhythmic contractions like jerking limbs, paddling, and chewing jaw movements.
Partial Seizures
Partial seizures, also referred to as focal seizures, only affect one side of the pet’s brain or one particular area of the brain. There are two types of focal seizures: focal motor and psychomotor. Sometimes a focal seizure can become a grand mal.
Focal motors are triggered by nerve cells in one brain hemisphere firing abnormally and commonly present as repetitive facial muscle movements or uncontrolled limb jerking.
Psychomotor seizures can be hard to recognize for pet owners and vets as they typically do not trigger a pet to fall to the ground. Instead, the dog might act oddly during this seizure, like running around and biting at inanimate things or overly chasing its tail.
Causes of Dog Seizures
Seizures can have different potential causes, some more serious than others. Several of the following can result in seizures or convulsions:
- Poisoning
- Traumatic head injury
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Brain cancer
- Anemia
- High or low blood sugar
- Brain infection or swelling
- Stroke
- Hydrocephalus
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Encephalitis
- Vascular disease/Embolism
These are only a few primary causes of seizures happening in dogs. A diagnostic examination with your veterinarian is the only method to identify a seizure’s cause. Find out more information about pet diagnostic tests.
Symptoms of Seizures
Several signs can help you identify whether your pet is having a seizure or convulsion, including:
- Collapsing
- Jerking physical movements
- Stiffening
- Muscle twitching
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooling
- Chomping or tongue chewing
- Mouth foaming
- Involuntary excreting or urinating
If you notice these signs in your furry friend, do not panic. However, if your pet experiences multiple seizures within a few minutes and does not get up between them, you need to take it to an emergency animal hospital like Airport Pet Emergency Clinic immediately.
Seizure Treatments
When it comes to dealing with seizures, your veterinarian may recommend some medications. Depending on your animal companion’s condition, you must also consider some holistic options, such as:
- Acupuncture
- Chinese Herbal Formulas
- CBD Oil
- Food Therapy
To properly deal with seizures and eliminate any underlying problems, your dog will have a thorough physical examination from your vet, including complete lab work at an animal hospital.
Make sure to inform your veterinarian about your dog’s medications or supplements. This will help your veterinarian identify the best way to treat your furry friend based on their specific needs and reduce the chance of a drug interaction.
Final Thoughts
It’s never fun to look at your dog having a seizure, no matter how it occurs. You might wonder what you can do to comfort your terrified pet; when this happens, try to calm down before tending to your pet. Sadly, there is no chance to stop your dog from having a seizure. However, regular vet checkups, including vaccinations and blood tests, might help find underlying illnesses that trigger seizures.
