What Pet Owners Should Know About Canine Seizure

Witnessing canine epilepsy can be shocking for most pet owners. This being said, you should definitely find time to prepare for it and also observe your dogs if they have it. There are many reasons known to be the cause of canine epilepsy and among them is genetics. It is said that there are certain breeds of dogs who are susceptible to having epilepsy.

But this is not the only way to have the said illness. It can also be had through a head trauma that causes internal hemorrhage. Small tumors that have been formed through blood clots can cause canine seizures too and if a dog also experiences a psychological trauma, that too can be reason enough for it to occur.

A trip to the vet would help clarify things for you. If you have seen canine epilepsy happen to your own dog, you should immediately relate this to your vet so that the proper tests can be done. Aside from doing these tests, your vet would also be able to advice you about what to do whenever the seizures take place.

The most common examination would ask your dog for a blood sample. This way, chemical imbalances can be ruled out. This would also be essential in giving the right prescription for your dog. A urine sample is also commonly asked for. This would also be able to indicate instances of chemical imbalance, acidity levels, and even a potentially diabetic dog which also causes seizures. In addition to these samples, a CAT scan may also be advised for your dog to rule out the presence of head traumas.

You should never try to self-medicate your dogs because the medicines used for canine seizures are given on a case to case basis. It’s not always that one medicine would be good for every breed at the same dosage. Aside from this, your vet would also be able to give you some good advice on how you can properly handle the situation when it happens.

Among the common medicines prescribed to dogs with seizures are Phenobarbitol. In its absence, Dilantin usually takes it place. If the dog would not respond to these medications, an addition of Potassium bromide may also be advised.

Witnessing a canine seizure can be distressing but as a pet owner, you need to accept the fact that you can’t do anything when it happens. What you can do instead is stay objective and closely observe your dog as the shaking fits take place. Make sure that dangerous objects are removed from the dog’s immediate area. Also, don’t attempt to pull out your dog’s tongue.

When there are kids at home as the canine seizure happens, it would be best to put them elsewhere first. They might just add more stress to the already stressful situation. You should also see to it that your dog’s area is kept safe and as comfortable as possible so you can help soothe him back to normal.

I have more information about canine epilepsy at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on health care for older dogs.