Symptoms of seizures in dogs include sudden convulsions, foaming at the mouth, rolling eyes, stiffening or convulsions of limbs, loss of consciousness, and more. The duration of seizures can vary from a few seconds to several minutes.
- What is Canine Epilepsy?
- Maintain a Calm and Safe Environment
- Do Not Attempt to Restrain the Seizure
- Avoid Mouth Obstruction
- Administer Medication
- Seek Veterinary Assistance
What is Canine Epilepsy?
Epileptic seizures are categorized into two types: focal (affecting just a part of the brain) and generalized (involving the entire brain).
Causes of seizures may include genetic factors, brain infections, toxins, brain injury, etc. Additionally, some dogs may suffer from epilepsy, a neurological disorder caused by multiple factors. Prevention methods include regular check-ups, avoiding overexertion, and preventing excessive excitement. If a dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, treatment and management should be carried out according to the veterinarian's advice.
Treatment for canine epilepsy typically includes medication and surgical options. Medication is the most common treatment method, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by controlling neuronal activity. Surgical treatment is considered when medication is ineffective, aiming to reduce seizure occurrence by removing abnormal areas.
Maintain a Calm and Safe Environment
When your dog has a seizure, it's important to stay calm. Do not panic or try to stop the convulsions. Move your dog to a safe place, away from any objects or environments that could cause harm. If possible, place your dog on a soft surface to reduce the risk of injury.
Keep track of the time, duration, and symptoms of your dog's seizures. This information can help your vet determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Do Not Attempt to Restrain the Seizure
During a seizure, your dog's nervous system is in a state of extreme excitement, causing its muscles to contract and relax uncontrollably. Trying to stop the convulsions could lead to more serious injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. Moreover, forcefully stopping the convulsions could cause your dog more pain or injury.
Instead, you can gently hold your dog's head or body to alleviate discomfort. This can help your dog maintain balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Holding your dog can also prevent it from biting itself or others.
Be careful not to press too hard or exert excessive pressure on your dog's body while holding it, as this could cause further harm. If you're unsure how to properly handle your dog during a seizure, consult your vet for advice.
Avoid Mouth Obstruction
During a seizure, a dog's tongue may slide into its throat, causing breathing difficulties. Therefore, while the dog is seizing, we should be cautious and gently pull the dog's tongue out, ensuring the airway is clear. However, make sure you are confident and safe in performing this operation before attempting it.
Administer Medication
If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, your vet will likely have prescribed medication for you to have on hand. In this case, continue administering the medication as directed by your vet during the seizure.
If your dog is experiencing seizures for the first time and you're unsure whether it's an epileptic seizure or whether medication is needed, seek immediate advice from your vet over the phone.
Common medications for dog epilepsy include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, and diazepam. These drugs work by controlling neuronal activity to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. However, it's important to note that different dogs may react differently to medications, so use them according to your vet's advice. Additionally, medication therapy requires long-term commitment and should not be stopped or dose adjusted without consultation.
Seek Veterinary Assistance
If your dog's seizure lasts a long time, occurs frequently, or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea), seek immediate veterinary help.