Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Helping with an Epileptic Seizure
• Part 2 of 3: Providing care after an epileptic seizure
• Part 3 of 3: Learning Information About Epilepsy in Canines
• Tips
• Warnings

Epilepsy in dogs is a serious disease that creates considerable difficulties for the owner of a sick animal. A diagnosis of epilepsy indicates that your dog is suffering from seizures of a neurological nature. Seizures are the result of excessive electrical activity in neurons in the brain. Some dogs may have just one seizure and never have again, while others may have chronic seizures. If your dog is having seizures, it is critical to see your veterinarian. Without veterinary treatment, seizures can gradually become more severe. There are a number of things you can do to help your pet with epilepsy, including providing support and assistance after seizures, and taking steps to prevent seizures from recurring.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Helping with an Epileptic Seizure

1. 1 Calm your dog down during a seizure. The dog will be scared during and after the seizure, so it is critical that you do your best to reduce the fear. If your pet suffers from regular seizures, it can be helpful to examine the signs of an impending seizure so that you can prepare for it. Here are some simple steps you can take to calm your dog during a seizure.
   • Place a pillow under your pet's head. This will help protect your dog's head during a seizure.
   • Talk to your dog in a low, soothing tone of voice. Repeat the following phrases to your pet: "It's okay, buddy. You are a good dog. Calm, calm, I'm with you."
   • Stroke your dog gently and soothingly. You can let your dog lie down on your lap, or even pick him up if he is small.
2. 2 Keep your hands away from the dog's mouth. It is a misconception that a dog can swallow its tongue during a seizure, so under no circumstances should your hands or fingers be pushed into the mouth during a seizure. In such a situation, it is very likely to suffer from a bite. Also, do not insert any other objects into the dog's mouth, as the pet may break off its teeth or even choke on them.
3. 3 Calm your dog down after a seizure. Before taking any further action, it is important to calm the dog down. Occasionally, the seizure may recur if the dog is very nervous and / or tries to get up before recovering from the seizure. Continue to calm your pet and stay close to him for a while after the attack.
   • To help your dog relax, keep the room quiet. Turn off the radio and TV, and do not allow more than one or two people to be in the room. Also remove the rest of the pets from the room.
4. 4 Pay attention to the duration of the seizures. Try to time the time so you know how long your dog's seizures last. If you have a phone close at hand, film the episode. This record can assist the veterinarian in making a diagnosis and choosing the appropriate treatment.
   • If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seek emergency veterinary attention as soon as possible. Prolonged seizures can overexert the muscles of the respiratory system and thus impair the dog's ability to breathe.

Part 2 of 3: Providing care after an epileptic seizure

1. 1 Show your dog to the veterinarian. Once the seizure is over, it is important to subject the animal to a veterinarian. This examination will include a number of diagnostic procedures and tests that will rule out other possible causes of seizures and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your pet. If all tests and diagnostic procedures are negative, the dog probably has a primary seizure disorder and your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you.
2. 2 Ask your veterinarian about medications. There are several drugs that can reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. In most cases, these medications should be taken daily for the life of the animal. The main drugs are listed below.
   • Imepitoin ("Pesion")... It is a new drug that replaces phenobarbital. Its concentration in the blood reaches a therapeutic level faster than other drugs, rapidly suppressing seizures by restoring the equilibrium state of the brain.
   • "Phenobarbital"... This is another common medication used to treat epilepsy in dogs. It also suppresses the excessive brain activity that leads to seizures.
   • Potassium bromide... This compound is used when taking phenobarbital causes health problems in the dog. An alternative to potassium bromide is sodium bromide. Both drugs can reduce the seizure activity of the brain.
   • "Gabapentin"... This antiepileptic drug is often combined with other drugs to better control general seizures.
   • Diazepam... This drug is often used as a sedative in place of conventional seizure medications, but should only be used if seizures are frequent and long enough.
   • Phenytoin ("Diphenin")... Another drug that may be more effective and have fewer side effects. Talk to your veterinarian about prescribing this drug.
3. 3 Discuss the sedation of drugs. Many antiepileptic drugs have a sedative effect, but in most cases, animals adapt to this effect. Also, sometimes the combined use of certain drugs can reduce the sedative effect if the dog shows a strong reaction to taking any one drug.
   • Remember that medications can have a negative effect on your pet's liver and kidneys, so when dealing with recurrent epileptic seizures, you need to weigh the pros and cons of taking specific medications.
4. 4 Talk to your veterinarian about using sedatives in stressful situations. If your dog is very nervous, you may need to give him sedatives during times of stress. Talk to your veterinarian about intermittent sedation in stressful situations.
   • You may want to give your dog a sedative on holidays, when there are frequent fireworks and fireworks, such as New Years.
   • You can also give your dog sedatives when you have a lot of guests at home, if strangers are stressing it.
   • A dog may need sedatives even in a thunderstorm to cope with the frightening peals of thunder and flashes of lightning.
5. 5 Monitor your dog's condition. Epilepsy in dogs, although it can be controlled in most cases, is usually a progressive problem. Even with medication, some dogs can have intermittent epileptic seizures. If your attacks become more frequent or more severe, consult your veterinarian immediately.
   • Be aware that epileptic seizures in your dog can be more frequent and more severe as they get older.

Part 3 of 3: Learning Information About Epilepsy in Canines

1. 1 Check out the types of epilepsy. Dogs can suffer from two main types of epilepsy: primary and secondary.
   • Primary epilepsy usually affects young animals (up to two years of age) as it is a genetic disorder. However, sometimes primary epilepsy develops later in life and is also known as idiopathic epilepsy.
   • Secondary epilepsy can occur at any age. This type of epilepsy is often the result of other problems with the nervous system, such as infections, diseases, brain injuries, strokes, or brain tumors.
2. 2 Learn to distinguish between major seizures. In a major seizure, the dog falls to one side, the body becomes stiff, and the limbs convulse. The animal may howl, salivate, bite, and may have involuntary urination or defecation during an attack that can last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes or more. Be aware that not all dogs have major seizures. Seizures in some dogs may be less severe and less severe.
3. 3 Learn to recognize a focal seizure. Some dogs may suffer from focal epileptic seizures that cause them to move in strange ways or perform repetitive actions such as grooming themselves, walking in circles, or rolling to the side. Pay attention to any unusual behavior your dog exhibits. If you are unsure if this behavior is a seizure, check with your veterinarian. In this case, video recording of the episode can also help you, which will allow the veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis.
4. 4 Pay attention to the symptoms of an impending seizure. Before an epileptic seizure, a dog may sense that something is wrong with it and begin to react to it. Before an epileptic seizure, you may notice certain things, for example:
   • sticky pet behavior;
   • constant walking;
   • whining;
   • vomiting;
   • dazed or confused state.

Tips

• Look for possible external triggers for seizures, such as pesticides or household cleaning products.
• It is most important to be with your dog during seizures. Seizures tend to scare dogs, so it's important to calm your dog down to help it feel better.
• It's a good idea to have an old towel handy when your dog is having a seizure. It is not uncommon for a dog to develop certain outward signs that it is about to defecate.
• Be sure to ask your veterinarian to explain in detail how to help your dog during epileptic seizures.

Warnings

• An epileptic seizure lasting more than 5 minutes can be life-threatening. For a prolonged seizure (more than five minutes), call your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.
• Never quit a prescribed course of medication without first discussing your actions with your veterinarian.