What to do if your dog has a seizure. Depending on your pet and depending how long the seizure was this recovery can sometimes only take a couple of minutes or it can take several hours.
What to Do After a Dog Seizures.
What to expect after your dog has a seizure. What to Do After a Dog Seizures. The period after the seizure is called the post-ictal period. This can last from minutes to hours.
Typically dogs are disoriented often lethargic with inappropriate behavior such as stumbling walking into walls overdrinking at the water bowl. What do you do after a dog seizure. The best thing you can do is after a seizure is protect your pet.
If you notice that your dog is having a seizure give him space and make sure that he has a clear area to let the seizure run its course. Your dog will experience involuntary muscle contractions and may start foaming at the mouth. The seizure should end within a few minutes so just hold tight and be prepared to care for your dog afterward.
And remember stay calm. Your dog will need you. Following a seizure your dog may be completely disoriented and will attempt to restore its bodys needs.
Hunger thirst deep sleep barking and insecurity are all normal. Allow your dog to drink freely and eat small amounts of food. However avoid excessive food consumption because it could trigger vomiting.
A dog after seizure effects is extremely vulnerable to loud sounds. Any disruptions to the noise levels and the pup might revert back to the seizure. Keep the pet confined to this quiet room until it resumes its normal behavior.
After the seizure has ended known as the post-ictal phase call your veterinarian as soon as possible. If its the first time your dog has had a seizure the vet will want to determine the cause and will run blood tests and conduct a physical exam. Additional tests may include a CT scan an MRI or even a spinal tap.
Your pet will likely be completely unaware of surroundings or even his or her behavior during and immediately after a seizure. This also applies to cats having seizures but dogs in particular can be very anxious agitated and even blind immediately following a seizure. Please do not try to hold or pet your animal during a seizure.
Even the mildest of pets can seriously injure you even as you try to. Seizure your dogs body temperature may rise hyperthermia however temperatures usually return to normal shortly after the seizure is over. When a dog has had prolonged seizures it may be necessary to actively bring the temperature back to normal however this should only be done with your veterinarians supervision.
Seizures cause your dogs body temperature to climb quickly. Because of this it can be helpful to gently place cool washcloths over his feet after the seizure has ended. Wait until your dog has come to before you do this as he may bite you if you dont.
A seizure gives your dogs muscles a workout that is equivalent to running a marathon so an affected dog may wake up ravenously hungry and dehydrated. Dont offer any food or water immediately if your dog is still wobbly or seems confused. Your dog may not be.
After a seizure your dog will have a prolonged post-ictal state. This is an altered state of consciousness accompanied by confusion drowsiness and nausea. Some dogs will experience this for up to 30 minutes but it can be as long as 24 hours for long seizures.
If its a quick seizure 20 or 30 seconds to a minute and your dog pops out of it it isnt necessarily an emergency but you should probably schedule an appointment with a veterinarian if theyve never had a seizure before. If your dog continues to have seizures and theyre getting to the point where theyre once a month or two to three times a month at some point the frequency is going to warrant medication. Talk with your veterinarian.
Always call your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian after your dog has a seizure even if your dog seems to be acting normally. Start a journal or keep a note on your phone documenting your. What to do if your dog has a seizure.
The first thing to do in the event of an epileptic seizure in dogs is to remain calm which can be difficult as seizures are often shocking. During the seizure make sure that you stay away from your dogs mouth since they are not conscious and might accidentally bite. Be aware when your dog has entered the post-seizure phase.
After a while your dog will come out of his seizure and enter the post-seizure phase. Commonly your pet will seem confused. Soothe your dog after the seizure.
It is important to get your dog calmed before taking any other action. Sometimes the seizure will restart if your dog is very nervous andor tries to get up before. When your dog starts to come out of his seizure observe him.
He should start recovering within 15 to 30 minutes and you can take him outside for some fresh air. While its traumatic to watch your dog suffering during a seizure your role is to stay calm and be with your dog. Watching your dog experience a seizure is both frightening and disturbing especially if it is unexpected.
There is collapse involuntary movement and often loss of consciousness followed by a period of daze and disorientation. Prolonged seizure activity constitutes an emergency. Clearly if your vet has advised you to give something like rectal diazepam then follow their instructions.
Remember though to be very careful and watch out for getting injured yourself. Help your dog recover from a seizure. Next up is the recovery period.
Depending on your pet and depending how long the seizure was this recovery can sometimes only take a couple of minutes or it can take several hours. Your pet might be disorientated and really tired. Thrashing around during a seizure.