Did you know that seizures are one of the most commonly reported neurological conditions in dogs? Seizures, also known as convulsions or fits, are temporary disturbances of normal brain function accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. They can look like uncontrollable shaking and can last from less than a minute to several minutes.
Signs Your Dog is Having a Seizure
Seizures can be dramatic and scary to witness, but they are not painful for dogs. Before a seizure, your dog may appear dazed, unsteady, or confused. After the seizure, your dog may feel disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind. Comforting your dog is important. One seizure is usually not dangerous, but if your dog has multiple seizures within a short period or a seizure lasts longer than a few minutes, it’s important to call your veterinarian.
It is a myth that dogs swallow their tongues during seizures, so it’s unnecessary and potentially harmful to put your fingers or an object in your dog’s mouth. Instead, focus on keeping your dog from falling or hurting itself on furniture or other objects by keeping it on the ground.
Body Language
Signs that your dog is having a seizure may include drooling, hanging tongue, stiff tail, collapsing, loss of consciousness, mouth chomping, body jerking, body twitching, foaming of the mouth, and tongue chewing.
The Science Behind Seizures in Dogs
The most common cause of seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy, which is an inherited disorder with an unknown cause. Other possible causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. Seizures often occur during times when brain activity is changing, such as during excitement, feeding, or as the dog is falling asleep or waking up.
Seizures have three phases: the pre-ictal phase, the seizure itself (ictal phase), and the post-ictal phase. The pre-ictal phase is a period of altered behavior before the seizure, the ictal phase is the seizure itself, and the post-ictal phase is the period immediately after the seizure when the dog may be confused and disoriented.
Treatment for Dogs with Seizures
Treatment for seizures usually begins if a dog has more than one seizure a month, multiple seizures in quick succession, or severe and prolonged seizures. Common medications for these more severe forms of seizures include phenobarbital and potassium bromide. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
Once medications are started, they typically need to be given for the rest of your dog’s life. Discontinuing medication can increase the risk of future severe seizures. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and seek their guidance for your dog’s specific needs.
“Seizures in dogs may be scary to witness, but with proper care and treatment, your pup can still live a happy and healthy life.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ If your dog experiences seizures, it is important to follow up with a call to your veterinarian, especially if they occur frequently or last longer than a few minutes. Multiple seizures or prolonged seizures can indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
2️⃣ During a seizure, it is a common myth that dogs swallow their tongues. However, putting your fingers or an object in their mouth can potentially lead to injury. Instead, focus on keeping your dog safe from falling or hurting themselves by keeping them on the ground.
3️⃣ Treatment for seizures in dogs usually begins if they experience more than one seizure a month, multiple seizures in a row, or severe and prolonged seizures. Medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide are commonly used, but it is important to consult with your veterinarian to get specific instructions and understand the best treatment plan for your dog. These medications may need to be given for the rest of your dog’s life to manage their seizures effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are some signs that my dog is having a seizure?
– Drooling, tongue hanging, stiff tail, collapsing, loss of consciousness, mouth chomping, body jerking, body twitching, foaming of the mouth, and tongue chewing.
2. Is it true that dogs swallow their tongues during seizures?
– No, this is a myth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues during seizures. It is important to focus on keeping your dog from falling or hurting itself on furniture or other objects.
3. What are some common causes of seizures in dogs?
– Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Other possible causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins.
4. What are the three phases of a seizure in dogs?
– The pre-ictal phase, which is a period of altered behavior before the seizure; the ictal phase, which is the seizure itself; and the post-ictal phase, which is the period immediately after the seizure.
5. What are some common medications used to treat seizures in dogs?
– Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are commonly used medications to treat more severe forms of seizures in dogs. It is important to consult with a veterinarian for specific instructions and to understand what is best for your dog.
