Cramps

How do I recognize cramps in my dog?

Cramps are usually manifested by trembling, twitching or stiffening of the muscles. Your dog may lose consciousness or defecate or urinate uncontrollably. The duration of a seizure can vary from a few seconds to several minutes. During a seizure, you should not touch or hold your dog, as this could injure him or prolong the seizure. Instead, try to protect him from injury by keeping him away from sharp or hard objects and providing him with a soft surface.

What are the possible causes of seizures in dogs?

Convulsions can have a number of causes, which can vary depending on your dog's age, breed and health. Some of the most common are:

• Epilepsy: A chronic disease of the nervous system that leads to recurrent seizures. The cause is often unknown, but can be genetic or triggered by brain injuries or tumors.
• Poisoning: Exposure to toxic substances such as chocolate, rat poison, drugs or plants can cause seizures. Symptoms depend on the type and amount of poison and may include vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath or unconsciousness in addition to convulsions.
• Infection: Bacterial or viral infections such as distemper, rabies or meningitis can damage your dog's nervous system and lead to seizures. In addition to seizures, symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy or behavioral changes.
• Injury: Trauma to the head or back can cause bleeding, swelling or pressure on your dog's nervous system and lead to seizures. Symptoms may include pain, weakness or paralysis in addition to seizures.

How do I treat cramps in my dog?

The treatment of seizures in your dog depends on the underlying cause. Therefore, you should always consult a vet after a seizure, who can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. Possible treatment methods are

• Medication: There are various medications that can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. These usually have to be taken for life and can have side effects such as fatigue, weight gain or liver damage.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cause of the seizures, e.g. to remove a brain tumor or hemorrhage.
• Alternative therapies: There are also alternative therapies that can reduce your dog's tendency to seize, such as acupuncture, homeopathy or CBD oil. However, these should always be used in consultation with your vet.

How can I prevent cramps in my dog?

Preventing cramps in your dog also depends on the underlying cause. Some general tips are:

• Follow your veterinarian's treatment plan and give your dog the prescribed medication regularly and in the correct dosage.
• Avoid stressors for your dog, such as loud noises, sudden changes or overexertion.
• Protect your dog from toxic substances by keeping them out of his reach and not giving him food that could be harmful to him.
• Keep your dog vaccinated and dewormed to reduce the risk of infection.
• Provide your dog with a balanced diet and sufficient exercise to strengthen his immune system and muscles.