Is Your Dog Having Seizures?

A seizure is described as an abnormal burst of activity in the brain. Some seizures in dogs may last a few seconds, to a few minutes, some even last hours at a time. There are four main types of seizures in dogs: Generalized seizures Focal seizures Cluster seizures Status epilepticus Although seizures may affect any dog at any time, there are some things to keep in mind. About 70% of dogs between the ages of 1 and 6 will suffer from a seizure at least once. This may be caused by an unknown illness and may be a one-time occurrence, or may be a life-long ailment that requires medical attention. There are a number of different health issues that may cause seizures, including brain disorders such as worms, canine distemper and heat stroke. Stages of a canine seizure The severity of a canine seizure depends on different symptoms you may witness. There are a few different types of seizures, but most display similar signs and progress in stages. Keep an eye out for the following signs during the different stages of a canine seizure: Prodome stage – This is just before the actual seizure. You will notice a change in your dog’s mood or behavior. Some changes include neediness, pacing, excessive panting and whining. Ictal stage – This is the actual seizure itself. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the seizure. Most seizures only last a few seconds to a few minutes, and anything over five minutes long must be discussed with your veterinarian. Some signs of a seizure include losing consciousness, temporary paralysis, teeth chomping, pawing the air and uncontrollable urination and bowel movements.