5 Ways to Deal with Dog Seizures

May 6th, 2010 |

We’ve learned a ton of things about dealing with canine epilepsy (dog seizures) through the years with Cory. Here are some important ones that work:

1. Carry Rescue Remedy wherever you go. Rescue Remedy is an herbal, homeopathic liquid that comes in a small bottle and provides calming relaxation when placed in small dosages on the tongue. You can buy a bottle for about $7. Buy several bottles and keep them around the house, in the car, and in your purse or pocket when you are away from the home or car.

The moment your dog begins to have a seizure, apply a few drops inside his mouth. This seems to lesson the severity and duration of the seizure.

2. Turn out the lights and be quiet! It’s difficult and often impossible to predict what caused your epileptic dog’s seizure, but one of the main causes is too much of an outside stimulus such as noise or light. Have you ever seen those epilepsy warnings on movies that have strobe effects? Strobe lights are known to cause seizures in epileptic humans for this very reason. It’s brain circuit overload! When you dog begins to have a seizure, some people may become frightened (especially if it happens in a public area like an off-leash dog park). You need to tell bystanders and onlookers to be quiet, leash their dogs and keep their dogs FAR AWAY from your seizing dog.

Even friendly dogs may attack yours while seizing, which is a result of evolutionary behavioral traits.

If you are outside, shield your dog’s eyes from the sunlight. If there are any curious and astonished onlookers nearby, politely tell them to be silent. If you are indoors, turn off the lights and be silent. If anyone is with you, quietly tell them to be calm and quiet.

3. Protect your dog from injury! When your dog begins to seize, his body may begin to violently convulse. This can cause him to hit his head on the floor or other objects nearby, which can seriously injure him and even prolong the seizure. You should gently cradle your dog’s head in your arms and ensure that he doesn’t hurt himself. Also be sure to prevent him from falling down a staircase if there is one nearby, and regularly check to make sure he is still able to breathe. His tongue or saliva may cause him to choke.

4. Apply ocular compression. Here’s an excellent write-up on ocular compression. Here’s the description of why ocular compression works (from http://www.canine-epilepsy.com):

“OC is simply an application of pressure on one or both eyes. This pressure stimulates the Vagus Nerve which in turn releases GABA and glycine into the brain. GABA is an inhibitor that serves to shut down ‘messages gone out of control’, i.e. seizures, and restores balance in the brain.”

5. Take some time to give loving attention to your dog after the seizure. Since dogs can’t communicate with humans about things like seizures, it’s a very frightening experience. Your dog will need compassion, love, and reassurances that everything will be OK. Try offering him some treats, play a game with him, or offer to go for a walk. Whatever you can do to help get your dog’s mind off the frightening experience that has just happened will be best for you and your furry friend.

Did I forget any great tips? If you have more to add, please visit Cory’s blog at http://www.corysstory.com and tell us in the comments!

If you liked Marley and Me, you’ll love Cory’s Story. You’ll learn the amazing story of how Cory overcamedog seizures!