What You Can do to Help a Dog During a Seizure

When a canine suffers a epileptic seizure, do you know exactly what to do? This particular guide describes the 5 things a person can do to provide first aid for a canine having a seizure.

Does your dog have canine epilepsy? Here are five ways to lessen the severity of your dog's seizure:

1. Carry Rescue Remedy wherever you go. Rescue Remedy is an herbal, homeopathic liquid that comes in a small bottle and provides calming relaxation when placed in small dosages on the tongue. A bottle will cost approximately $7. Buy several bottles and keep them around the house, in the car, and in your purse or pocket when you are away from the home or car. We've seen from our own experiences that Rescue Remedy can reduce the length of a seizure as well as the severity.

2. Reduce the amount of simulation your dog receives. One of the main causes of seizures can be too much outside light or noise stimulation. This is similar to humans, where strobe lights are a known trigger for an epileptic seizure, so try to minimize bright lights and noise.

You should also ask other dog owners to keep their dogs at a safe distance during a seizure. Dogs still have that genetic predisposition to keep the pack strong by destroying the weaker members, and even trusty Fido will attack another dog who is suffering a seizure. If the seizure occurs while you are inside, quickly turn off all the lights, and tell anyone who is in the house to remain completely silent.

3. Don't let your dog hurt himself. When your dog has a seizure, his whole body could violently spasm, during which time his head may hit objects or the floor. This could lead to a serious head injury that increases the seizure time, so make sure you protect the head from any sudden jerks or spasms. Stairs can be particularly dangerous, and if your canine has an attack near a flight of stairs, you'll need to make sure he doesn't tumble down. While he's having the seizure, be sure to check his tongue periodically to make sure that his airway hasn't been blocked.

4. Use ocular compression. Pressing on the eyes is known more formally as Ocular Compression or OC. Many experts believe that such pressure tells the Vagus Nerve to produce the chemicals GABA and glycine, two important pieces in brain chemistry. GABA or gamma aminobutyric acid works in the brain to tell the body to stop convulsing. It restores the brain to normal levels and halts the seizures.

5. Reassure your dog with a little TLC after the seizure has passed. Dogs are not able to talk about their seizures, so they are probably quite scared after one occurs. He needs to be reassured that he is still loved, still a member of the family, and that everything is going to be just fine. Give him a few treats, play with him, or take him on a walk. Whatever you can do to help get your dog's mind off the frightening experience that has just happened will be best for you and your furry friend.

It is my hope that the suggestions listed here will assist you and your dog in dealing with seizures. I wish you good luck!

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