One of the most common neurological conditions in dogs are seizures. A seizure is an involuntary disturbance of normal brain function. If your pet suddenly drops to the floor and starts kicking as if treading water, your pet may be having a seizure. We hope that your animal never has to experience a seizure, but know that our team at Mauston Pet Hospital is here to help in those dire situations.
The Cause of Seizures
There are a number of things that can cause a seizure in your pet. Common causalities are degenerative diseases, birth defects, trauma, immune-inflammatory diseases, cancer, and strokes. Problems with the kidneys or liver can also cause seizures. Your pet can experience a seizure from ingesting poisons, pesticides, and antifreeze. That’s why it’s so important to keep toxins far away from pets.
What to Do if Your Pet Is Experiencing A Seizure
- Try to not move your pet while the seizure is happening. Move any sharp or dangerous objects away from your pet’s vicinity until it is over. If your pet is on top of furniture or stairs, make sure that you block the area, so your pet doesn’t fall off.
- If your pet’s seizure lasts more than five minutes or is experiencing multiple seizures in a day, be ready to take your pet in, immediately. The mortality rate of pets that have cluster seizures or seizures that last more than five minutes is 25%.
- Try to keep your hands away from your pet’s mouth during and after the seizure. Your pet does not have a lot of conscious control during a seizure and can possibly bite you.
- After the seizure is done, keep a close eye on your pet for the rest of the day. Document how long it lasted and how it impacted your pet. This will serve as important information for your pet’s health record.
- Have towels and other cleaning resources nearby. It is common for pets to either throw up or suffer from diarrhea during a seizure.
- Annual pet checkups can help to look for any possible signs of your animal being susceptible to seizures.
Contact Us for Help
If you are in the Mauston, WI area and your pet is experiencing a seizure, you can count on our team at Mauston Pet Hospital to be there for you. We are dedicated to providing your pet with the best quality of service when he or she needs it most. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your animal.