My dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy - What to do next?

If your dog has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy, you may be feeling overwhelmed and scared. You are not alone - many dog owners find themselves in this situation. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause seizures in dogs. While there is no cure for epilepsy, there are treatments available that can help control seizures and improve your dog's quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do when your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy and how to best care for them.

My dog has just been diagnosed with epilepsy, what now?

There are many different options available for treating epilepsy in dogs, so it is important to work with your vet to find the best option for your dog. There are many facebook support groups for owners of dogs with epilepsy which can be a great resource. Here are some things to keep in mind when your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy:

-Your dog is not alone, many other dogs suffer from this condition.

-There is no cure for epilepsy, but there are treatments available that can help control seizures and improve your dog's quality of life.

-Work with your vet to find the best treatment option for your dog.

-Join a support group for owners of dogs with epilepsy, there are many available online.

-Be patient and keep a positive attitude, your dog can still lead a happy and healthy life despite their condition.

What is the life expectancy for a dog with epilepsy?

The median life expectancy of a dog with epilepsy is 2-4 years less than that of their breed average. To a certain extent, it is determined by the disease's severity and the medication required to manage it. While most dogs respond well to treatment, adverse effects caused by the drugs such as sedation may reduce their quality of life. When you see problems early, a medication change may help. Euthanasia may be the most compassionate option in some exceptional circumstances because a dog goes into a seizure and never recovers.

What should I do if my dog has a seizure?

If your dog has a seizure, it is important to stay calm and not try to stop the seizure. You should move any furniture or objects out of the way to prevent your dog from injuring themselves, and you should time the seizure. Once the seizure has stopped, you should take your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dog seizures - how to monitor your dog for seizure activity whilst you are away

How will I know if my dog has a seizure and I'm not home?

Although there is no perfect answer there is a range of technical devices that can help monitor your dog's seizure activity. Installing cameras in your house can allow you to check in on your pets when you're not there. While this may not stop a seizure from happening, it can give you some peace of mind knowing that you'll be able to see what happens and check on your dog afterwards. There are also wearable monitors that attach to your dog's collar and use sensors to detect when a seizure is occurring. These devices can detect changes in your dog like pacing that are associated with early indicators of an epileptic seizure. An alarm will be sent to your phone if this happens. You may choose to give additional epileptic medication as a result of this knowledge.

If you know you are going to be away for an extended period of time, it is best to organise for a family member or friend to be able to access your dog and any emergency medication they may require.

What are the side effects of epileptic medication?

The most common side effects of anti-epileptic drugs are sedation and ataxia (uncoordinated movement). These side effects usually improve with time as your dog gets used to the medication. Other potential side effects include liver damage, kidney damage, pancreatitis, and bone marrow suppression. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's condition and adjust the medication as needed to minimize any potential side effects.

What else can I give my dog to help it with epilepsy?

There are a few things you can do to help your dog live a happy and healthy life with epilepsy. First, make sure they are on a proper diet and getting all the nutrients they need. Second, provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to help keep their minds active and reduce stress. Finally, consider using natural supplements such as MCT oil to help control seizure activity. Talk to your veterinarian about what options are best for your dog.

Caring for a dog with epilepsy can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Seeing your dog live a happy and healthy life despite their condition is one of the most gratifying things you can experience as a pet owner. We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information and that you feel better equipped.

What MCT oil should I use?

There is a wide range of MCT oils available on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the one that is best for your dog. You should look for an oil that is high in decanoic acid (C10), as it has the best effect on seizure, inflammation, mitochondria and energy metabolism. You can also talk to your veterinarian about what type of oil they recommend.

Is MCT oil better than CBD oil?

There is no definitive answer to this question as both oils can offer potential benefits for dogs with epilepsy. MCT oil is thought to help control seizure activity by providing a source of ketones, increasing mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress, acting as a non-competitive AMPA receptor inhibitor and increasing inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA. CBD oil may help reduce anxiety and inflammation.

Do you have a dog with epilepsy? How do you care for them? Share your tips in the comments below!

Author's Note:

The information in this blog post is meant to provide general information about canine idiopathic epilepsy and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog's health, please be sure to speak with your veterinarian. They are the best resource for information and guidance on caring for your dog with epilepsy.