Tips For Surviving Your Dog's Seizure

Posted on: 2 June 2020

It is a scary experience to witness your dog have a seizure. Usually, they suffer convulsions and are unable to respond to you; know that these episodes are not painful for your pet, though it may cause you plenty of distress. During a seizure, there are some things that you can do to prevent further injury and make your pet more comfortable.

Some tips for dealing with your pet's scary seizure include:

Remove Dangers and Hazards

The best thing that you can do during your dog's seizure is to try and prevent injury; this means, move any dangers or objects that could harm your pet during violent convulsions. Block stairways or lower your pet to the floor if they are at risk of a fall. Helping your dog to lay on their side during a seizure will prevent them from choking on their drool.

Remain Calm and Quiet

Try not to panic and remain quiet during the seizure, except to reassure and comfort your dog. Yelling, loud noises, and chaos will add to your pet's anxiety and could make things worse. Be calm and speak in a soft, soothing tone to your pet.

Do Not Mess with Their Mouth

When a person has a seizure, the inclination is to secure their tongue so they don't bite it during convulsions. If you attempt this with a dog, you are likely to get bitten. Do not mess around with their mouth during a seizure, though it is suggested that you gently cradle their head to prevent them from an injury during a convulsion.

Give Them Some Time

Seizures leave pets tired and confused; make sure to give your pet time to recover afterward. They will likely be dazed, lethargic, and uncoordinated, too, so supervise them to ensure they don't hurt themselves or fall following the seizure episode.

It is imperative to find out why your pet is having seizures as it could be a sign of something else entirely. Some common causes of canine seizures include epilepsy, brain tumors, head trauma, distemper, Lyme disease, low blood sugar, low levels of Calcium, liver or kidney disease, poisoning, as well as a slew of other medical issues.

When the convulsions have subsided and your pet is safe to travel, it is important to seek veterinary care. Call your 24-hour vet provider first before you leave home with your dog. There are dangerous underlying medical issues that could put your dog's life in jeopardy; seizures warrant prompt veterinary evaluation and treatment. Reach out to a veterinarian to learn more. 

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