What should I do if my dog is having seizures?

Solutions for dog seizures

1. Place the dog in a safe and comfortable area, keeping it cool and quiet.

2. Cover it with a blanket to prevent it from touching the ground, walls, or other hard objects until the seizure subsides, to prevent injuries.

3. Clear the mucus from the mouth and nose of the dog during the periods of stiffness to ensure smooth breathing. Also, clean up any feces or urine.

4. Offer water but reduce food intake, allowing the sick dog to rest in a quiet environment. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Causes of dog seizures

1. Heatstroke, which commonly occurs when dogs are active under intense sunlight, such as when being taken for walks, trained, or playing. It can also happen when dogs are kept in enclosed spaces or cars for too long without proper temperature control, ventilation, or access to water. Dogs with obesity, heart disease, dense fur, or lack of exercise are also more susceptible to heatstroke.

2. Poisoning, such as from rodenticides or pesticides.

3. Canine hypoglycemia, which mainly occurs in puppies and lactating females. Puppies under three months old often experience transient hypoglycemia (temporary low blood sugar) due to exposure to cold temperatures, hunger, or gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms include depression, unsteady gait, facial muscle twitching, generalized convulsions, and rapid progression into a coma. Lactating females may develop the condition due to increased nutritional demands from larger litter sizes and heavy lactation. Symptoms in females include muscle spasms, rigid or intermittent convulsions, body temperature elevation to 41-42 degrees Celsius, and increased respiration and heart rate.

4. Canine distemper, which is a common infectious disease in dogs.

5. Postpartum convulsions, which often occur in small breed dogs, with Shih Tzus being the most commonly affected. Higher rates of occurrence are observed after the first and second litters, particularly when the litter size is four or more and the lactation volume is high. Excitable small females have the highest occurrence rates, accounting for more than 90% of all cases. Occurrence rates are lower in dogs with less than three offspring.

6. Encephalitis and meningitis, which are inflammation of the brain and its membranes caused by infection or toxic factors. This includes various brain infections and diseases.