If you have a dog, then it is advisable to take your canine to the veterinarian if any serious issues happen to appear. In some cases, a trip to the emergency pet clinic may be necessary. Seizures are often a sign of an emergency and a necessary trip to an clinic. Keep reading to understand why a dog seizure may occur and what you will need to do when a canine seizure is noticed.

Why Do Dogs Have Seizures?

Idiopathic Seizures

Dogs can have seizures for a variety of reasons. Dog seizures will most commonly occur due to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy. This condition is a genetic one that will affect retrievers, poodles, keeshonds, cocker spaniels, beagles, dachshunds, german shepherds, and Irish setters. If you have one of these dogs, then your dog may be plagued with a seizure condition.

The condition can often be diagnosed If your dog has two seizures within 24 hours and there are no signs of poisoning. The seizures will generally occur for less than five minutes and your dog will often recover fully afterwards. Idiopathic epilepsy will occur between the ages of six months and six years and anti-seizure medication will often be prescribed to control seizures. While the condition can be treated, a diagnosis will need to be made by the veterinarian, and it is best for the doctor to examine your canine when he or she first starts to have seizures. This way tests can be completed quickly so medication can be started.

Also, in some cases, a serious condition called status epilepticus can occur where a seizure can last longer than 30 minutes. This is a serious condition that can cause brain damage. Breathing can become labored too and stop if your dog has several seizures in a short period of time. This means that the sudden onset of seizures is an emergency situation, even if an idiopathic epilepsy condition is suspected. 

Toxin Seizures

Seizures can also occur if your dog has eaten something toxic, and this is also an emergency situation. If a toxin has been ingested, then your dog may have several seizures within a short period of time. Your canine also may not fully recover from each incident. This means that he may same anxious, nervous, uncoordinated and disoriented for a long period of time. Seizures may also occur for longer than five minutes. 

If you suspect that a seizure has occurred due to a toxin, then consider the types of things in your home that may have caused a toxic episode. Medication overdoses may have caused the issue, so look at the types of products that you have been giving your dog and see if doses have been administered that are too frequent or too high. Also, certain foods around the house like mushrooms, dark chocolate, and palms can be toxic to dogs. So can chemicals that are used to kill rodents and insects. Try to identify the toxin or possible poison that has caused the seizure to occur. This will help the veterinarian come up with a treatment plan that will best work for your dog.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has A Seizure?

If your dog has a seizure, then you should transport your dog to an emergency clinic as soon as possible, whether a poisoning episode or idiopathic seizure condition is suspected. You should not do this while he is actively having a seizure. Flailing limbs can cause injuries and your dog may bite you if he becomes confused immediately after the seizure is over.

Wait for several minutes after the active seizure is over. Once your canine focuses his eyes on you and seems more alert, place a small amount of honey on his gums. This will help to raise the blood sugar and assist with the recovery after the seizure. Your dog may have evacuated his bladder and bowels, so you may need to do a bit of cleaning. Clean your dog and also get your car ready to transport your canine to the emergency veterinarian. Place several pillows in the back seat of your vehicle or cargo area and set your dog on the cushions. This will keep your canine from hurting himself if he has a seizure while in transit. Be prepared to answer questions so the vet can assess the situation. Bring your dog's medications, flea treatments, supplements, and new foods to the office so these things can be investigated for possible toxins.