Posted on Leave a comment

Which Pet Insurance Plan Is Right For You?

Overview
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    Scroll to Top
    dog in a cage at the vet

    One of the scariest moments is when your dog suddenly needs an emergency room visit or a life-saving surgery for a tumor. This isn’t just scary but it’s expensive. Emergency room visits can run upwards of $1,000 and surgery upwards of $500 and more and not everyone just has that laying around. Being prepared for times like this can take some of the stress out of an already stressful situation. Pet insurance can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars as it pays, partly or in total, for veterinary treatment of the insured ill or injured dog…but with so many options, which one is best for you?

    Pros: 

    • Can see any provider
    • Comparison tool for providers
    • Can customize plan to for accident, illness, and wellness coverage
    • 10% discount for each additional pet

    Cons:

    • Ran by a third party and ASPCA has very little control 
    • Can be inconsistent in coverage
    • Longer reimbursement period

    Average plan: $35/month for dogs

    Pros:

    • Deductibles start at $50 
    • No max age limits for enrollment
    • Offers discounts for multi pet households and professionals in certain fields
    • Covers hereditary, chronic and congenital conditions

    Cons:

    • Only a 14 day money back guarantee 
    • Does not offer an accident only plan
    • Maximum annual limit of $10,000
    • Does not cover pre-existing conditions

    Plans start at: $16/month

    Pros:

    • Customizable plans for individual needs
    • Offers a wide range of options for their plans
    • Three levels of coverage plans
    • Have an option for accident coverage only
    • Covers alternative and behavioral treatments

    Cons: 

    • Plans above level 1 have an age limit
    • Require more personal information to receive a quote
    • Coverage is not available in every state
    • Highest coverage plan costs more than most other insurance plans

    Plans start at: $9.95/month

    Pros:

    • Quote customized based on species, breed, age, zip code, reimbursement and deductible selections 
    • No incident, annual or lifetime caps
    • Offers one straightforward plan that covers up to 90% of the bill for accidents, illnesses and emergency care
    • Claims are quick and easy to process

    Cons:

    • No coverage on preventative care 

    • Does not cover behavioral care or behavior medications

    • Limited policy customization

    • Limited coverage for older pets

    Plans start at: $20 for dogs/month

    Pros:

    • Quote customized based on species, breed, age, zip code, reimbursement and deductible selections 
    • Covers alternative and behavioral treatments
    • Offers coverage for damage caused by the pet
    • Can reimburse participating vets directly

    Cons:

    • Limited customization on policies
    • Doesn’t offer wellness coverage
    • No discounts for multiple pets
    • Average quote is more expensive than other insurance plans


    Plans start at: $10/month

    Pros:

    • Offers an accident only plan
    • Offers optional Wellness Rewards
    • Pays claims between 8-9 day (vs the average of 30)
    • 10% discount for multiple pets
    • Deductibles are annual and not per incident

    Cons:

    • No unlimited or zero-deductible options
    • Hidden fees including monthly transaction and enrollment fee
    • Only pets 14 and younger are covered for acciden

    Average plan: $30-40/month for dogs

    Pros:

    • Covers non-routine dental coverage for oral disease and injuries
    • Covers alternative, holistic and homeopathic therapies 
    • Behavioral treatments are covered for policies with an annual limit of $15,000 or more.
    • No max age limits for enrollment
    • Covers the exam fees for sick visits

    Cons:

    • Requires pet owners to prove their pet is healthy through medical records before start of coverage
    • Must have annual dental and health exams
    • Average quotes higher than most competitors
    • Does not offer a wellness plan

    Plans start at: $42.45/month for dogs

    8 (1)
    Posted on Leave a comment

    Natural Remedies for Joint Pain in Dogs

    cbd for natural joint pain relief
    Overview
      Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
      Scroll to Top

      Joint pain affects many dogs, especially as they become older and become more prone to developing arthritis and other joint conditions, to which we are often searching for natural remedies for joint pain in dogs. The lack of proper cushioning in the joints causes your dog’s bones to rub against each other causing great discomfort and pain. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis in canines. However, there are a number of natural remedies for joint pain  in dogs that can help manage the condition. 

      What Are Some Natural Remedies for Joint Pain in Dogs?

      Glucosamine

      Photo Credit: NaturVet

      Glucosamine is the most common type of supplement for natural joint pain relief in dogs. It’s a naturally occurring compound in both human and animal’s bodies but the supplement helps keep up with cartilage health. It reduces pain and stiffness in arthritic joints by reducing inflammation, inhibiting cartilage loss, and improving cartilage repair making it one of the most popular natural remedies for joint pain in dogs.

      Hydrotherapy

      pug swimming in a pool
      Photo Credit: Petguide.com

      Hydrotherapy is defined as “the use of exercises in a pool as part of treatment for conditions such as arthritis or partial paralysis.” Hydrotherapy with underwater treadmill work essentially allows for rehabilitation and exercise by taking the weight off of the compromised joints and allowing movement that would otherwise be painful or impossible. The viscosity of the water actually increases the work that the muscles are doing at the same time. There are three main types of hydrotherapy for dogs:

      1. Pool-based: During a pool-based hydrotherapy session, a dog is placed in a life jacket with a handle on top for the therapist. The therapist supports the dog in the water and allows them to swim while holding them up. Depending on the strength of the dog, they may also let it swim on its own. This can be done in a regular pool or a specially designed hydrotherapy tub.
      2. Underwater Treadmill: In essence, there is a treadmill belt that can be adjusted in a tiny tank of water filled with warm water. The therapist walks alongside the dog on the treadmill or may be harnessed in. This type of hydrotherapy can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog.
      3. Whirlpool Therapy: Whirlpool treatment is similar to a jacuzzi for dogs, and it helps to ease pain caused by medical conditions or surgery. The water level is altered once the dogs are harnessed and lowered into the whirlpool. The damaged muscles are then massaged with a heated jet stream. 

      Acupuncture

      beagle with acupuncture needles
      Photo Credit: Fear Free Happy Homes

      In acupuncture, needles are inserted through bundles of nerves into the body tissue, where blood vessels converge. Acupuncture improves blood circulation to the nervous system by stimulating and releasing anti-inflammatory and analgesic hormones making it an ideal natural remedy for joint pain relief in dogs. Applying pressure to the acupuncture point at the selected effect is comparable to inserting needles.

      The technique requires inserting a fine needle into the dog’s body at certain points, called acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. These points are located at so-called meridians, where energy channels transmit energy throughout the dog’s body.

      CBD

      cbd for natural joint pain relief
      Photo Credit: Health Magazine

      Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical molecule present in both humans and animals that is part of the endocannabinoid system. Non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced from cannabis or hemp. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gives you a “high,” while CBD doesn’t. In order to not have THC, CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana. The majority of CBD products do not contain THC and if they do, they are purchased from a cannabis dispensary. 

      Some research and anecdotal data suggest that CBD may be useful in treating joint pain, making it an intriguing natural remedy for joint pain in dogs. CBD for dogs started out as simple oils but with the market expanding, there are many different types of CBD products available. Some of these include CBD treats, CBD-infused broth, and so much more. 

      Turmeric

      jack russel sitting behind a plate of tumeric
      Photo Credit: Organic Facts

      Turmeric is widely known as a spice rich in antioxidants. The active ingredient, curcumin, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It’s believed to work more effectively for joint pain and stiffness than conventional pain medications. In addition, turmeric has  less gastrointestinal side effects than other pain medications, making it a great natural remedy for joint pain in dogs. Turmeric can be found in various forms including powder, liquid, capsules, and chewable tablets. 

      Laser Therapy

      dog getting laser therapy
      Photo Credit: Pawsh Place

      Laser therapy is a non-invasive photobiomodulation therapy to help in the rehabilitation of different conditions. Laser therapy uses light as a way to increase blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration. It’s been used on humans for decades but laser therapy has been used on dogs in recent years. It essentially promotes healing while reducing inflammation and pain. There’s two types of laser therapy:

      1. Cold Laser Therapy: treats the surface of the skin
      2. Hot Laser Therapy: treats deeper tissues

      When it comes to how many treatments a dog needs, this is dependent on the type of laser as well as the condition or diseases and whether it’s chronic or acute. The average amount of treatments is about two to three times a week for two to three weeks and then this reduces depending on the outcome. Conditions that are both acute and painful likely undergo more frequent treatments. If a dog has just had surgery, they might have their first treatment before the dog has woken up.

      Orthopedic Bed

      german shepherd on an orthopedic bed
      Photo Credit: Fur Haven

      An orthopedic bed can make all the difference for a dog who is experiencing joint pain. The orthopedic foam material helps regulate temperature to keep your dog warm, in return decreasing joint pain thanks to the heat. The foam helps to retain heat to relax your dog’s muscles and alleviate inflammation in the joints. 

      Since an orthopedic bed tends to be firmer and a little stiffer than a traditional dog bed, it makes it easier for your arthritic dog to stand up after laying down. Having something for your dog to stand up on that also provides them support is helpful. A traditional bed that is softer, allows them to sink in without pushing them upwards. 

      Massage Therapy

      yellow lab getting a massage

      A massage can be helpful to a dog experiencing joint pain. Massaging your dog’s muscles near the affected painful joints can bring immediate relief. The stimulation improves blood flow to tissues including the affected joints.  Short sessions with gentle strokes or kneading are the most safe and effective way to massage your dog. Be sure to refrain from directly massaging the joints, as this could lead to even more discomfort and pain. 

      Posted on Leave a comment

      New Invoxia Smart Dog Collar to Monitor Your Dog’s Health

      Vizsla wearing Invoxia Smart Dog Collar
      Vizsla wearing Invoxia Smart Dog Collar
      Photo Credit: Invoxia

      The first advanced biometric health collar for dogs has been launched by invoxia, a French tech startup. The smart dog collar has a long battery life and precise GPS tracking, allowing owners to keep track of their pet’s vitals, activity, and position at all times. The collar, which was shown at CES 2022, allows owners to keep a close check on dogs that have cardiac issues, diagnose illnesses early, and seek lifesaving preventative treatment. Furthermore, owing to its lightweight, low-power sensors that are augmented with deep neural networks for reliable analysis, it can inform the owner of undesirable behavior or vital signs.

      The smart dog collar was created by invoxia to provide owners with a long-term window into their pet’s health and allow them to respond fast before it’s too late. The collar allows you to accurately measure your dog’s heart and respiratory rate, as well as monitor their activity levels (walking, running, resting, scratching, and barking) and daily routine. The collar is capable of continuous and non-invasive monitoring of both resting heart and respiratory rate, even through thick fur, thanks to unique embedded artificial intelligence (known as ‘edge computing‘) and next generation sensors – which have never been utilized in pet health before. As a result, based on millions of data points acquired from pet activity, it can recognize a variety of behaviors and patterns.

      Photo Credit: Invoxia

      In case your pet gets lost, runs away, or is stolen, the collar also comes with real-time GPS tracking so you know precisely where to look for them. When your dog moves, the collar detects their whereabouts in real time and sends out escape alarms if they leave designated regions, such as your backyard. In the summer of 2022, the smart dog collar will be available for purchase – learn more here.

      Posted on Leave a comment

      Zesty Paws® Debuts Line of Mini Bites for Small Dog Breeds

      zesty paws mini bites

      Zesty Paws ® has announced the debut of a new range of  for small dog breeds called Mini Bites.
      Zesty Paws ®’s best-selling products in a little size: Advanced Calming Mini Bites, Aller-Immune Mini Bites, and the 8-in-1 Mini Bites are all part of the Mini Bites range.


      The high-quality and practical Mini Bites were created with small dog breed owners in mind.
      Small breed pet parents now have a functional supplement that is tailored to their pet’s small size and readily accessible at their favorite pet stores, such as ZestyPaws.com, Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart.

      View the full press release to learn more 

      Posted on Leave a comment

      Dog Pain Relief and Prevention Christmas Gift Guide!

      Tis the season to give! Don’t forget about your canine companion on your holiday shopping list this year. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of dog health, pain relief and prevention products that your dog will be begging to receive in their stocking this Christmas.

      1. ElleVet Hemp CBD & CBDA Chews

      Price: $79.95 – $89.95

      ElleVet CBD & CBDA soft chews are the perfect option for those dogs who refuse to take medications in pill form. These are tasty, peanut butter flavored chews that contain ElleVet’s CBD oil formulation in addition to glucosamine. CBD has been found to be greatly effective for a variety of dog ailments including joint discomfort, itching, stress, cognitive issues and general senior dog health. 

      Lynda
      via Ellevet
      Read More
      Our 12 yr old Golden, Ally Mae had her life changed by the chews. She is more active and more playful now since starting the chews 3 months ago. It truly has changed her in so many positive ways! 🤗🐶

      2. Soothe Move CBD Soothing Balm

      Soothe Move CBD Soothing Balm

      Price: $25

      This CBD Soothing Balm is a clean and natural remedy to help heal and protect rough patches on your pup including paw pads, elbows, and snouts. No chemicals are used meaning it is safe to lick and the answer to irritated skin, hot spots and burns. 

      3. PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil

      PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil

      Price: $25.99

      An Omega-3 fish oil made with fish (such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herrings)  high in Omega-3s but low in mercury and toxins. The 100% natural  ingredients are beneficial to your dog’s joint, heart, skin, coat and general health. This oil can be added to your dog’s food adding taste AND benefits to their meal. The best part is that the fishy smell isn’t as pungent as typical due to the process in which the oil is purified. 

      Nicole R.
      via PetHonesty
      Read More
      After years of our German shepherd having dry, flaky, itchy skin and a dry coat, we finally found this product and it worked!! Her coat is so shiny and soft, no flakes, no itching! We had tried coconut oil (both feeding and topical), salmon oil, apple cider vinegar, special shampoos. This is the only product that works for us! Thank you!!

      4. Embark Breed & Health Kit

      Embark Breed & Health Kit

      Price: $199

      This at-home kit provides a dog’s breed breakdown as well as genetic health profile. Performing an easy, at-home cheek swab on your dog allows owners to learn further about their pet’s breed, ancestry, health, and relatives. Hundreds of breeds and genetic health risks are tested and identified during the testing process. This kit empowers owners to be informed and prepared to ensure their dog lives a healthy life. 

      Kim C.
      via Embark
      Read More
      The embark program is worth its weight in gold. My intent was to discover any genetic predispositions to health issues for my new pup, and as it turns out she had 1 copy of a gene for altered ALT activity. Since she was under treatment for tick disease when I got her, and her ALT was very elevated my vet immediately suggested treatment with Denamarin for liver support. Cricket is doing great now. The other info was/is fun stuff for us, and it is interesting as we get to know her better how many things in her genetics are dictating some of her behavior. She is a wonderful little companion and we feel lucky to have found her. I have already recommended embark to others, and my vet was impressed that even things like skin color are tested for.

      5. Barkaron® Wellbeing Gift Box (16 dessert dog “chocolates”)

      Barkaron® Wellbeing Gift Box

      Price: $24

      A dessert gift box filled with healthy but indulgents treats is perfect for the pampered pooch. This box includes an assortment of three flavors including a superfood blend with camel cheese, himalayan river trout and chicken. All treats are made with functional food ingredients and are handcrafted in a doggy bakery in the Himalayas.

      Kim S
      via Chews Happiness
      Read More
      Purchased this box for our fur baby’s 8th birthday. The package arrived on her birthday. She and her two brothers LOVE, LOVE, LOVE there pretty and crunchy treats!After some research, I realized she might just be a nervous dog. I discovered this wonderful calming collar. So far it's working wonders! Lucy is now being calm, loving, quiet and even considerate to my sister's old dog.

      6. Because, Animals Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles for Dogs

      Because, Animals Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles for Dogs

      Price: $24

      This fine powder is loaded with a mixture of probiotics, prebiotics, omega-rich seaweeds and organic fruit and vegetable powders. These ingredients are beneficial to your dog’s skin and coat, digestion and overall immunity. It’s as simple as mixing the powder into your pup’s meal on a daily basis. In addition, the sprinkles are human-grade, all natural and vegan so you know you’re providing your dog with the best quality.

      Anqi L.
      via Because, Animals
      Read More
      I’ve been giving my puppy the sprinkles for two weeks now, and I can definitely see a positive change in his stool. He has a very sensitive stomach, the stool is always soft, but since I started to use this product, his stool get much better than before. I highly recommend everyone to try this!! Definitely will purchase again!After some research, I realized she might just be a nervous dog. I discovered this wonderful calming collar. So far it's working wonders! Lucy is now being calm, loving, quiet and even considerate to my sister's old dog.

      7. Dr. Becker's Joint Support Solutions Bites

      Dr. Becker's Joint Support Solutions Bites

      Price: $19 

      These tasty treats serve as a natural supplement containing Glucosamine Sulfate, Eggshell Membrane and MSM. The combination of ingredients support tendons and ligaments for active dogs with joint issues. However, the treats are also beneficial as a preventative solution to joint issues.

      Karen H.
      via Dr. Becker's Bites
      Read More
      I have a 4 year old toy chihuahua with grade 2 luxating patella. Since giving her these treats she wants to take longer walks and play more. I have told other friends and family about these bites.. they too have seen a difference in activity of their dogs. Very happy with these and so many other heathy bites to choose from.

      8. HAPPYBOND Be Well Elixir

      HAPPYBOND Be Well Elixir

      Price: $24.99

      This elixir is meant to give your pup a natural immune boost thanks to ingredients like Turmeric, which is a tremendous  antioxidant and beneficial to the immune system. The blend also contains zinc, providing benefits to your dog’s enzymes, proteins and hormones and thyroid function. It’s as simple as adding the recommended amount of drops to your dog’s food once daily. 

      Marc Rodriguez
      via HappyBond
      Read More
      My dog used to be fragile and unhealthy when I adopted him. He doesn't seem to be energetic and active as other dogs and it made me worry about his health. I tried to look for the right vitamin supplements for him so he could at least improve. After a lot of trial and error, I stumbled upon this product and based on its reviews, I knew it would be a good try. I'm now using this elixir for more than 2 months now and my dog has become healthier than ever

      9. DentaSure All Natural Oral Care GEL for Dogs and Cats (4 oz)

      DentaSure All Natural Oral Care GEL for Dogs and Cats

      Price: $31.95

      This natural, oral gel is formulated to help whiten teeth, freshen breath, soothe swollen gums, remove plaque and tartar buildup and maintain overall healthy gums and teeth. Your dog will love it, as it’s pleasant tasting and doesn’t require any brushing as it comes in spray form. 

      Francesca
      via Fito Pets
      Read More
      My 7-year-old Golden has for some time begun to have a tartar deposits on her teeth, especially the canines, and without wanting to use detartras, I've bought of all kinds of remedies (including chemicals whereas this is one is Totally natural !!) without solving anything . I have always known about the effectiveness and the potential of ALL the products of this website (many others I bought have « saved » my dog’s life) I wanted to try this one too ... A TRUE MIRACLE!!!!! After just 2 days of use, entire pieces of tartar were coming off !! The dog has no problem with it as it has no taste. SUPER RECOMMENDED !!!! By using it you could save your dogs from annoying detartrasas that if not done with laser involve general anesthesia which has risks.

      10. PurOtic Extra Strength Dog Ear Cleaner

      PurOtic Extra Strength Dog Ear Cleaner

      Price: $12.99 and up

      Waxy buildup in your dog’s ears can often cause ear pain, itching, foul odors and recurring infections. This ear cleaner is an all-natural solution to healing these ailments. Your pup will love it because this formula doesn’t contain any alcohol, which often stings your dog’s ears. The soft and flexible tip of the bottle makes it easier to clean the ear canal for a more thorough cleaning without risking damage to the ear. 

      Elizabeth F.
      via Innovet Pet
      Read More
      My Golden Retriever, Porcia, loves to dive for oysters in a local tidal river. She prides herself in finding larger clusters. Diving deep to retrieve them, the only part of her body left above the water line is her fluffy golden tail. Consequently, Porcia’s ears need constant attention. In order to fend off infection, I routinely use PurOtic products to keep her ears clean and dry. These products are easy to use, effective and most important, acceptable to Porcia.

      11. Medterra CBD Calming Pet Chews

      CBD Calming Pet Chews

      Price: $24.99 

      These pet chews make the perfect gift for anxious pups, especially around the holidays with the added commotion. The chews are made with ingredients like CBD, Valerian Root and L-Tryptophan that include calming and relaxing benefits. In addition, the formula aids in happiness, better sleep quality and anxiety relief for dogs. 

      Krista S.
      via MedTerra
      Read More
      Works very well for my Swiss Mountain Dog! Calms him down quickly during storms and fireworks.

      12. Walkin' Pets Folding Dog and Pet Ramp

      Folding Dog and Pet Ramp

      Price: $194.95 – $258.90

      Have a senior dog or a dog that’s hesitant about hopping into the car? Keep them safe and help ease the stress with this folding dog ramp. This ramp folds open leading up to your vehicle to help your pup get in and out of the car easily. The non-slip surface ensures proper footing, making the travel experience less stressful for you and your pet. 

      13. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound - Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toy Challenge Slider

      Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound - Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toy Challenge Slider

      Price: $29.99 

      This puzzle game is an advanced mental enrichment tool that dogs of any size will love. The puzzle features 24 compartments to hide treats in for your pup. These compartments slide around making for a challenge in your pup seeking out the treats. Makes a great gift for the dog that needs more mental stimulation, keeping them happy and healthy! 

      Marian
      via Amazon
      Read More
      Loved this product! Kept the pup entertained for longer than other toys. Helped build up her confidence and coordination .We used training treats, dog biscuits and frozen water & fruit.

      14. AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs

      AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs

      Price: $14.93 

      Hide treats in this snuffle mat to keep your dog entertained. The mat features a dual-use design as the feeding mat can be folded into a bowl. Seeking out and foraging for treats aids in mental enrichment for your dog and helps to train your dog’s scentwork. 

      Amazon Customer
      via Amazon
      Read More
      Best snuffle mat we have ordered so far. Very durable. Zipping it up results in my dog taking a long time to get his food.

      15. LickiMat Slow Feeder for Dogs

      LickiMat Slow Feeder for Dogs

      Price: $14.95

      The LickiMat is a unique and fun way to keep your dog occupied, whether they have anxiety, destructive behavior or need more mental stimulation. The rubber mat features a textured surface that supports a range of spreadable treats including yogurt, peanut butter and liquid foods. The Lickimat also makes for a great alternative to slow-feeder bowls for mealtime. An option of surface patterns including “buddy”, “soother” and “playdate” allow for you to choose the most suitable type of LickiMat for your dog. 

      CBS
      via Amazon
      Read More
      “I have a older female Yorkie who licks everything. They say it is calming to her. I received this today and both Yorkies love it and have spent quite some time licking off the doggy peanut butter I got. It took very little peanut butter which was nice too. She also has separation anxiety so I plan on giving this to her if we leave the house to clam her down and distract her. So far great product to keep your dog occupied.
      Posted on Leave a comment

      What Do I Do if My Dog Has Epilepsy?

      Overview
        Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
        Scroll to Top

        What is Epilepsy in Dogs? 

        Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in dogs and is a disorder in which dogs have seizures, which is when a dog may collapse and flail uncontrollably, often instead of a one-off incidence. It’s believed that epilepsy affects about .75% of the canine population. There are three types of epilepsy:

        • One is idiopathic epilepsy is inherited after there is no evidence of structural damage or cause in the brain. Because of this, it’s assumed that it’s genetic. Idiopathic epilepsy is most common in border collies, Australian shepherds, Labrador retrievers, beagles, Belgian Tervurens, collies, and German shepherds.
        • Structural epilepsy is due to observable damage to the brain that can be brought on by a number of causes. Some causes of structural epilepsy include  inflammatory disease of the brain, growth of an intracranial tumor, or after trauma to the head.
        • The third type of epilepsy is where there is no known cause and no structural damage is seen but it’s assumed to exist.

        Epilepsy itself is not a painful condition but it can be a sign of another disorder such as liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins.

        How is Epilepsy in Dogs Diagnosed?

        man with his golden retreiver with a woman veterinarian

        A visit to the veterinarian is required if you believe that your pet may have epilepsy as it’s a condition that should be managed by medication to prevent brain damage. To diagnose epilepsy, classification of the type of seizure is needed. The two seizure types are generalized and focal. At the onset, generalized seizures affect all sides of the brain and are marked by symptoms on both sides of the body. The majority of generalized seizures are characterized by bilateral spontaneous muscle movements or abrupt changes in muscle tone. A dog’s perception of their surroundings is usually diminished during a generalized seizure, and salivation, urination, and/or defecation can occur. Owners should keep a detailed diary or journal of their dog’s seizures including the date/time of day, the affected body parts, and how long they last. The vet will do a physical exam and blood work to try and determine the cause of the epilepsy.

        Can You Predict a Seizure in Dogs?

        The answer is, sometimes! Prior to a seizure, a dog goes through the pre-ictal phase (aura) which is characterized by a time of altered behavior in which the dog can hide, become anxious, or seek out the owner. They may be agitated, jittery, whining, crying, or salivating. This could last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. This cycle occurs before the seizure happens as if the dog is anticipating something.

        What Happens During a Seizure?

        This is called the ictal phase which can last from seconds to minutes but the longer it goes on, the more at risk of brain damage and overheating increases. Seizures actually vary in intensity and can be as mild as minor changes in mental memory, such as a dazed appearance, slight trembling, aimless gazing, or licking lips, to total lack of consciousness and body control. A grand mal seizure is a full-blown seizure when the dog loses self-control, collapses, and shakes aggressively with paws flailing while the rest of their body seems to be paralyzed. During a grand mal seizure, your dog may urinate, defecate and salivate excessively. Status epilepticus is when the dog has had a seizure for five minutes or longer. Immediately call your vet if the seizure is lasting more than five minute (status epilepticus).

        You can watch a video of an epileptic seizure in progress below.

        What Should I Do During My Dog’s Seizure?

        Don’t panic! Yes, your dog having a seizure is honestly a very scary experience, especially the first time. Try to time if possible but your dog’s safety should always come first. If your dog has collapsed in an unsafe spot where they could hurt themselves, gently slide them away. Don’t put your hands near their mouth as they could bite down and their mouth can stay shut. 

        The Seizure Is Done, Now What?

        The period after a seizure is called post-ictal in which they are often confused, disoriented, and restless. They may even have temporary blindness but don’t worry as they will soon be back to their normal selves. They may often have to potty so lead them outside. 

        What Treatments Are Available for Epilepsy in Dogs?

        dog getting a red pill

        Your veterinarian will be able to further assist you in prescribing epilepsy medications but the following are common most epilepsy medications:

        The following are other anticonvulsant medications that are undergoing continuous research:

        • Levetiracetam
        • Zonisamide 
        • Felbamate
        • Gabapentin 
        • Pregabalin
        • Topiramate
        • Lacosamide
        • Rufinamide

        When a medication is being chosen, numerous factors need to be taken into consideration  including the seizure type, cause of the seizures, risk of recurrence, and side effects of the medication. Once a dog is on anticonvulsants, they are on them for life anddoses cannot be skipped. 

        Do You Think Your Dog Has Epilepsy?

        Find a veterinary neurologist in your area!

        epilepsy pinterest pin
        Table of Contents
          Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
          Scroll to Top
          Table of Contents
            Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
            Scroll to Top