Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Simple Steps To Handle Seizures In Dogs

Having to watch seizures in dogs can be a very frightening and traumatic experience. If you own a dog, then it is important to know the simple steps to take should your dog have a seizure. Knowing how to respond can be very important during this difficult time for your pet.

The most important thing yet the most difficult thing that an owner needs to do is remain calm. Although one cannot say for sure, many would like to think that a dog can perceive when you are nervous. If they can feel you are worried or if you panic, it can agitate the dog.

The next thing is to place something soft under his head. It can be a towel or even a blanket. This should be done to prevent your pet from further hurting himself or his head during the convulsions. Make sure that you have removed everything around him. Do not have toys or any type of hard surface around him or her while they are experiencing the seizure. If they are near a wall, move them further away from it.

Do not reach into your dog's mouth to hold its tongue. During this time your pet is not aware of what he or she is doing and can clench their jaws on your hand. This can be pretty painful and can cause severe damage to your hand. Do not worry about him choking on his tongue, he will not swallow it.

The next thing you can do for your loved pet is sit next to him to give reassurance. Knowing that you are there can be really helpful during this time. Talk in a soothing voice while petting your pet to help them during the seizure. Even after the convulsions have stopped, encourage your pet to remain laying down for a while.

Try to keep track of when the seizure started as well as how long it lasted. This information is important to your vet when you take your dog in. If your dog has had seizures before then you should know that you do not need to take your pet in every time he has one. Your dog should be taken to the vet if he is having continuous seizures within 5 minutes.

After the seizure has stopped, give him some sugar. Low blood sugars can be one of the causes of the seizure. One or two teaspoons should suffice. Do not give him too much of it as this can also be bad. Vanilla ice cream is preferred, but if you have another flavor instead in your refrigerator (except chocolate), that should do. After feeding your pet ice cream, try and give them dog food to help maintain the sugar given.

Seizures in dogs can be scary but knowing what to do during this time can really help both of you. Remember to let your veterinarian know everything that happens, and if it is not the first time, you do not need to take your pet every time a seizure occurs. If it is more than one occurring, or if the seizure appears to be very severe, take your pet to a veterinarian emergency room.

Author Information:

Sandra DeMers is the author of "Cory's Story," the story of a yellow Labrador retriever suffering from seizures in dogs that will absolutely AMAZE you. Cory is alive, happy and healthy at the age of 13 and hasn't had a seizure in over 5 years. Visit www.corysstory.com to learn Sandra's secret to good canine health--you'll be surprised when you learn the truth.

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