Thinking about a pet joining the family nucleus is usually associated with the happiest and funniest moments, such as being able to play with them, receive affection and great company. However, for a dog to become another member of the family also implies many responsibilities. One of the most important has to do with the veterinary care that he must receive to guarantee his well-being. And we must not overlook the possibility that it presents some type of disease or disorder, such as epilepsy in dogs.
Although there are some breeds of dogs that are prone to epilepsy, such as the Labrador Retriever or the German Shepherd, no specimen is exempt from it. If it is suspected that this may be the case with the family pet, it will be essential to go to the vet as soon as possible to make a proper diagnosis. And, if positive, the owners must know what care dogs with epilepsy need.
When a dog has an epileptic seizure, what happens in its brain is that the electrical activity becomes abnormal. And so the seizures arise. This can be seen by paying attention to the different phases of epilepsy in dogs. It all starts with a state of restlessness, which can lead to fearful or even aggressive behavior. It may also be the case that they salivate excessively, are not able to control their sphincters or lose consciousness. Subsequently, it will be the turn of the seizures and the next recovery period that the animal must pass.
Owners of dogs with epilepsy should focus their efforts on prevention, that is, on avoiding exaggerated excitement, which is what causes seizures. For this reason, it will be of great help if you try to keep the animal in quiet environments, where there are no loud noises, too bright lights or any stimulus that can cause them great excitement.
It will also be necessary to know and respect the medication guidelines that have been prescribed by the veterinarian. Administering the appropriate dose of the drug and accompanying the animal to undergo periodic check-ups for follow-up.
If an epileptic dog begins to seize, the rule of thumb is to remain calm and follow a series of basic steps. The first thing is to place the dog on a surface that is as soft and stable as possible, away from any type of object. The idea is to let the animal convulse, while ensuring that it cannot hit or fall. Do not forget not to manipulate the dog’s mouth. Once the seizures have passed, the animal will gradually recover. It is advisable to go to the vet.
