How to Handle Canine Seizure
Canines can have seizure disorders just like humans. It is better that you prepare yourself for what will happen so that you know exactly how to handle the situation. It is important to note that dogs with epilepsy have normal life spans. Your job is to keep the dog safe during a seizure and control the seizures through medication.
Instructions
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Recognize the cycle of a seizure. Almost all seizures follow a cycle. The dog will first lose consciousness. Then their muscles will twitch all over causing them to look like they are shaking in almost a violent fashion. Finally, the dog will become alert again, but will be tired and will go to sleep. It is important to be able to recognize the cycle so you can then learn what to do at each stage.
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Catch your dog when he passes out. This is not always possible. If you are on the floor playing with your dog you will be able to reach over and catch your dog, but if you are cooking dinner in the kitchen, you can't. When your dog passes out make sure he or she is not near any stairs. The dog should be placed on the floor if they are not already (if they had passed out on a couch or something).
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Keep your dog safe during the seizure. Take any toys or food out of your dog's mouth so that the dog doesn't choke. Your dog may drool, have bowel movements or urinate during the seizure. You will have to clean that up later on. Your main objective should be to keep your dog safe until his or her seizure passes.
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Watch your dog closely when the seizure passes. Your dog may be tired and disoriented. He or she may walk in to walls or wobble around. This is normal, but you want to keep your dog safe until this phase wears off. If you have a small room that is safe you should take your dog in there for a little while. The dog would have less of a chance of getting hurt by walking in to things if he or she was in a small room. Your dog also may go to sleep which is perfectly safe and normal.
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Get medication. Epilepsy can often be controlled with medications. At the very least the medication will make the seizures occur less often. There are several to choose from and only your vet can prescribe them. You will need your vet to monitor the seizure drugs and adjust the dosages according to how the dog responds to them. Often times the seizure drugs cause your dog to become tired so you want to find the one that allows your dog to live as close to a normal life as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Feed your dog food that is preservative free. Preservative free food can help lower your dog's seizure threshold.
Ask your vet about the following seizure meds: Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide, Valium, Dilantin and Neurontin.
Don't use any pesticides or chemicals on any lawn or area that your dog plays. This can trigger seizures.
