How to Prepare, React & Help Your Pet Recover from a Seizure
Seizure Treatment for Dogs
Witnessing your pet experience a seizure can be downright terrifying. For some animals, this could be a one-time experience, however, in most cases, seizure recur and could even happen on a regular basis. It’s important to remember that seizures can happen unexpectedly with any breed and at any age. With this said, it’s important to be prepared and learn the best ways to react in order to help your pet properly recover. In those very scary moments, you may feel like a helpless observer, but please remember that you are far from it!
Predictive Behaviors
Looking out for the signs of a seizure is vital for safety. This is especially helpful for epileptic pets who have had seizures in the past.
- Look out for these common signs that a seizure is on the way: pacing, acting really anxious or clingy, exhibit a “far-away look” (staring into space), or confusion.
- For some pets the signs are obvious. However, in other pets the signs may be really subtle and difficult to determine. If your pet does show signs, you can prepare to remove them from any dangerous situation such as crossing the street, visiting a dog park, swimming in the lake, etc.
Safety
During your pet’s seizures, you’ll want to keep these tips in mind.
- You should never move your pet unless they are in danger. Although it looks like they are in extreme distress, your pet is not conscious nor in pain. It’s best just to leave them be. Instead, make the space they are in as safe as possible. Move chairs, tables, block the staircase, etc.
- Don’t hold them close, pin them down or try to cuddle them. This will not benefit your pet and could potentially result in an injury.
- Keep yourself safe. Your pet will most likely be completely unaware of their surroundings or behavior during and after a seizure. Immediately after a dog experiences a seizure, he or she can become anxious, agitated and could even lose their sight temporarily. The sweetest dogs could be prone to bite while in this state, so it may be best to keep your space.
Recovery
Depending on your pet and how long the seizure was, the recovery period can take a few minutes or it can take several hours.
- A seizure uses a lot of energy so your pet will likely be disoriented and really tired after. They may have trouble standing, walk in circles or appear to seem “drunk”. It’s best to leave your pet nice and quiet without stimulating them. Often, they will want to sleep it off.
- Unless your pet has never had a seizure before there's no need to contact a veterinarian. If you notice that a few hours post seizure the symptoms aren't improving or they're worsening, then it's a good time to contact the professionals.
Remain Calm
It may feel impossible to remain calm during and after a seizure episode, but it’s a crucial step in helping them to recover.
- Animals are extremely sensitive to our energy. With this said, remaining calm will help them to feel more at ease once they come to consciousness.
- Avoid moving frantically, making loud noises or yelling. Your pet is extremely vulnerable to loud sounds after a seizure. Close the windows. Maintain a cool interior with the shades drawn and minimal light. Keep the doors closed. A quiet and peaceful environment is best.
Administer CBD
More and more pet owners today are realizing that synthetic drugs are not the only way to treat animals prone to seizures. There has been great success using natural solutions with cannabidiol or CBD for seizures in pets.
- This substance is found in cannabis or marijuana. It's not to be confused with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is famous for the "high" in marijuana. CBD Oil for pets is the active ingredient in hemp that doesn't have psychoactive properties. It's more of a relaxation agent.
- Your dog can benefit from CBD by taking it on a regular basis. In fact, many families see a dramatic change in their pet's seizure frequencies with its use.
- CBD can be administered to your pet in two forms: by pill or through oil added to their food. It is also safe on the animal’s organs. Synthetic drugs designed for seizures tend to negatively impact certain organs, such as the liver.
- Prana Pets, a leading brand of CBD/Hemp and other herbal pet remedies, offers a Seizure Symptom Support supplement, which helps to temporarily relieve symptoms of seizures in dogs, cats and other pets. A few of its features include: Soothing and regulating to the nervous system, relieves typical symptoms of seizures and seizure related conditions, reduces the frequency and intensity of symptoms of cat and dog Seizures with regular use, reduces symptoms of stressful situations, eases anxiety in high strung or nervous pets, supports stable, balanced function of brain and nervous system. Having this supplement on hand is a great idea for all pet parents, especially those with pets who suffer from reoccurring seizures. Learn more at: https://www.pranapets.com/products/seizure-symptom-support/.
Seizure Diary
If your pet is having seizures on a regular basis, it’s a smart idea to start a diary to track the episodes. Be sure to note what your pet was doing when the seizures started and if there were signs leading up to it. Jot down the exact time and date and how long the seizure lasted. This will help you and your veterinarian determine if this is a developing problem or if the seizures are getting more frequent or severe.
Special Treat
Did you know that ice cream could help your canine recover from a seizure? Once your pup is conscious, a small amount of vanilla ice cream may help bring back their blood sugar to normal levels. You don’t want to give too much. A tablespoon should do the trick! It’s also a great way to distract your pet’s mind and perk them up after a harrowing experience.
Seizures are a very alarming thing to experience with your pet. Remember that you are not alone in this. Talking to your veterinarian can help ease concerns, and keeping these tips in mind will help significantly with their recovery.
About The Pet Lady
Dana Humphrey, AKA "The Pet Lady" travels coast to coast scouting out the best pet products, brands and pet experts. She is also a professor and program facilitator at FIT, the fashion institute of technology and teaches in the pet product marketing and design department. She was recently awarded by Pet Age Magazine 40 under 40 and Women of Influence.
Learn more at: http://www.thepetlady.org/.
Twitter: @petladyworld
Here's a link to her media reel:
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