You’ve just brought home your furry friend, and all is well. But then he starts experiencing seizures after a few months. It is a rare scenario, as an NCBI study shows that the prevalence of canine epileptic seizures is 0.75–0.82%. However, it can happen.
Experiencing a seizure can be a frightening moment for you and your dog, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. With time and understanding, you can learn how to weather this storm with your pup by your side through every step.
Understanding Canine Seizures
Before starting with the coping and prevention measures, it’s essential to understand the different types of seizures. The most common type of canine seizure is idiopathic epilepsy or spontaneous recurrent idiopathic epilepsy (SRIE).
Many things, such as trauma or high fever, can trigger this type of seizure. It can also be caused by various genetic disorders like canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) or canine leukodystrophy (CLD). In fact, there is no specific cause, and almost 30% of affected dogs continue to have seizures, even after treatments.
Regarding SRIE, there are two other types, monogenic and polygenic. Monogenic means that only one gene is responsible for causing the disease. This often occurs during puppyhood when puppies are between six months and one year old. Polygenic refers to more than one gene being involved in causing epilepsy. These cases usually present themselves later on in life after adolescence has passed.
Emotional Impact on Pet Owners
As you and your pet weather the storm, it’s important to remember that support networks are available. You can find emotional support from other pet owners who have been in similar situations, or you can seek help from a professional.
Many people find that positive attitudes make them feel better, even when experiencing hard times. This can be difficult when dealing with grief or stress, but it’s important not to let these feelings overtake your life. Doing so will only make things more difficult for both of you!
Management Techniques for Dogs With Seizures
In addition to keeping your dog hydrated, you should ensure that he or she is comfortable. In fact, this is one of the most important things you can do for your seizure-prone pooch. If your dog feels anxious or stressed out because of something like a thunderstorm, then it’s likely that the seizures will get worse over time.
So how do you keep your pet calm? There are several options:
- Keep him/her in an environment where they feel safe. This might include their crate if they’re used to being confined there; otherwise, try finding an area without many people. It may also help if the place has familiar smells and sounds, like certain toys or blankets, that make them feel secure when tense situations arise outside their control.
- Stay close by throughout all activities so as not only to keep track of whether or not symptoms are worsening but also to provide comfort through touch if necessary!
Medication Management
If your dog has a seizure, you may be able to manage it with medication. Several different types of drugs can control seizures in dogs, but it’s important to note that no single drug works for all dogs. Your veterinarian will determine which medications are best suited for your particular pup based on its age and breed and any other medical conditions it might have.
Gabapentin is one of the most common medicines that is supposed to be administered 5 mg every 12 hours and 10 to 30 mg every 8 hours. Another commonly prescribed medicine is Levetiracetam. Levetiracetam tablets for dogs are especially effective for seizures caused by epilepsy.
However, it is best to consult your veterinarian before to avoid medications. According to PetRx, other drugs can interact with medicine. Hence, inform your veterinarian about any drugs you are currently administering.
Alternative Therapies and Complementary Approaches
Alternative therapies are non-traditional medical treatments used for centuries to treat various conditions. Complementary approaches include homeopathy, herbal medicine, flower essences, and acupuncture. For the unversed, herbal extracts may form the source of at least 30% of all modern Western medication for dogs.
These alternative treatments can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy by addressing stressors on the body that may contribute to seizure activity. Additionally, these therapies can be beneficial in helping dogs who suffer from anxiety or depression related to their condition feel better emotionally and physically.
Dietary Considerations
A well-balanced diet is an essential part of any dog’s life. But for dogs with seizures, you must ensure you’re feeding your pup the high-quality food he needs to stay healthy and strong.
If you’re having trouble getting your puppy to eat or drink enough, there are some things you can do:
- Monitor their intake carefully. If you notice that they’re eating less than usual, increase their portion sizes until they reach normal levels again.
- Be prepared for fluctuations in activity levels throughout different seasons of the year; this is normal behavior for many pets!
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
The first step in managing your dog’s seizures is to have regular visits to the veterinarian. During these visits, you’ll work with your vet to monitor his or her health and make sure he or she remains seizure-free. This includes:
- Regular blood tests
- Regular monitoring of diet and medication
- Regular monitoring of lifestyle and environment (i.e., if there were any changes made that could be contributing to the seizures)
Creating a Safe Environment
As you begin to understand your dog’s seizure triggers, creating a safe environment for him is essential. If you have an indoor dog and don’t want him outside when he’s having a seizure, consider using a crate or other enclosure until the episode passes. You can also use gates or other barriers to keep him in one part of the house while giving him access to water, food, and exercise toys.
If you have stairs in your home, keep Fido away during storms. He could easily fall if he becomes disoriented by a storm-induced seizure.
Working with Veterinary Professionals
For the best treatment possible, it is best to
- Working with a veterinarian is essential to your dog’s health care. You will want to find an excellent veterinary professional to guide you in managing your dog’s seizure activity.
- Finding a good veterinarian can be challenging because there are so many options. You may need to visit several clinics before finding one that feels right for you and your pup. It’s also vital that you make sure they’re knowledgeable about treating epileptic pets, as well as other common neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- If possible, try asking other pet owners who have had experience with epilepsy before making an appointment. They’ll know what questions should be asked during checkups to catch potential issues early on!
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided a better understanding of canine seizures and their effects on owners. While they can be challenging to manage, there are many things that you can do to help your dog through this illness. If you have questions about your pet’s condition or management plan, please consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
