Dogs are not only one of the most loved pets as these animals are often considered as stand-in children by the owners. As such, the dog owner would suffer even more if the pet is injured and in pain. Watching a seizing pet is a frightful experience. A dog owner seeing a seizing dog for the first time would panic as the pet would appear to be suffering from severe pain. Most dog owners would know how to administer first aid but is this emergency care necessary for a seizing dog?
The seizure that the dog has can either be single or repeated. Single seizure is characterized by a short duration that would last in seconds or a few minutes. Both the single seizure and repeated seizure last only in seconds or in a few minutes at the most but repeated seizure would happen one after the other. A single seizing episode may not have serious effects on the dog but repeated seizures would certainly be fatal as the dog may not be able to regain consciousness.
Status epilepticus and cluster seizures are the two types of repeated seizures. The two types of repeated seizure would be very debilitating as the dog would seize again and again. However, in status epilepticus, the dog would continue to seize without regaining consciousness. In cluster seizures, the dog that has regained consciousness after recovering from the first seizure would again become unconscious as another seizure occurs. These two types of repeated seizures are life threatening thus a vet has to be notified.
The frequency of seizures can be controlled with medications but there is no first aid for this condition. Alleviating pain, preventing the worsening of the pet's condition and saving the life of the pet are the reasons why first aid is given. A seizing dog would derive no benefits from first aid thus it would be best to let seizure run its course and to take the pet to the vets after the episode.
A dog owner's role is to make the seizing pet comfortable and to keep the pet away from injuries. The pet must be moved away from the stairs. Sharp and hard objects that can fall and injure the pet must be removed. Pet owners are advised not to hug a seizing pet to keep it from trembling. Seizing dogs are somewhat disoriented and the well meaning pet owner can be bitten by the pet instead. Talking softly to the dog would be more helpful. The voice of the owner would have a reassuring and calming effect on the pet.
The seizure that the dog has can either be single or repeated. Single seizure is characterized by a short duration that would last in seconds or a few minutes. Both the single seizure and repeated seizure last only in seconds or in a few minutes at the most but repeated seizure would happen one after the other. A single seizing episode may not have serious effects on the dog but repeated seizures would certainly be fatal as the dog may not be able to regain consciousness.
Status epilepticus and cluster seizures are the two types of repeated seizures. The two types of repeated seizure would be very debilitating as the dog would seize again and again. However, in status epilepticus, the dog would continue to seize without regaining consciousness. In cluster seizures, the dog that has regained consciousness after recovering from the first seizure would again become unconscious as another seizure occurs. These two types of repeated seizures are life threatening thus a vet has to be notified.
The frequency of seizures can be controlled with medications but there is no first aid for this condition. Alleviating pain, preventing the worsening of the pet's condition and saving the life of the pet are the reasons why first aid is given. A seizing dog would derive no benefits from first aid thus it would be best to let seizure run its course and to take the pet to the vets after the episode.
A dog owner's role is to make the seizing pet comfortable and to keep the pet away from injuries. The pet must be moved away from the stairs. Sharp and hard objects that can fall and injure the pet must be removed. Pet owners are advised not to hug a seizing pet to keep it from trembling. Seizing dogs are somewhat disoriented and the well meaning pet owner can be bitten by the pet instead. Talking softly to the dog would be more helpful. The voice of the owner would have a reassuring and calming effect on the pet.
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