Seizures, also referred to as epilepsy, are dogs’ most common neurological problems. This can affect how they look and act. The majority of pet owners find it terrifying to see their beloved companion having seizures, and you may be thinking about what you can do to help your terrified furry friend. This post will examine the signs of seizures, various types, and causes, what to do if your dog has one, and how to treat them.

In this section, find out more about the warning signs that your pet may have a seizure and what to do if you suspect one.

Types of Seizures

There are different types of seizures. Each type may show different signs and need various treatment options.

Generalized Seizures

A generalized seizure or grand mal seizure is the most typical type of seizure. These may last for a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes and are usually caused by irregular electrical activity in the brain.

Dogs usually lose consciousness, fall to the side, have involuntary urination or defecation, excessively drool, and have rhythmic muscle contractions like jerking limbs, paddling, and chewing jaw movements.

Partial Seizures

Partial seizures, also called focal seizures, only affect one side of the dog’s brain or one particular area of the brain. There are two types of partial seizures: focal motor and psychomotor. In some cases, a focal seizure can become a grand mal.

Focal motors are caused by neurons in one brain hemisphere firing abnormally and usually present as repetitive facial muscle movements or involuntary limb jerking.

Psychomotor seizures can be hard to identify for dog owners and veterinarians as they usually do not cause a dog 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 possible causes, some more severe than others. One or more of the following can result in seizures or convulsions:

• Poisoning
• Traumatic head injury
• Kidney disease
• Liver problems
• Brain cancer
• Anemia
• High or low blood sugar level
• Brain infection or inflammation
• Stroke
• Hydrocephalus
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Encephalitis
• Vascular disease/Embolism

These are only a few main reasons why seizures take place in dogs. A diagnostic test at the vet lab with your vet is the only approach to identifying the reason for a seizure.

Symptoms of Seizures

Numerous symptoms can help you identify whether your pet is having a seizure or convulsion, such as:

• Collapsing
• Jerking bodily movements
• Stiffening
• Muscle twitching
• Loss of consciousness
• Drooling
• Chomping or tongue chewing
• Mouth foaming
• Uncontrolled excreting or peeing

If you catch any of these signs in your dog, do not panic. However, if your dog experiences numerous seizures within a few minutes and does not wake up between them, you should take it to an animal emergency hospital immediately.

Seizure Treatments

When it comes to dealing with seizures, your vet may advise some medications. Depending on your pet’s situation, you must also consider some holistic options, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese Herbal Formulas
• CBD Oil
• Food Therapy

To properly deal with seizures and rule out any underlying issues, your dog will have a thorough physical examination from your vet, including complete lab work at Airport Pet Emergency Clinic.

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about your pet’s medications or supplements. This will help your vet determine the most effective way to treat your furry friend based on their particular needs and lower the chance of a drug interaction.

Bottom Line

It’s never fun to see your pet have a seizure, regardless of how it happens. You may wonder what you can do to comfort your terrified pet; when this occurs, try to calm down before tending to your pet. Sadly, there is no way to stop your pet from having a seizure. However, regular vet checkups, including vaccinations and blood tests, may help discover underlying diseases that trigger seizures.