Dog Seizures: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Caring for Your Dog

Watching your dog suffer seizures can be a frightening experience. Many seizures are brief in length, but they can appear to be the most extended duration of seconds and minutes of your life. In this post, I will assist you in identifying the signs of a seizure as well as the causes of them and the way I holistically handle treatment.

Is a seizure a symptom

A seizure happens when more excellent than-normal activity occurs within the brain. It typically begins in one part of the brain and then spreads. Depending on the kind of seizure, your dog might be stiff, vomit or vomit, become unconscious, and begin “paddling” (a jerky paddling movement involving your legs).

What Are the Most Common Seizures in Dogs

There are three kinds of seizures:

They generalized/Grand Mal Seizures. This most common seizure causes your pet to lose consciousness as they fall, drop down, move their legs, and then extend their back. It’s essential to ensure that your hands and fingers are away from their mouths. If you can, remove your pet from stairs and furniture to prevent falls. Dogs can feel confused and anxious following a seizure and bite their victims unconsciously.

Focal seizures. These seizures usually occur in the head but can be experienced anywhere within the body. Dogs may experience twitching on their faces or make a habit of chatting their jaws. Some dogs remain alert when they experience these epileptic seizures.

The psychomotor seizure. These seizures are not typical convulsions. However, they are characterized by a time of bizarre behavior. It could include looking off into space, becoming aggressive and unable to recognize people you know, or hallucinating.

It can be difficult to differentiate an episode of fainting from seizures. Following seizures, dogs experience periods of confusion or being strangely agitated. This is crucial information to provide your veterinarian.

What causes seizures in dogs

Toxins, or illnesses. Certain plants and chemicals can trigger seizures. If these substances are eliminated, and the seizures are stopped, they usually cease. The thyroid condition or electrolyte issues can trigger seizures. This can be easily identified through routine blood tests.

Neurodegenerative illness. Brain tumors, parasites, and autoimmune diseases can cause seizures too. Within the United States, seizures from parasites are incredibly uncommon. This condition is best detected using imaging methods like MRI or CT.

Epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed in cases where no other cause for seizures can be identified. Also, no neurological tumor, illness, or inflammation is causing the seizures. The most frequent reason for seizures is that they occur frequently in middle or young old dogs.

What can I do to aid my dog when he has seizures

Seizures cause more seizures. If your dog is experiencing three seizures within 24 hours, or your dog’s seizures begin to become frequent or last for more than five minutes, it’s crucial to manage the seizures. It is essential to consult with your vet to determine when your dog’s treatment should begin.

This is the method I utilize during my clinical practice to assist my patients in managing seizures.

Medicines. Drugs like Phenobarbital Zonisamide, Phenobarbital, and Keppra are life-saving. For certain dogs, we utilize all three of them to control seizures.

Cannabis. I have had good results with CBD as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other medicines to treat my patients’ seizure symptoms. I have used HempRx Forte for my patients, and you can find out more about CBD use here.

Diet. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) in the diet may help reduce seizures in dogs. It’s not intended to be an alternative to medication. However, it can help reduce the amount of drugs required or reduce the dosage needed.

Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture, as well as herbs, are employed for treating seizures as well. Find a veterinarian within your region.