Do not let the dog exercise excessively

Basically, all owners will feel completely at a loss when they see their dog having spasms or convulsions. Indeed, it looks scary when this happens to a dog. However, owners must remain calm, find the possible causes and solutions as soon as possible.

1. Related Causes of Dog Spasms

1. Low temperature easily causes dog spasms

Muscles become more excitable when influenced by low temperature, which easily leads to spasms. When exercising in a low-temperature environment, if there is no warm-up, insufficient warm-up, or neglect of keeping warm, muscle spasms are more likely to occur.

2. Excessive electrolyte loss

After exercise, dogs sweat, especially after long periods of intense activity or exercising in hot weather. Electrolytes are lost in large amounts with sweat. Excessive electrolyte loss raises muscle excitability, leading to muscle spasms.

3. Rapid muscle contraction

When muscles contract and relax in a high-frequency continuous manner but the relaxation time is too short, contraction and relaxation cannot coordinate or alternate proportionally, muscle spasms are easily caused.

4. Excessive fatigue

Because some dogs have obesity problems, owners will increase exercise to keep normal weight, which causes fatigue. Fatigued muscles accumulate a large amount of lactic acid, which continuously affects muscle contraction substances, causing spasms.

5. Muscle strain

Do not pull the dog too hard; pulling force should be even and moderate to avoid muscle strain. Local massage such as pressing and kneading can be used, with attention to keeping the area warm.

6. Dogs suffering from neurological diseases

The diseases that usually cause dog convulsions might include canine distemper (especially low cure rate in puppies), epilepsy, poisoning, uremia, puerperal fever, etc. Congenital abnormal brain development and neurological disorders such as canine epilepsy also cause convulsions.

7. Calcium deficiency

Calcium is very important for dogs as it helps bone development and absorption. Lack of calcium can cause spasms and convulsions. For example, lactating female dogs often experience postpartum convulsions due to calcium loss through milk.

Puppies convulsing from canine distemper usually have a low cure rate

2. Epilepsy Symptoms in Dogs and Treatment

1. Convulsions

During and up to 15 minutes after convulsions, do not touch the dog. Unless the dog’s tongue is rolled deep inside the mouth, absolutely do not pull the tongue. Do not give food or water during the spasm. Unless the convulsions occur repeatedly, there is generally no life-threatening risk. Regardless of repetition or duration, report the convulsions to a veterinarian. If seizures reoccur within 2 hours, see the vet immediately.

2. Symptoms of Dog Spasms

Falling down, making chewing motions with the mouth, body stiffening, paddling movements of the limbs. Spontaneous convulsions usually last about half a minute. The dog is conscious but unresponsive.

3. Accompanying Urinary Incontinence

In mild seizures, there will be a brief period of whole-body stiffness but no disorientation. Urinary incontinence and drooling are common.

4. Treatment Methods

Quickly remove any objects that could harm the dog. If wearing a collar, loosen it, but restrain the dog. After spasms stop, observe the dog’s breathing. Within 10–15 minutes after a seizure, the dog may still be fearful, confused, or unconscious.