Dogs do get seizures and it can be as a result of the parent genes or their genetic composition.
It is always important to know why and how your dog can get a seizure and what to do in that situation.
Ignorance when it comes to such conditions may end up being very costly and fatal for your dog and to avoid the whole mess, it is always important to take your dog for checkups at your vet.
This allows you to know the symptoms of getting seizures and every other thing you need to know about seizures.
Particular dog breeds are more prone to seizures than the rest of the other dogs. These dogs mostly suffer from seizures because of their genetic disposition. Here are the examples of dog breeds that suffer from seizures often as compare to other dogs: Saint Bernard, Shetland sheepdog, Poodle, Beagle, Golden retriever, Keeshond, and the Labrador retriever.
Below is everything you need to know in case your dog gets a seizure, has a history of getting seizures, or is a dog breed that is more prone to getting seizures.
Seizures can also be referred to as epilepsy conditions.
How to know when your dog is having a seizure?
Before anything, it is always important to be able to identify when your dog is having a seizure.
This might be the determinant of whether your dog makes it or not.
Below are some signs that your dog is having a seizure that you should not ignore:
- Your dog may suddenly seem confused which is usually very difficult to ignore.
- Your dog may also seem slightly unsteady and in turn, may fall to the ground a few tries when they try to walk.
- Once on the floor, they seem to be walking on water or something of the sort.
- Your dog may start to twitch or they could uncontrollably shake. This could last for a few minutes.
Another small symptom to note is that they may be temporarily blind after the seizure thus they may bump into things.
They may also try to hide after the seizure.
What are the main causes of seizures in dogs?
Below are some of the causes of seizures in dogs:
- Eating something poisonous either individually or in their food.
- The disease of the liver
- Extreme blood sugar which could be either high or low
- The disease of the kidney
- Injuries of the head may happen when your dog falls headfirst.
- Anemia
- Cancer of the brain
- Strokes may also be a cause of epilepsy
- In some cases, it is the passing of genetics from the parents to the pups; especially in healthy dog breeds.
What are the types of seizures?
Three types of main seizures may occur in your dog.
They are mainly characterized by:
- Where the seizure affects the brain
- The behavior of your dog after the seizure
- How long the seizure stays for
Here are the types of seizures that may affect dogs:
1. There is the Grandma seizure
This type of seizure takes place when the electrical activity in the brain is affected.
This may cause your dog to get convulsions and may even lose consciousness. It normally takes a few seconds or a few minutes.
2. There is the focal seizure
This type of seizure affects part of the brain instead of the whole brain.
They usually last for a few seconds.
This type of seizure may develop into generalized seizures which happen over time.
3. There is the psychomotor seizure
This type of seizure tends to impact the dog’s behavior rather physically.
Our dog may show some strange, abnormal behavior.
There is also a seizure that occurs without a properly-known cause which is called idiopathic epilepsy.
It usually happens between 6 months and 6 years of age.
Dog breeds that are the most prone to seizures?
Most dogs could easily get seizures but there are always those of a particular dog breed that is more prone to getting them than other dog breeds.
Here are some of those breeds and a few things about those dog breeds:
1. Shetland sheepdog
These dogs are known for their obedience, intelligence, and ability to be efficient at herding farm animals hence their name “sheepdog”.
They are very affectionate thus make very good family dogs.
They can be very reserved when it comes to strangers though.
They also like to bark hence they make perfect watchdogs.
They also have a straight coat.
Apart from all that that has been mentioned, the Shetland sheepdog is generally prone to other conditions such as thyroid disease, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.
2. Saint Bernard dog
They are known for their stillness. They go back to the 19th century.
Saint Bernards are kind and loving thus can be very good family dogs.
They are dogs that like to please their owners and love to meet new people.
Saint Bernard are generally big dogs thus require the exercise of about 30 minutes daily to avoid obesity.
They also have a generally large and heavy coat and can easily overheat in places with warm to high temperatures.
They are usually prone to getting conditions such as obesity, epilepsy, cataracts, and hip dysplasia.
3. Poodle
Poodles are one of the easiest dogs to train as they are very intelligent and confident dogs.
They don’t like strangers thus may appear snobby.
They are very protective and territorial thus make very good watchdogs.
They have a life expectancy of over a decade if in good health.
Poodles are generally healthy dogs unless they get the medical conditions genetically.
They are prone to epilepsy a bit more than other dog breeds.
4. Beagle
Beagles are natural-born hunting dogs so do not let their small size fool you.
They are naturally mischievous thus making them have a personality that is hard to train.
This is because they tend to resist the training that they are given.
However, all hope is not lost. They are not violent, they just have a difficult personality.
Apart from that, they are extremely loyal and playful thus can be very good family dogs.
It is important to try and stimulate your dog occasionally to try and reduce their stubborn behavior.
They are generally prone to some health conditions such as; hip dysplasia, periodontal disease, and epilepsy.
This means that for beagles, health screening is extremely important.
Conclusion
All in all, when it comes to seizures, it is important to take your dog to the vet in case of any underlying conditions other than seizures.
This will also help the vet give advice and suggestions on how to deal with the condition especially if it is repetitive.
