There is nothing more distressing than seeing your poor, helpless dog have a seizure. Even though it is a scary moment in time, you must try to remain calm so that you can help your pet through it and get him the help he needs. Here are some things to keep in mind if your dog has a seizure.
What Is a Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden disturbance of brain functions that causes temporary uncontrollable muscle activity. This is one of the most commonly reported neurological conditions for dogs. Seizures can be a one-time occurrence or may happen more than once. Sometimes they happen infrequently and at random times, and in other dogs they happen at regular intervals.
Seizures in dogs may be due to epilepsy, age, diet, genetics, or an underlying health condition.
What Does a Seizure Look Like in Dogs?
While seizures look traumatic, they are usually not painful or life-threatening. The biggest danger for most dogs is falling.
Before a seizure occurs, your dog may not look right. It may happen for just a few seconds before a seizure, or it may begin hours before. She may begin running around in a panic, look nervous, or be shaky. She may seek you out for help or may attempt to hide. Your dog senses something is wrong and is anxious about it.
Though it may seem like it's going on for an eternity, a seizure typically only lasts for a few seconds to a couple of minutes. When this happens, your dog may:
- Stare blankly
- Fall over
- Drool
- Twitch
- Go stiff
- Become unconsciousness
- Have uncontrolled urination or defecation
- Bite
When the seizure is over, your dog may appear disoriented or confused. She may be restless, have trouble seeing, or try to pace.
What to Do When Your Dog Has A Seizure
Start timing the seizure as soon as you realize your dog is having one. Seizures that last longer than five minutes can be life-threatening and will require immediate veterinary care.
Sit by your dog to help and comfort her. If your dog is in a dangerous place, or is still standing and looks unstable, help her into a safer position.
Soothe your dog by talking in soft, comforting tones. Avoid any loud distractions. Avoid petting her at this time, as she may not be aware of what she's doing and in her confusion, she may bite you.
Once the seizure is ending, bring down your dog's body temperature with cool, damp towels. Try to keep her relaxed and reassure her that she's safe. She may wish to sleep, drink water, or eat—let her.
Finally, call your vet.
How We Can Help
The good news is, seizures in dogs are rarely fatal, and often treatable. Much depends upon the underlying cause. We here at The Animal Doctors can do on-site laboratory testing, diagnostic procedures, and surgery, and can offer you the counseling and support that you need. We also work with specialists when required to ensure your dog is getting the best of care.
The Animal Doctors have been in business for 40 years, and have been accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association since 1987. We follow strict standards for excellent service and combine state-of-the-art veterinary medicine with an old-fashioned bedside manner.
If your dog had a seizure, contact us for an appointment. We service the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
