Seizures occur in roughly 2 percent to 3 percent of dogs (see Resources). Although the cause is indefinite, it's most likely because of genetics. It's hard enough to see a human suffer during a seizure, but it can be even worse watching your dog experience one because it can't communicate in words. Although the first impulse is to panic, owners should try to be as cool headed as possible, helping the dog stay calm during and after the seizure.
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Identification
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A seizure is an involuntary contraction of a dog's muscles, with symptoms ranging from nervousness and whining to salivation and trembling to even unconsciousness. Seizures can begin in dogs about age 6 months to 5 years old, with the most common age for episodes at 2 or 3 years old. Although any dog can have a seizure, the breeds more expected to undergo them include Irish setters, German shepherds, beagles, cockers, collies, retrievers, springers, malamutes, huskies and dachshunds.
Effects
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Being disoriented for 10 to 15 minutes is how most dogs act after they've had a seizure. Once their period of disorientation ends, they return to their old selves. After the disorientation, they usually sit up and start to shake it off. Carrying on with what they were doing is how some dogs react after a seizure. Prolonged confusion can be another aftereffect. Some dazed, confused dogs might appear disoriented for as long as 24 hours after a seizure.
Aftercare
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As your dog ends its seizure, offer a soothing voice and soft, loving touch. Because it can't help what happened, don't scold it for doing anything out of character during the seizure such as urinating or biting. Don't allow it to be physically active until you can see that it has totally recovered from the seizure. Because seizures are exhausting, it's likely that your dog will want to sleep more than usual. Make it as comfy as possible without disturbing it.
Medical Treatment
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Record the time when your dog started having a seizure. If the seizure lasts for five minutes or less, let the dog quietly recover before calling the animal clinic. Chances are your vet might advise bringing your dog into the clinic for blood tests and a physical later. However, it's better for your dog to stay home to recover instead of being immediately driven to an animal clinic. On the other hand, if your dog fails to come out of the seizure after five minutes, and has more seizures timed closely together, you should call your vet right away. Don't forget to call ahead to ensure someone is at the clinic. If your dog experiences more than one seizure a month, bring it to the vet for treatment and observation.
Misconceptions
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A common misconception is thinking that because a dog has a seizure, it automatically has epilepsy. There's no test to prove epilepsy because it's usually diagnosed by a process of elimination.
Warnings
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Many owners worry about their dogs swallowing their tongues while having a seizure. That is not possible. Keep objects and hands clear from the dog's mouth. Because a seizure is confusing to your dog, it's important to be there during and after an attack. Do not breed dogs that have had seizures.
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