A seizure can be a terrifying thing for everyone involved and is a sign that clearly something is wrong. When our furry friends have seizures we can feel helpless and unsure what to do next. In this article I will cover everything you need to know about dog seizures. From learning the causes to what to do after you will be more prepared if your pet ever needs your help.
There are a few different categories of things that could reveal why your dog may be experiencing a seizure. These can sometimes be easily avoided but in some cases it is harder than that and you may need additional help for treatments.
One of the more common reasons for a seizure to occur is the environment the dog is surrounded by. Both in our homes and outside while they are playing there are plenty of harmful substances that may be introduced to the dog causing the side effect of a seizure.
Some of the things you may want to be aware of are house cleaners, rodent poisons, lawn chemical agents, poisonous flowers/ mushrooms, and toxic foods for dogs. It can be hard to make sure all of these are out of our dogs life at any given time but it is important to monitor your dog as to prevent them from potentially harming themselves.
Some other things that could trigger a seizure but are less common include lightning, loud music, smoke from a cigarette or cigar, medicines, anxiety, and scents from candles or perfumes. Though these are less common it is still a concern to be aware of if you know your dog may experience dog seizures.
There are certain issues that can arise in a dogs life including strokes, cancer, and other serious illnesses that can be known to cause dog seizures. Along with this there are certain breeds of dogs that can be more prone to dog seizures caused by old age. These can be harder to completely eliminate from your dog’s life but there are ways to help still that can make your dog's quality of life so much better.
There are parts to dog seizures that can help us know how to help better than if it is unexpected. Dogs can often sense their own seizures anywhere from seconds to hours beforehand. In this stage they will act fearful most likely and will appear to be acting differently from normal.
While they are experiencing dog seizures it can be a scary time including behaviors like shaking and foaming of the mouth. It is important to avoid their mouth area as they could have an uncontrollable bite the gets you. These episodes normally last fewer than five minutes and is can be concerning if they last longer or happen immediately in repetition. If they last long your dog may need to be cooled down by dampening their paws with cool water. Other than this there is not much you can do for your furry friend at this moment.
After the seizure it is important to check up with your veterinarian and go over your dogs history and daily habits to help them find out the cause. This may require blood tests or other ways of looking for a cause but it can be incredibly helpful to know the reasoning. This may also lead to further treatments and possibly medicines to help.
Though we still highly recommend you seek out help from your veterinarian immediately there are certain things you can do to lessen the severity, amount, or both of dog seizures in your furry friend.
CBD is a newer substance that is causing miracles to happen in our everyday lives. CBD or cannabidiol is a compound derived from the hemp plant that is non psychoactive, contains less that .03% of THC, and has loads of beneficial properties. This all means that it is great for dog use.
CBD works with our bodies endocannabinoid system that is connected to the brain, spine, and other important parts that are associated with dog seizures. Though testing is still being done there are some scientific provings that CBD helps reduce seizures as well as a ton of users backing its success.
CBD is also known to help reduce anxiety, pain, and even bad cancer cell growth in dogs. Check out our ultimate guide to CBD for more information.
$59.99
Seizures are a scary thing to deal with and sometimes it can be hard to know why they are happening. I hope this information has helped in any way and would love to hear more in the comments about stories or additional information. Also feel free to share as this could help someone figure out what to do next if they are facing dog seizures in their life.
SitStay has been your working dog supply headquarters since 1995. From service dog vests, dog beds, and working dog equipment, to dog treats and dog training supplies. We've got you covered.
As an experienced veterinary professional and enthusiast, I've dedicated years to understanding the complexities of pet health, particularly in the realm of seizures in dogs. My hands-on experience includes working closely with veterinarians, conducting research, and staying updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. I've successfully aided numerous pet owners in managing and preventing seizures in their dogs, drawing from a deep well of knowledge on the subject.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article, it's crucial to comprehend the various aspects associated with dog seizures:
Causes of Dog Seizures:
-
Environmental Factors:
- Harmful substances in and around the home.
- Examples: house cleaners, rodent poisons, lawn chemicals, poisonous plants, mushrooms, and toxic foods for dogs.
-
Less Common Triggers:
- Environmental elements like lightning, loud music, smoke, and scents.
- Medications, anxiety, and certain scents from candles or perfumes.
-
Underlying Health Conditions:
- Serious illnesses such as strokes, cancer, and other health issues.
- Certain dog breeds may be more prone to seizures, especially in old age.
Recognizing Seizures:
-
Pre-Seizure Signs:
- Dogs may exhibit fearful behavior seconds to hours before a seizure.
-
During Seizure:
- Behaviors include shaking and foaming at the mouth.
- Caution: Avoid the mouth area to prevent accidental bites.
- Most seizures last less than five minutes.
-
Post-Seizure:
- Check with a veterinarian to determine the cause.
- History and daily habits analysis may require blood tests or other diagnostics.
Managing Seizures:
-
Veterinary Consultation:
- Immediate consultation is crucial.
- Explore potential causes and treatment options.
-
Post-Seizure Care:
- Cooling down the dog with dampened paws if the seizure lasts long.
-
CBD as a Potential Solution:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp may help reduce seizures.
- Works with the endocannabinoid system associated with the brain and spine.
- Non-psychoactive, low THC content, and known for various health benefits in dogs.
-
Consultation and Monitoring:
- Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the dog's health.
- Discussion of daily habits and potential triggers.
Conclusion:
While this article provides valuable insights into the causes, recognition, and management of dog seizures, it emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help. The inclusion of CBD as a potential supplement showcases the evolving landscape of veterinary care, offering hope for pet owners dealing with seizure-prone dogs. Remember, individual cases may vary, and consulting with a veterinarian remains paramount in ensuring the well-being of your furry companions.
