Witnessing your pup or dog have a seizure can be an alarming and heart-wrenching experience for you. The situation can make you feel utterly helpless and cause you to panic but if you remain calm, the first-aid process will go smoothly.
The first and most important thing to know is that a seizure in itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying disease. So, do not take a seizure lightly. Make sure
to consult a veterinary doctor even if the seizure stops. The veterinarian will conduct thorough diagnostic testing to find out the root cause of the seizures.
Identifying seizures is not always easy. Whole-body convulsions are of course, easy to notice but sometimes, the seizures might be localized to a specific part of the body, like a facial tremor. Sometimes, seizures may present themselves through unusual barking or a sudden rhythmic movement or action in the body.
Therefore, you need to be alert to any abnormal behavior or symptoms in your dog and address them.
These are a few things to do when your dog is having a seizure –
- Remain composed-easier said than done! Although you might get disturbed when you witness your dog in such a state, there is no point in you panicking. This is because that might cause your dog to become agitated and the seizure might aggravate. Besides staying composed will also help you manage the situation better.
- Time your dog’s seizure – when he had it and for how long will help your veterinarian determine the cause more effectively.
- If possible, film the seizure so you can show it to your veterinarian. Also, take note of other symptoms that occur alongside the seizure.
- Take note of frothing or drooling during seizures and notify your veterinarian.
- When your dog is seizing, keep him in a comfortable position away from sharp spaces or objects. Cushion his head.
- Dogs may urinate or poop during a seizure, do not scold them for it or reprimand them, and do not panic because it does not mean that the seizure is getting worse.
- If your dog seizes for more than 2 minutes at a stretch, its body might be at an increased risk of hyperthermia. Cool his body down by putting on cold wet towels or sponges.
Follow these first-aid procedures, rush your dog to the veterinarian, and keep an emergency number handy in case of cluster seizures. These are seizures that occur within 24 hours of each other. It is recommended you consult a vet who has expertise in dog health issues.
Texas Wellness Spay and Neuter Clinic has a team of experienced veterinarians who can take care of your dog in case of a seizure. They can also diagnose the actual reason for the seizure and provide the best treatment for it. Entrust your dog’s health in the gentle, loving care of the vets at Texas Wellness-committed to the passionate care of your pets!
