It is an unfortunate but true reality that dogs can have seizures, and it is important to be aware of the various causes of seizures. One of the lesser-known causes of seizures in dogs is fear. Seizures provoked by fear can be both frightening and dangerous, yet it is important to have an understanding of this phenomenon, so that we can take the necessary precautions in order to keep our furry companions safe. In this blog post, we will explore the question “Can a dog have a seizure from being scared?” We will be looking at the scientific research, as well as discussing symptoms, risks, and treatment options in order to provide a comprehensive overview of this phenomenon. It is our hope that by the end of the blog post, you will be more informed about fear-induced seizures in dogs and know how to react in the event that your pet experiences one.
Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location
If your dog experiences a seizure close to the stairs or the edge of the bed, gently move him to a safer area or put something in front of him to keep him from falling and hurting himself. Before or after a seizure, dogs may experience panic and run around aimlessly without thinking or paying attention to where they are going. Additionally, they might not always be in control of their movements and might possibly seize so strongly that they stumble.
Speak in low, comforting tones to your dog. After a seizure, some owners even try playing soothing music for their dogs. This is acceptable as long as you don’t play anything too loud. However, if you just let your dog return to normal without adding additional distractions around him, he might appreciate it more.
Seizures cause your dog’s body temperature to climb quickly. Therefore, after the seizure has passed, it may be beneficial to gently place cool washcloths over his feet. Before you do this, wait for your dog to awaken because if you don’t, he might bite you.
After a seizure, some owners comfort their dog by wrapping him in a towel or blanket and holding him. If your dog has recovered from the seizure and is alert and acting normally, you may do this. If not, however, don’t do this.
If hugging bothers your dog normally, refrain from doing this because he won’t find it comforting in this circumstance either.
Your dog may be exhausted once he is awake and alert once more. Allow him to sleep; while you may occasionally check on him, it’s best to let him rest.
Help! My dog is on medication but continues to have seizures. What should I do?
Anti-convulsants used for seizure control don’t aim to prevent seizures in animals. Although this would be nice, it’s not realistic. However, medication should reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of seizures. Request a quick blood test if your pet’s breakthrough seizures persist in a quantity that worries you to make sure the medication level is therapeutic.
Ask your veterinarian about adding another medication, such as bromide or phenobarbital, depending on which one your pet already takes. You may also want to speak with a specialist if the level is therapeutic but your pet still experiences seizures.
What do stress seizures look like?
People with PNES frequently appear to be having generalized convulsions that resemble tonic-clonic seizures with falling and shaking. Less frequently, PNES may resemble focal seizures with impaired awareness (previously known as complex partial) seizures or absence seizures.
FAQ
What triggers a seizure in a dog?
What causes seizures? There are many causes of seizures. The most frequent cause of seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited disorder whose precise cause is unknown. Other factors include toxins, brain tumors, kidney disease, liver disease, and kidney failure.
Can being scared cause a seizure?
Worry or fear in particular is the type of emotional stress that triggers the majority of seizures. According to one study, anxiety, which is another word for worry and fear, increased abnormal brain activity, hyperventilation (overbreathing), and seizures in some patients.
What are the first signs of a seizure in a dog?
- Become unsteady and have trouble walking or balancing.
- Chomp or make biting motions.
- Collapse, fall to the side, or stiffen.
- Foam at the mouth or drool.
- Look confused or dazed and then drop to the floor.
- Lose consciousness.
- Lose control of body functions and urinate or defecate.
Can a dog suddenly have seizures?
Seizures in dogs typically occur suddenly, without warning, and last only briefly (a few seconds to a few minutes). Remain calm and try to remember that most dogs having seizures don’t hurt themselves and frequently don’t need to go to the vet if your dog has one.