Dog seizures

Dog Seizures: nothing is more frightening than a dog suffering from a seizure. Owners may startle once they witness their dog’s first seizure and they may panic. There are no home remedies for preventing seizures nor are there home remedies for treating them. But there are home remedies to help your pet recover.

• Protect Your Dog

Ensure your dog is out of harm’s way when having a seizure. Make sure furniture, stairs, steps and sharp objects are away from your dog.

Video: Dog Seizures: When to Worry, When to Wait

• Protect Yourself

Some dogs may become aggressive when having a seizure. Do not take it personally, the dog is totally not controllable during a seizure. Countless humans have been injured by trying to avoid their dog from swallowing their tongue, often resulting in a severe bite. Dogs do not swallow their tongues, so this practice is unnecessary.

• Cool Down

Seizures raise a dog’s temperature, it is helpful to gently sponge the dog -if safe to do so- with some lukewarm water on the tummy, armpit area and head to help bring the temperature down.

Video: Violent dog seizure

• Watch the clock

You want to keep an eye on the time as the longer the seizure, the more damage it may cause. Generally, you should consult with your vet or an emergency center if the pet’s seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

• Acupressure

Not many owners are aware of the fact that just as in humans, dogs respond to the application of pressure. In a seizing dog, the acupressure point is GV26, located right at the base of the nose where it meets the upper lip. Pressure for one minute at this point may put the seizure to a halt.

• Ice Pack

An ice pack placed on the dog’s back right next to the neck may shorten the dog’s seizure while help bringing the dog’s temperature down.

• Comfort

Once the dog is out of the seizure, comfort him/her by talking in reassuring tone and petting him/her. Massage some Rescue Remedy or Bach Flowers on the dog’s fur to help him/her relax. Upon awakening, the dog will feel comforted instead of being disoriented.

• Vanilla Ice Cream

According to Guardian Angels, a goldmine site for owners of dog’s suffering from seizures, once the dog is conscious, a small amount of Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream , may help bring back the dog’s blood sugar to normal levels. Seizures may cause abrupt low glucose levels and low glucose levels may trigger further seizures. The benefit of ice cream resides in the fact that ice cream has fat which prevents the sugar from being absorbed too quickly causing a ”sugar rush”. The choice of Haagen Dasz is because it is free of preservatives and thus, safer for dogs prone to seizures.

• Feed

A seizure drains energy from dogs. Once the dog is acting normally, you can feed half amount of his normal food or offer some plain cooked pasta or rice with a bit of butter. Make sure your dog is able to effectively swallow safely, if he/she eats to fast slow him/her down.

• Supplements

There are several over the counter supplements for support in seizuring dogs. Always consult with your vet before using supplements.

• Monitor

Monitor the dog carefully following a seizure. Check the dog’s gums, they should be a nice bubble gum pink, if they are pale consult with the vet. If the dog appears still not doing well after half hour report to your veterinarian. Consult with a vet as well should another seizure appear or if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

If your dog is prone to seizures, consult with your vet, your dog may need prescription Phenobarbital or Potassium Bromide or a combination of both. Valium administered rectally at home may help dogs affected by severe seizures.

*Disclaimer All remedies suggested are not to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is sick please refer to your veterinarian for a hands on examination. If your pet is exhibiting behavior problems please refer to a professional pet behaviorist.

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