Signs of seizures in dogs: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Seizures are a common neurological disorder in dogs that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain injury, infection, and metabolic imbalances. A seizure occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to a sudden and uncontrolled burst of activity.
Dogs of any breed or age can experience seizures impacting their quality of life and it can be a frightening experience for pet owners to witness. In this article, we will discuss the signs of seizures in dogs and what you can do to help your furry friend.
Common Warning Signs of Seizures in Dogs
There are several typical seizure symptoms that you should keep an eye out for, such as:
1. Uncontrolled shaking or tremors
This is one of the most common signs of a seizure in dogs. The shaking or tremors can affect any part of the body and may be mild or severe.
2. Loss of consciousness or awareness
During a seizure, a dog may lose consciousness or awareness of their surroundings. They may appear to be in a dazed or confused state with dilated pupils.
3. Stiffening or rigidity of the limbs
Some dogs may experience stiffness or rigidity of the limbs during a seizure. This can make it difficult for them to move or walk normally.
4. Paddling or cycling motions with the legs
Dogs may also show unusual behavior such as making paddling or cycling motions with their legs during a seizure as if they are trying to swim.
5. Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth is a common sign of seizures in dogs. This odd behavior is caused by increased salivation during the seizure.
6. Urination or defecation
Some dogs may lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure, leading to involuntary urination or defecation.
7. Vocalization or howling
Dogs may vocalize or howl during a seizure, which can be distressing for both the dog and the owner.
8. Confusion or disorientation
After a seizure, dogs may depict strange behavior and appear confused or disoriented. They may wander aimlessly, seem unresponsive, or have difficulty recognizing their owners.
By understanding these common signs of seizures in dogs, pet owners can better recognize when their furry friend is experiencing a seizure and seek appropriate veterinary care. It's important to keep track of the duration and frequency of the episodes to help with diagnosis and medical treatment.
Choosing the right CBD oil for your dog with seizures
Seeing the above signs in your furry friend? Seizures can be very distressing for both dogs and pet parents, and traditional anti-seizure medications often come with side effects that can be difficult to manage.
That's why many pet owners are turning to alternative treatment options, such as CBD oil, capitalizing on the benefits of CBD oil to help manage their dog's seizures.
Choosing the right CBD oil for your dog with seizures is crucial to ensure that your furry friend gets the maximum benefit without any potential side effects.
Factors to consider when selecting a CBD oil product for your dog
1. Quality
Not all CBD oils are created equal, and it's essential to choose a high-quality product. Look for CBD oils that are third-party tested for purity and potency. Third-party testing ensures that the product contains the amount of CBD advertised and is free of harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents.
2. Source
The source of the hemp plant used to extract CBD oil is also critical. Hemp plants that are grown in the United States or Europe are subject to strict regulations, ensuring that the plant is grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals.
3. Extraction Method
The extraction method used to extract CBD from the hemp plant can affect the quality of the final product. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard in the industry, as it yields a pure and potent product without the use of harmful solvents.
4. Type of CBD
There are three types of CBD used in CBD oil products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including THC, while broad-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids except THC.
Isolate CBD is the purest form of CBD, containing only CBD without any other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils are generally considered more effective for managing seizures due to the "entourage effect" of multiple cannabinoids working together.
5. Dosage
The dosage of CBD oil for your dog will depend on their weight, the severity of their seizures, the frequency of seizures within a 24-hour period and other individual factors. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you see the desired effects. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's dosage guidelines and consult with your veterinarian.
6. Form
CBD oil products come in various forms, including tinctures and topicals. Tinctures are the most common form of CBD oil and are easy to administer. Topicals are best for localized pain and inflammation.
Showing Such Signs? Understand the causes the causes of seizures in your dog
Determining the cause of seizures in your pet can be a complex process and may require multiple diagnostic tests. However, it's important to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment and management for your dog's seizures. Here is how you can determine the cause of seizures in your furry friend:
1. Physical examination
The first step in determining the cause of seizures in dogs is a physical examination by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will check for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the seizures, such as infection or injury.
2. Medical history
The veterinarian will also take a detailed medical history of the dog, including any previous episodes of seizure activity, medications, and any recent changes in behavior or diet. The veterinarian will also be interested in the dog's medical history to assess whether seizures were caused by any underlying condition
3. Diagnostic tests
Depending on the results of the physical examination and medical history, the veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, urine tests, or imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan. These tests can help to identify any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the seizures.
4. Neurological exam
A neurological exam may also be performed to assess the dog's brain function and look for any abnormalities.
5. EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be performed to record the dog's brain activity during a seizure. This can help to diagnose epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures.
6. Toxicology screening
If there is no clear medical cause for the seizures, a toxicology screening including blood tests may be performed to check for exposure to toxins or poisons that may cause reactive seizures.
Different Types of Seizures in Dogs
There are several types of seizures that can affect dogs, including:
1. Psychomotor seizures
These seizures are characterized by abnormal behaviors and unusual movements such as running in circles, chasing their tail, or biting at imaginary objects.
2. Idiopathic epilepsy
This is a type of epileptic seizure disorder with no known cause. Idiopathic epilepsy is considered genetic epilepsy in dogs that is commonly seen in certain breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
3. Secondary seizures
These seizures are caused by an underlying medical condition, such as brain tumors, brain cancer, liver or kidney disease, or low blood sugar levels.
4. Generalized seizures
These seizures involve the entire brain and can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled movements.
5. Focal seizures
Also known as partial seizures, these seizures affect the electrical activity of only one part of the brain and may cause involuntary movements such as twitching or jerking of one limb or side of the body from muscle contractions.
6. Cluster seizures
Cluster seizures are a series of severe seizures that occur within a short period of time without the dog regaining full consciousness between seizures.
7. Status epilepticus
This is a life-threatening condition where a seizure lasts for more than five minutes or multiple seizures occur back-to-back without the dog regaining consciousness in between. Status epilepticus may also cause irreversible brain damage.