subject: 5 Ways To Lessen The Severity Of Dog Seizures [print this page] Does your best friend suffer from canine epilepsy? This article lists five strategies to make your dog's seizures less serious.
1. Bring along Rescue Remedy wherever you take your dog. 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. You can buy a bottle for about $7. You should purchase a few bottles, and have them in various locations in your home, your vehicle, and your bag for when you travel to other places. Personally, this product has make our dog's seizures less serious and not as long.
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. Strobe lights are a main cause of seizures in people, and similarly, excessive noise and light can be a main cause of seizures in dogs.
You should also ask other dog owners to keep their dogs at a safe distance during a seizure. Dogs have been known to attack seizing dogs since they are genetically wired to eliminate weak pack members which could cause a threat to the pack. 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. Protect your dog from self-inflicted injuries. Many canine epilepsy sufferers experience ferocious spasms that rock their entire bodies, sometimes causing the head or other parts to slam against the floor or other hard surfaces. 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. If there are stairs close to the area in which your dog is seizing, keep him from a tumble. Check his airway periodically to ensure his tongue doesn't block his breathing.
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. Gamma aminobutyric acid is an inhibitor that acts to de-activate 'messages gone out of control', i.e. seizures, and regulates balance within the chemistry of the brain.
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. Play a game with his favorite toy, serve up a yummy treat or take him for a walk around the block. Do whatever you are able to direct your dog's attention away from the seizure. This will help you and your dog both to move past the situation.
I hope these tips help you and your furry friend cope with seizures in the future. Wishing you the very best!
