Dog seizures can really be nerve wracking to experience. Consider the fact that you would have to endure facing your dog uncontrollably shaking on the ground and you have to be there to help protect them from doing anything dangerous and at the same time help in stopping the whole ordeal.
There are actually three general stages known to dog seizures. In each of these stages, the dog would exhibit a different kind of behavior and must be assisted to help prevent dangerous accidents from happening. You should also be on standby to observe if not make sure that your dog does not do anything dangerous.
The first phase is known to be the Pre-Ictal Phase. Sometimes this is even broken down into two more phases named the prodome and the aura phases respectively. During this initial phase, the dogs would already start to exhibit certain behavioral changes that are telling signs of an impending seizure.
During the Pre-Ictal Phase, the dog can be observed as acting agitated. They would pace around without any obvious reason and even whine incessantly. As early as this phase, you might already see some trembling happening to some parts of your dog and they might also start to know at their limbs in the hopes of stopping what is to come.
A few minutes into this and the Ictal Phase would finally happen. This is when the actual dog seizures occurs and this is perhaps among the most important phase when you need to be there for your pet. They would often display some limb thrashing and have convulsions violently happening as well. It is also possible that they would lose control of holding their pee or saliva during this stage.
Dog seizures can last for just as short as a matter of seconds. But if it exceeds the five minute mark it is already classified as a “status epilepticuc” wherein the dog’s muscles would contract visibly coupled with spastic motions that are uncontrollable. It is important to assist your dog during this time because they can end up gnashing their teeth violently and thrash their head uncontrollably as well.
The Post-Ictal Phase is known as the last of the three stages. At this point, the seizures would have been gone completely but the dog would still exhibit some abnormal behavioral. You still need to observe them and help them out.
At this point, the dog would either appear too dazed to move or frantically pacing around. Some dogs would even have temporarily blindness. In the field of excesses, salivating may ensue and increase in appetite and thirst might also happen.
I have more information about canine epilepsy at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on health care for older dogs.
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