Seizures are common in dogs and can be caused by various factors. Reports state that around 0.5–2.6 percent of dogs are admitted to the emergency hospital for seizures.
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If you see your pet having a seizure, it is essential to avail immediate medical attention. The following article will discuss dog seizures, causes, symptoms, and treatments like CBD for dog seizures.
What Are Seizures In Animals?
Seizures are uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain. They can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on what part of the brain is affected.
Dogs can experience seizures for various reasons, including:
1) Genetic Disorders
Genetic disorders are conditions that are passed down from parents to their children. Some of these conditions can cause seizures. Examples of genetic disorders that may cause seizures to include:
a) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: This is a disorder that causes muscles to weaken and waste away over time. A mutation in the dystrophin gene causes it. Seizures are common in dogs with this condition.
b) Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that parents can pass down to their children. Recurrent seizures characterize it, which may be mild or severe.
c) Hip Dysplasia: A genetic disorder that affects the hip joints. It can cause pain and lameness. In some cases, it can also cause seizures.
d) von Willebrand Disease: This is a hereditary blood clotting disorder. Dogs with this condition may have nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding from wounds. Seizures may also occur.
e) Fragile X Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes mental retardation, seizures, and other problems.
f) Tay-Sachs Disease: This rare, fatal degenerative disorder affects the central nervous system. If your pet has this disease, they will likely experience seizures and paralysis. There is no cure for this disease, but CBD may help to ease the symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.
2) Trauma
Head injuries can sometimes cause seizures. If your dog has suffered a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall, it may be at risk for seizures. CBD can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the brain, which may help prevent or reduce the severity of seizures.
3) Toxins
Several toxins can cause seizures in dogs. These include lead, mercury, and pesticides. If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to these toxins, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
CBD can help treat seizures caused by toxins.
Symptoms Of Seizures You Should Not Ignore
Here are some common seizure symptoms you should not ignore:
1) Your Dog Becomes Unresponsive And Starts Convulsing
If your dog suddenly becomes unresponsive or starts to have muscle spasms, it’s time to seek medical attention.
2) Your Pet’s Tongue Turns Blue
If your dog’s tongue turns blue, they are not getting enough oxygen, and their seizure is severe. Immediately call your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital.
3) Your Dog Loses Control Of Its Bladder Or Bowels
Loss of bowel or bladder control is a sign that your dog’s seizure is severe and they are in danger. The muscles that control these functions are affected by the seizure.
4) Your Pet’s Seizure Lasts Longer Than Five Minutes
If a dog’s seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it is considered a medical emergency.
Treatment Methods For Seizures
Here are some commonly used methods to treat seizures in your pet animals:
1) CBD
CBD is a type of oil that people use to help animals with seizures. It comes from the cannabis plant.
The cannabis plant is also used to make marijuana. But, CBD oil does not have the same effects as marijuana, as it does not have THC in it.
So, it will not make your animal high. Some people suggest that this oil helps to control seizures by helping to change how the brain works. It helps in reducing inflammation and pain. There are many CBD oil products available on the market.
Here’s how CBD for dog seizures will work:
- It will attach to receptors in the brain and help to change how the brain works.
- It can help to reduce inflammation.
- It may also help with pain.
If you wish to select CBD oil for your animal, you must talk with your veterinarian first. They can help you figure out if it is a good option for your pet and what kind of product to use.
You can give CBD in the following forms:
a) Tinctures: These are basically in the form of oils. You can administer them by using the dropper that comes with the package. The recommended dosage is 0.25 ml per 50 lbs of your dog’s body weight.
b) Edibles: You can give your dog CBD edibles such as treats or biscuits. For this, you will have to read the instructions on the packaging to determine the correct dosage.
c) Capsules: You can also give your dog CBD capsules. You can mix these in with their food or hide them in a treat.
d) Topicals: You can apply CBD topicals directly to your dog’s skin. It can help treat conditions like arthritis or hot spots. You can apply CBD topicals such as creams or balms directly to the pet.
If you are unsure about the proper dosage, it is always best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it.
2) Medication
Another common way to treat dog seizures is with medications. The most common medication prescribed for seizures is phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate that effectively controls seizures in about 70 percent of dogs that receive it.
The side effect of this drug is drowsiness, which usually disappears after the first few weeks of treatment.
Other side effects may include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
Phenobarbital requires regular blood tests to check liver function because it can cause liver damage.
The other typical seizure medication is potassium bromide (KBr). KBr is most often used when phenobarbital isn’t practical or can’t be tolerated.
It works by decreasing the activity of neurons in the brain and takes two to three months to become fully effective.
If your pet animal is experiencing seizures, it is best to take them to the vet as soon as possible. CBD can help with seizures in humans and animals. Talk to your vet about the best dose for your dog.