Seizures in Dogs
Seizures in dogs can be scary, not just for the dog, but you as the owner. Dog seizures are caused by many different things including a condition known as idiopathic epilepsy, which is genetic, and the cause is unknown. Other seizure causes include: eating poison or toxins, low or high blood sugar, electrolyte deficiency, anemia, head trauma, liver disease, brain cancer and strokes, to name a few. Seizures occur when the dog’s brain has a change in activity, which can include foods, medications, stress and other stimulation.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause, so seeking a vet’s advice is important. Some breeds such as Beagles, Border collies, German Shepherds and Labrador retrievers are more susceptible to having epilepsy or seizures.
Seizure Types
There are many different kinds of seizures in dogs. Epilepsy is a term used to describe reoccurring seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy is a form of epilepsy that doesn’t result in brain damage. Symptomatic epilepsy is primary epilepsy that results from damage to the brain’s structure. Cluster seizure are a situation where a dog has a seizure in consecutive days. Constant seizures is known as status epilepticus.
The number of seizures that a dog suffers from does impact the neuron damage done. This makes it more likely for them to experience them again. Experts classify seizures in three different ways:
- Generalized: Impacts most of the brain and includes both sides
- Focal: This impacts a smaller portion of the brain
- Focal seizures with secondary generalization: Seizures that start small and lead to the entire brain seizing.
Signs & Symptoms of Seizures
A dog suffering from a seizure exhibits certain symptoms or signs. When a seizure occurs, a dog may lay on one side and become stiff. They also may drooling or foaming at the mouth, tongue chewing, whimpering, pant, paddle their limbs or have fluttering eyes. Some dogs even lose control of their bowels or bladder. The average seizure is about two minutes. Once the seizure is over, the dog may act as if nothing has occurred. However, most post-seizure dogs show some change in them for at least the next day. This can include confusion, wandering, pacing, increased thirst or an even increased appetite.
What to Do During Your Dog’s Seizure
You need to remain calm as panicking will make your dog more anxious. Move anything away from your dog that may hurt them during a seizure. Stay away from your dog’s mouth as you could get bitten accidently. Turn a fan on your dog and pour cold water on their paws to help cool them after a seizure.
Triggers of a Dog Seizure
As a pet owner, I’m sure you’re wondering what are some common triggers of dog seizures. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always easy to discover. While many seizures seem to happen spontaneously, many things can trigger them. Environmental triggers can play a major role in the development and reoccurrence of seizures in dogs. Things such as fertilizers or lawn treatments outside where your dog loves to play may trigger these seizures. Dog owners can use animal friendly products that are safe for their pets.
Triggers Around The Home
Other things such as perfume, loud music, scented candles or even smoke can trigger a dog to have a seizure. You can choose to eliminate them or just try to keep them at a minimum or away from the area your dog cohabites the most. Try not to use products with strong aromas around pets.
Food Triggers
Your dog’s diet may ultimately be his or her trigger. Having a high sodium diet can lead to salt toxicity, which causes both seizures and in severe cases, pancreatitis. Food allergies are another trigger, which can be brought on by low-quality dog food. The chemicals and preservatives used in them can be harmful to your pet. Fruits such as carrots or tomatoes can trigger seizures as well as certain dairy products. Certain spices such as fennel, sage or even saffron can be triggers too as well as walnuts. Even dog treats such as uncleansed rawhide can be seizure triggers. Since you can control your dog’s diet, provide them a high-quality nutrient-rich food. Also, pay attention to labels to make sure they don’t contain unsafe ingredients.
Medications that Trigger Seizures
A dog’s medications can even trigger seizures. Things such as flea and tick preventative medication, heartworm medications and vaccinations can lead to problems. If your dog has a seizure shortly after starting a new medication, notify your veterinarian immediately.
Limit Stress
Whatever you can do to help you dog avoid stress is important. Stress is in fact one of the number one causes of seizures in humans. The physical stress factors that can trigger seizures include fatigue, sudden changes to a diet and changes in weather. Help your dog from avoiding these things by ensuring they have a regular healthy diet, regular exercise and good rest patterns.
If your dog does suffer from a seizure, write a journal of possible triggers that can be discussed with your veterinarian. Because you never known when a seizure will arise, you can never guarantee that your dog won’t have one again. By avoiding any possible triggers, you can reduce the chance of them occurring.
Natural Remedies for Seizures
Diet is important when it comes to seizures. Having a healthy diet plays an important role in preventing disease in dogs. Learning ways to manage your dog’s seizure on a daily basis can be difficult. However, certain things such as CBD oil, have been proven to help lower the incidences of seizure in dogs.
The post Seizures in Dogs appeared first on Premium Wild Pet Blends .