Dog seizures how long

A stopwatch is ideal, but even just keeping an eye on the clock can let you know how long your dog has been seizing. If your dog has several seizures in the span of a few minutes and does not wake up between each one, he needs to see a vet immediately. If your dog has a seizure near stairs or the edge of the bed, carefully push him to a safer location or place something in front of him that will prevent him from falling without hurting him.

They also may not always be able to control their movements and could potentially seize so hard they fall. Speak in low, comforting tones to your dog. Some owners even try putting on soft, gentle music for their dogs after a seizure. However, your dog may appreciate it more if you just let him come back to normal without adding distractions around him, too. Because of this, it can be helpful to gently place cool washcloths over his feet after the seizure has ended.

Some owners wrap their dog in a towel or blanket and hold him to comfort him after a seizure. It is fine to do this if your dog has become alert and is otherwise back to normal following the seizure. Avoid doing this if hugging usually bothers your dog, as he will not find it comforting in this situation, either. After your dog is alert and awake again, he may be very tired. Your dog may also be extremely hungry or thirsty after a seizure. If this is the first time your dog has had a seizure or if the seizure lasted longer than usual, call your vet right away and ask their advice.

Follow what the vet suggests. Seizures can be classified as central or generalized, depending on whether they affect only a part or the entire body. Of importance, the part of the body that moves during a seizure also corresponds to where the abnormal brain activity is registered. In this state, the brain cells are too excitable. Other known causes of seizures include brain tumors, inflammatory diseases of the brain, toxins, and metabolic diseases.

During a Seizure:. Avoid the dog's mouth and head. Move the dog away from stairs, furniture and sharp objects. Dogs won't swallow their tongues. After a Seizure:. This may take minutes to hours. What should I do if my dog is having a seizure? Are all seizures or convulsions in dogs epilepsy? Are there different types of seizures in dogs? Generalized Seizure: This type of seizure can be grand mal or mild.

The grand mal seizure is also known as a tonic-clonic seizure because typically has two phases; tonic and clonic. In the tonic phase, which typically lasts seconds, dog falls, loses consciousness and extends his limbs rigidly.

Respiration also stops apnea. Other signs that appear during the tonic or clonic phase are dilation of the pupils, salivation, urination and defecation. The mild seizure involves little or no paddling or extension of limbs, and usually no loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures are usually associated with primary epilepsy.

Partial Seizures: Movements are restricted to one area of the body, such as muscle jerking, movement of one limb, turning the head or bending the trunk to one side, or facial twitches.

Partial seizures are usually associated with secondary epilepsy. Complex Partial Seizures Psychomotor or Behavioral : These seizures are associated with bizarre or complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure. People with complex partial seizures experience distortions of thought, perception or emotion usually fear , sometimes with unusual sensations of sound, smell, hallucinations or taste. If dogs experience the same things, it may explain the lip-smacking, chewing, fly biting, aggression, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding in otherwise normal animals.

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite and flank biting are other signs. There is an obvious lack of awareness, though usually not a lack of consciousness. Abnormal behaviors may last minutes or hours and can be followed by a generalized seizure. Complex partial seizures are usually associated with secondary epilepsy.

These situations can make us feel helpless and out of control, but there are steps you can take to help your dog recover safely. Jerry Klein about seizures in dogs to find out what you should do if you witness one. Klein explains. Other causes of seizures in dogs include electrolyte or blood abnormalities, such as low blood sugar, severe anemia , cancer , brain tumors , trauma to the brain, metabolic diseases, and exposure to toxins.

While these are easier to spot, some seizures may be localized, such as a facial tremor, or present as a sudden onset of rhythmic movements or actions, like unusual barking. Following these tips will help keep you and your dog safe until the seizure is over:.

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