What Are the Signs of a Dog Having a Seizure?
There are many reasons why a dog might have a seizure. If your dog has had seizures recently, particularly long ones or many close together, call our veterinarian at The Brentwood Animal Hospital in Pensacola, FL, for your pet emergency.
The Signs of a Pet Seizure
The collapse of your pet is a major sign that he has had, or is having, a seizure. Along with collapsing, you may notice his body stiffens up or displays jerking movements of his body or both at the same time. A loss of consciousness can also occur with dog seizures. If your dog collapses, pay careful attention to what his body does next and whether he has any of these symptoms. Also, make sure to record the time of the incident and the length of the seizure as this is valuable information for your veterinarian.
Other Symptoms of Seizures
The stiffening and/or jerking is present in most seizures, but there are often a host of secondary symptoms that will present themselves. Having random muscle twitching is also a common sign. Another is excessive drooling. Your dog may foam at the mouth. He may chew or bite on his tongue. In some cases, a dog will urinate or defecate involuntarily on himself. Any combination of these symptoms is a strong indication of a seizure, and your pet will need to see a veterinarian to discover the cause and looks for signs of injury.
After a Seizure
It’s important to have a calm demeanor during and after a pet seizure. Your dog likely did not feel pain while it was happening, but he may have been afraid and confused. Afterward, your dog may look dazed or scared. Being a comforting presence can greatly benefit your pet after a seizure occurs.
Visit the Veterinarian for Your Pet Emergency
If you’re in the Pensacola area and are worried about your pet’s seizures, call The Brentwood Animal Hospital today at 850-434-2646 to have your pet’s health fully assessed. Most seizures will not cause permanent damage, but frequent seizures should be checked out by a veterinarian.
