5 Tips For Dealing With Dog Seizures
Posted on: 14 October 2015
Share
Whether it is due to epilepsy or another underlying health condition, watching your dog go through a seizure can be quite scary. Even though your pup is in no pain, a seizure can make him disoriented and cause brain damage. That is why it is important to know what to do. Here are five tips for dealing with dog seizures:
Do Not Panic
When your dog falls to the ground and shakes uncontrollably, it is easy to panic. However, screaming or crying will just make the situation worse. According to Veterinary Neurology of the Chesapeake, loud noises can make the seizure last longer. Just stay calm and speak to your dog in a soft voice. Talking to your pooch can help comfort him.
Keep Your Dog Cool
A seizure can cause your dog to have a dangerously high body temperature, so it is important to keep him as cool as possible. Apply a damp washcloth to the middle of your dog's back and hold it there for a few seconds. If it is stuffy in the room, turn on some fans to help circulate the air.
Do Not Touch His Mouth
When dogs have seizures, it looks like they will swallow their tongue. This, however, does not actually happen, so you should keep your hands far away from your dog's mouth. Your pooch can't control his movements during a seizure, so he may accidentally bite you.
Prevent Your Dog from Getting Hurt
If you sense that your dog is about to have a seizure, it is important to move him away from furniture and sharp objects. Remember that your pooch will have no control of his body and can easily get hurt.
Record a Video
If your dog has never had a seizure before, it is a wise idea to record a video. Showing the veterinarian a video is much easier than trying to describe the episode. The veterinarian can examine the video and determine how serious the seizure was.
Following these helpful tips will help you get your dog through a seizure. However, if your dog's seizure lasts more than five minutes, you should take him to the emergency animal hospital right away. Seizures that last a long time can cause brain damage and other complications. The veterinarian can give your dog medicine to snap him out of the seizure safely. If your dog continues to have seizures, the veterinarian can prescribe anti-seizure medicine that your pooch will have to take every day. For more information, visit sites like http://www.1stPetVet.com.