Ask Me Help Desk - Epeleptic attack

Epeleptic attack

Earlier today when I was away with my jack russel at the vet, my step brother and one of his friends were at home. When I got home, I found that they had been shooting fireworks in the yard, immediately told them to go to the field and that they're upsetting the dogs. Then about half an hour after they left, our doberman had an epileptic attack. She's 6 years old and was diagnosed with epilepsia at 6months of age. So we were always extra careful around her. This is her first attack in two years (last one was 2011 new years also because of fireworks) and now she's a little worked up, I'm scared she might have another attack through the night when I'm asleep (it 19:30 in SA right now) and my mom is out with her boyfriend for valentinesday. Is there anything I can do to ease her stress and anxiety? She's quite worked up. I'm so mad at them cause they're both like 16 and know better than to shoot fireworks in the yard.

I would recommend that you call the vet and ask for advice and what they would like you to do for the dog. Are you able to drive if they want to see the dog? They might just want the dog to be observed for a while, or may want to see him in their office.

If you need to bring the dog in to the vet, try to reach your mom or her boyfriend - do they have cell phones? If you can drive the dog, you can just call and let them know you are taking care of it. If they need to pay for the appointment, they can probably call the vet with a credit card number by phone.

If the vet is closed (I had no clue what time it is where you are - it's morning where I am), they probably have an answering service and can have a vet call you. Or, they might be able to tell you where there is a 24 hour emergency vet in your area.

Generally, when you already know a dog has epilepsy, it's not necessarily an "emergency" when the seizure is over. They might want to just make sure the dog didn't suffer any lasting effects from the seizure and may want to look at medication options, but to care for the dog in the meantime, keep things normal and calm and observe the dog for any signs of medical problems. As you seem to know, the fireworks probably brought on the seizures. The dog just needs reassurance but no hysterics or nervousness - if you are upset, calm yourself down and relax - watch a movie or something. The dog will pick up on your emotions.

Thank you. It 07:30 PM and the vets are closed. If there was an emergency vet in my area I would've been there right now. She seems to have calmed down, and it only happened once in the past where she had two attacks on the same day, I'm just a little worried it might happen again. I know exactly what to do when it happens, but like I said, what if I'm asleep? Me and my mother are the only ones that know what to do as we were ussually around when it happened in the past. She's calmed a bit, and isn't as nervous as she was earlier. I just don't want anything to happen to her, she's a HUGE part of the family:(

Stick her in a dark room.

If you think an episode is coming on, than put an ice pack in her spine.. It's suppose to help.

Call your vet, I would think there is an emergency line.. They may have you give a stronger dose of medications if she is on any... Or they may think this is serious enough for her to come in.

Thanks for your help. Mom's back home now, so I can relax.

I'd let the dog run loose and put the brother in a dark room. One of my dogs died during an epileptic seizure some years ago - this is nothing to play with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I'd let the dog run loose and put the brother in a dark room. One of my dogs died during an epileptic seizure some years ago - this is nothing to play with.

Lol Judykaytee.. The seizure was two nights ago. But he did get his punishment from his dad. I know epelepsy is very dangerous, but she doesn't get them as often as in the past. When my dad and mom were still together they fought A lot, and I guess the dog senced the tension.