How to Know if Your Dog Is Prone to Seizures
Seeing a dog in the throws of a seizure can be a scary experience for a pet owner. However, knowing if a dog is prone to seizures and being prepared for one can help relieve anxiety. Seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of activity in the brain and can have many causes. Seizure disorders can be inherited or acquired, so it's important to go over multiple factors when deciding whether a dog is prone to seizures or not.
Instructions
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Check the breed of your dog as certain breeds are more prone to seizures. These breeds include (but are not limited to) beagles, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, poodles, St. Bernards, and Siberian huskies.
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Bring your dog to a veterinarian, and go over your pet's health history. Head trauma, liver disease, kidney failure, worm infections, hypoglycemia and lead poisoning can cause seizures.
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Discuss with your vet whether tests are needed. An EEG or MRI may be needed to check for brain lesions, blood tests can check for lead poisoning, and a glucose-tolerance test can check for hypoglycemia.
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Scan your household for factors that could trigger a seizure. Some dogs have seizures after being in contact with household cleaners (especially pine-scented ones), lawn chemical sprays and tick or flea medications. Discuss with your vet what medications would be best for your dog.
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Look for changes in your dog's behavior. A change in mood or behavior can occur days to hours before a seizure.
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Tips & Warnings
Most seizures can be treated with medications, although some medicines can cause liver damage. Discuss your options with a veterinarian.
If your dog does have a seizure, do not disturb her unless she is in a dangerous spot. Speak soothingly to her until the seizure is over. Discuss treatment with a veterinarian. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, seek immediate veterinary help. Such long lasting seizures require emergency attention.
References
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Comments
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Our little boy Maltese had 2 very violent seizures lasting up to 3 minutes he did not respond to the medications. He was not the same resp. were rapid and shallow, wanted to smell everything, did not recognize us, wanted to eat and drink all the time, had problems standing and walking. We did the loving thing and he is now in a better place with no more seizures. He was always so happy, carefree and loving.
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not good. It is a concern that this is becoming a constant. Chat to u again.
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I'm worried creshenda very but I will call you tom don't understand your last email
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My beautiful boy had another seizure today I have monitored this now and find he has one every 4-5th week but I have a feeling it occurs more than what I think but thanks to this article I know what to watch for to ascertain if he gets while I am at work.
