How to Treat a Dog's Seizure With Massage
A dog may experience a seizure as part of an epileptic disorder, diabetes reaction or neurological problem. Many seizures are quick and mild, while others are quite strong and disturbing. Part of having a dog with epilepsy is learning how to manage seizures and ease the dog through the experience. Many people learn to use dog massage as a seizure-management technique.
Instructions
-
-
1
Monitor your dog. Most seizures have warning signs to tell when the seizure is approaching. Once a seizure starts, turn off the TV, lights and any music in the room. These outside stimulants may make the seizure worse or worry the dog. A large part of managing a seizure is to keep the dog as calm and comfortable as possible.
-
2
Lay your dog on the floor in the darkened room. Make sure that there aren't any pillows or blankets within reach, as they could get caught up in your dog's legs as she seizes up.
-
-
3
Stroke the dog from nose to tail along its body. Use circular motions to rub the dog's skin, and move on to rubbing over hiss head, ears and legs. Do not move your hands in an abrupt or hard way, no matter how tense the dog's muscles are. Remember that this massage is to soothe and reassure your dog and keep him calm through the seizure. You cannot physically relax his muscles, as they're being controlled by his brain.
-
4
Use your voice while you massage the dog's body. Keep your voice low and calm. Your dog will take comfort from both your touch and your voice.
-
5
Maintain the massage and slow, gentle speaking until your dog comes out of the seizure.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you know a seizure is about to start, give your dog 1 tsp of honey. This may lessen the strength of the seizure.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder. Seizures cannot be prevented or stopped through massage.
References
- Photo Credit Dog image by Jan Zajc from Fotolia.com
