Canine epilepsy is a very painful condition for dogs as much as it is for you to watch them suffer. It is a disorder that affects the animal causing repeated convulsive attacks. A seizure is due to an electrical "short" in the brain. Some dogs suffer from a sporadic episode of epilepsy and do not have others, while there may be dogs that suffer from repeated seizures. If your pet suffers from this condition, it is essential to take him to the vet, as the situation could worsen without medical intervention. To help your furry friend cope with this disorder, there are several things you can do, including supporting him during an attack, helping him with his needs after an episode, and taking preventative measures to avoid future seizures.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Helping the Dog During a Seizure
Step 1. Make the dog comfortable
If he is scared or confused during an attack, it is vital to do everything possible to help him feel less afraid. If your dog has frequent seizures, you also need to learn how to recognize the warning signs so that you are prepared. Some simple things you can do to provide maximum comfort for your dog during a seizure include:
- Place a pillow under her head, this will protect her during a seizure.
- Speak softly and gently. You can say phrases like, "It's okay, you're a good dog; take it easy, I'm here with you."
- Caress him gently to calm him down. You can also choose to keep it on your lap or on your lap if it is small in size.
Step 2. Keep your hands away from his mouth
It is not true that during a seizure the dog risks swallowing his own tongue and in no case should you put your hand or fingers in his mouth during an epileptic attack because he could bite you. Do not even try to put anything inside his oral cavity, as it could break some teeth or even choke.
Step 3. Reassure the dog after the episode
It is important to calm him down before taking any other action. Seizures can sometimes leave him very nervous, and your furry friend may be trying to get up even before he's fully recovered. Continue to reassure him and stay close to him for a while after the crisis is over.
To help him relax, take him to a quiet room. Turn off the TV and do not allow more than one or two people to enter the room. Leave other animals out too
Step 4. Pay attention to the duration of the seizures
Try to keep track of it. If you have a cell phone handy, film the pet during an episode to show the video to the vet and help him better diagnose the problem.
If the seizures continue for more than five minutes, you must take the animal to an emergency veterinary center as soon as possible. Long-lasting seizures can strain the respiratory muscles and interfere with the dog's normal breathing
Method 2 of 3: Treating the Dog After the Crisis
Step 1. Take your pet to the vet
Once the attack is over, it is important to have him undergo a medical check-up. The visit will include several tests to rule out other possible causes of the seizures and to help the vet determine the best care for your four-legged friend. If all the tests show negative data, the dog may be suffering from primary epilepsy and the doctor will discuss with you what medications the animal will need to take.
Step 2. Ask for more details on drug therapy
There are several medicines available to reduce the number and severity of canine seizures. Most of these must be administered daily and continuously throughout the rest of the animal's life. Among the most popular options are:
- Phenobarbital. It is the most common drug used on epileptic dogs; its action consists in suppressing the brain activity that leads to convulsions.
- Potassium bromide. This medicine is given when phenobarbital causes health problems. It is also sometimes replaced by sodium bromide, as both have the ability to reduce seizure activity in the brain.
- Gabapentin. This antiepileptic drug is usually given in combination with another medicine that helps to keep seizures under control in general.
- Diazepam. It is usually prescribed as a sedative rather than a drug to manage seizures, but it is recommended when the dog suffers from frequent or long-lasting seizures.
Step 3. Prepare for the sedative effects
Most AEDs cause a sedative effect in the initial period, but many dogs adapt over time. If your furry friend overreacts to the drug and cannot overcome lethargy, a combination of drugs may be considered.
Be aware that medications can affect the liver and kidneys, so you need to weigh the pros and cons of treatments or decide whether to take the risk of occasional seizures
Step 4. Talk to your veterinarian to consider giving your dog sedatives during particularly stressful situations
If your four-legged friend is always very anxious, you need to give him a sedative medication to prevent possible seizures during particularly stressful times. However, this is an option that you need to discuss with your vet.
- You may decide to give it a sedative on certain festive occasions, such as on New Year's Eve or when fireworks are being fired.
- You can also give him some when the house is full of guests and the dog is uncomfortable around too many strangers.
- You can also consider calming him during a thunderstorm, when there is thunder, scary noises or flashes of light.
Step 5. Monitor the dog's health
Although epilepsy is treatable for most dogs, it gets worse over time. Despite drug therapy, many individuals can continue to suffer from seizures from time to time. If the episodes start to get more frequent or more severe, you should see your vet right away.
Keep in mind that as your dog gets older, seizures and fits occur with greater frequency and severity
Method 3 of 3: Read up on Canine Epilepsy
Step 1. Study the different types of epilepsy
Dogs can suffer from two types of epilepsy: primary and secondary. The primary one mainly affects young specimens (under two years of age), it is a disorder of genetic origin, although it can also occur when the dog reaches six years of age. This condition is also called idiopathic epilepsy. The secondary one can occur at any age. In this case, the original source of the disorder is to be found in another pathology that affects the animal's neurological system, such as an infection, disease, brain injury, stroke or brain tumor.
Step 2. Learn to recognize a seizure
During a seizure, the dog slumps to one side and begins to stiffen and clap its paws. He may also start yelping, dropping saliva from his mouth, biting, urinating and / or defecating during the attack, which typically lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep in mind that not all dogs exhibit these extreme symptoms; some may have less severe or noticeable seizures.
Step 3. Recognize generalized seizures
In some cases the seizures can occur in an unusual way, the dog may move in a strange way or perform repetitive actions such as licking or walking in circles. Pay attention to any unusual dog attitudes. When you're not sure if the behavior is a true seizure, talk to your vet.
Step 4. Watch for the warning signs
Before a seizure, the dog may feel that something is wrong and may react with certain behaviors, for example:
- It becomes particularly "sticky" and follows you everywhere;
- Keep walking without peace;
- Yelps;
- Vomits
- He seems disoriented or confused.
Advice
- Look for external causes that can trigger seizures in dogs, such as insecticides or household cleaners.
- The most important thing to do during a crisis is to stay close to your furry friend. Seizures are terribly scary for the animal, so you need to comfort and calm him down to reduce panic.
- You should keep an old towel handy during seizures. Dogs generally send out signals before they defecate or urinate. If it starts to smudge or give other signs, the cloth allows you to clean quickly.
Warnings
- A seizure lasting more than five minutes can become life-threatening. Take your pet to the vet immediately.
- Never stop a prescription therapy without first talking to your veterinarian.
