Seizures in Young Dogs

Discovering your young dog or puppy is having a seizure is a frightening event. Seizures can scare both the dog and the owners. Although seizures may be traumatic, they don't signal the end of a puppy's life. Many owners may not even recognize a seizure is happening at first or how to respond to it properly. With proper understanding about seizures in young dogs, owners can provide their dogs with the care necessary to allow them to continue living happy lives.

Causes

There are several causes for seizures in young dogs. The most common causes are injury and trauma. Puppies love to play and jump, which could result in a head injury that potentially causes a seizure. Also, heat stroke and extreme distress can cause seizures. According to Dr. Thomas K Graves, D.V.M., epilepsy can cause seizures in dogs of all ages. Epilepsy is an inherited disorder in certain breeds of dogs and can occur in puppies. Also, there are many allergies and toxins that can cause seizures in dogs. These include lead poisoning, insecticides and rat poisons.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of seizures in young dogs vary. Dr. Graves says that dogs may seek out their owners or hide before a seizure occurs. Most seizures occur as extreme convulsions and trembling of the dog's body. A seizure may be focal, which means the trembling is limited to one area of the dog's body. In addition, a sign of a seizure is when the dog appears to be staring off into space or is oblivious to you calling his name. Excessive drooling and saliva are associated with seizures, as is uncontrolled urination. According to all-about-puppies.com, a seizure may last for 30 seconds to three minutes.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the seizure. A veterinarian may recommend medication, a special diet or a detoxifying remedy with antidotes. If epilepsy is the cause of the young dog's seizure, a vet may prescribe an anti-seizure medication that the dog will take on a daily basis. Puppies with injuries may also be prescribed steroids to assist in the healing process. For food allergies that trigger seizures in young dogs, the vet may recommend changing the dog's food and introducing supplemental enzymes and probiotics. Detoxifying treatments include ridding the dog of poisons by stomach pumping, charcoal pumping and oral antidotes.

Safety

It's important to protect yourself as well as your dog during a seizure. When dogs suffer stress and a traumatic events, they often react with aggression such as biting. Avoiding the mouth area, place a soft object (pillow, pad or blanket) under the dog's head. If your puppy is in a dangerous location when the seizure occurs, like on the stairs or near a bookcase where things can fall on your pet, move your dog by its back end only. See your vet immediately when a seizure occurs in your puppy.

Prognosis

Typically, the prognosis for young dogs who've suffered a seizure is quite good. Although dogs may be on medication for a lengthy period of time or continue to experience seizures, they are often not in danger of dying. Many young dogs go on to live healthy, long lives even when suffering from seizures. Young dogs with seizures require that their owners start being vigilant about their well-being early on. This will ensure the owner knows when a seizure is coming and how to keep the dog from harming itself and others.