Nothing is more alarming than seeing your senior dog suddenly tremble, collapse, or convulse. Seizures in older dogs can strike without warning, leaving many owners panicked and unsure of what to do next.
The good news? The knowledge about the causes, signs, and next steps will enable you to win the situation and keep your dog comfortable.
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Why Seizures Become More Common in Senior Dogs
As dogs age, their organs, including the brain, become more vulnerable to disease. This is due to changes in the dynamics of the nervous system. Seizures in this case are not a disorder but rather an indication that something is negatively impacting the nervous system.
That is the reason older canines may have seizures at times. The transition from normal aging to the development of a neurological problem is not always easy to identify at its onset. However, by being aware of the most common causes, you can eventually detect changes in the dog’s condition early on.
There is one easy rule to follow: the earlier you identify the cause, the better it is for your vet to control it.
1. Brain Changes and Neurological Conditions
One of the major factors that leads to seizures in elderly dogs is the change in the brain’s structure. This can be caused by tumors, stroke, inflammation, and cognitive decline.
All these problems have a common effect of interrupting the normal electrical activity of the brain, which results in the occurrence of sudden episodes. Primarily, brain tumors are found in senior dogs more often than in younger ones.
There are tumorous dogs that do not manifest any signs for a prolonged period of time, and there are others that exhibit symptoms like confusion, loss of balance, or even personality change.
The signs that your dog has started to walk back and forth, go around in circles, look at walls, or lose his way in familiar places might suggest that he has a neurological problem.
2. Metabolic Problems and Internal Organ Changes
As dogs get older, their internal organs start to function more powerfully to maintain stability. This decline may disturb the body’s normal equilibrium, thereby affecting the brain’s operation. When this equilibrium is shifted too much, seizure activity might occur.
Thus, metabolic issues are among the principal causes of seizure symptoms in dogs. Old pets often encounter:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- thyroid dysfunction
- Diabetes
- electrolyte imbalances
- conditions of calcium or sodium imbalance
It doesn’t take much, just a slight fluctuation, to change the way the brain signals itself. If your dog has been drinking more water than usual or has lost weight without an obvious reason, these signs could be metabolic and hence worth a check-up.
3. Toxin Exposure
Although old dogs may become less active physically, their curiosity about exploring doesn’t always disappear. A lot of senior dogs are the ones who end up swallowing the poisons that are not meant to be ingested at home or in the yard.
These harmful substances can rapidly or slowly, depending on the toxicity of the substance, cause the brain to cease its normal activities.
Some of the most frequently found sources are:
- Rat poison
- Pesticides
- Detergents
- Medicines
- Plants that are harmful to dogs
The tricky part is that often the signs of poisoning are not apparent immediately. A small exposure can cause a seizure hours or even days later.
If the seizure seems to occur without any reason, it is advisable to recall what new things the dog might have been exposed to.
4. Pain, Stress, and Overexertion
Old dogs are not so tolerant of physical stress as younger ones. The chronic pains experienced from arthritis, sore joints, dental issues, or back problems can be a heavy burden to the nervous system.
However, the effect of stress on the canine aging process is opposite to that of the younger dogs. A change of routine, loud noise, a new environment, or even an exciting visitor can cause the brain to become overwhelmed and result in seizure activity.
What to Do During a Seizure
When a senior dog has a seizure, it’s important to remain calm. Having a clear, simple plan can help keep your dog safe and lower stress for you both.
1. Clear the Area
Objects should be moved away first to prevent any injury to your dog. Do not put your hands near their mouth, as this might result in an accidental bite.
2. Time the Episode
Then, start timing the seizure with your mobile phone. If the seizure lasts less than 2 minutes, just monitor them. If it is between 2 and 5 minutes, contact your vet. If it goes for more than 5 minutes, it is an emergency. Timing is the factor that helps you determine the right action to take next.
3. Keep the Environment Quiet
During the timing process, make the atmosphere peaceful. Switch off strong lights and minimize sound. A quiet place speeds up your dog’s recovery.
4. Cool Them Gently
Gently cooling your dog after the seizure will prevent them from getting too hot. A fan or a cool cloth on their paws is a good method.
5. Call Your Veterinarian
Lastly, inform your vet about the incident. Even in a single seizure occurrence in an older dog, there is a possibility of an underlying condition, and thus, early intervention is important.
Veterinarians are able to diagnose the reason for the issue, suggest a solution, and also provide advice on how to avoid future occurrences. The knowledge of the veterinarians will make sure that your old dog is not only safe but also healthy.
Are you a veterinary doctor or contemplating a career in the veterinary sector? Dealing with these kinds of issues demonstrates the most important part that veterinary professionals play every day.
For those wondering about the field, here’s an overview of vet assistant salary ranges, giving you a sneak peek into the worth of these indispensable positions.
Both veterinarians and pet owners can work together to ensure an epileptic dog is cared for. Knowing how vets step in to help your senior dog makes it easier to see how they actually diagnose seizures and figure out the underlying cause.
How Vets Diagnose Seizures in Senior Dogs
As seizures are not a disease but rather a symptom, the main aim is to find the underlying cause. Your veterinarian might suggest:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Monitoring of blood pressure
- Nervous system examinations
- Radioscopic or ultrasound imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan
Veterinarians will be able to devise a treatment plan that genuinely benefits your elderly dog as soon as they determine the reason behind the seizures.
Understanding the trigger allows them to select the least harmful treatments and to propose lifestyle changes that would be supportive and even less stressful for the dog.
Treatment Options for Older Dogs With Seizures
The treatment of seizures in pets is a consequence of the condition that caused them, but usually, they go through one of the following:
1. Anti-Seizure Medications
Drugs like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or some other modern drugs assist the brain to becoming stable. The reaction of the majority of older dogs is very good within weeks.
2. Treating the Cause
In case the seizures are due to liver disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or kidney problems, controlling the related condition will usually result in fewer episodes.
3. Changes in Lifestyle
Senior dogs benefit a lot from consistent routines, calm environments, gentle exercise, and predictable feeding habits since they feel more secure and stable.
4. Emergency Medications
Long or cluster seizure-prone dogs might be given “rescue medications” for use at home. These can stop extended episodes and thus lessen the need for ER visits.
For vets, it is important to know the best ways to manage seizures in senior dogs. This includes understanding when and how to prescribe “rescue medications” for home use.
For veterinarians seeking to delve deeper into treatment approaches, the “Management of Seizures in Dogs” webinar covers practical strategies and advanced treatment options for senior patients.
Final Thoughts
Facing seizures in older dogs is emotional and exhausting, but you are not alone in this journey. With the right information, calm responses, and steady support, your dog can continue to live comfortably and with dignity.
Understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing when to act gives you a strong foundation. Your senior dog relies on you, and every step you take to learn more shows how much you care.
If you ever feel uncertain, contact your veterinarian. With expert guidance and your loving support, your senior dog has a good chance of staying safe, stable, and loved.
