My Dog Hit His Head And Had A Seizure – Head Trauma In Canines

Last Updated on November 22, 2021 by Marco

If your search contains the words – my dog hit his head and had a seizure, this article might help with its focus on canine head trauma.

Head bumps during playtime are a common sight for parents and caregivers o furry friends. Most pets will quickly shake off the occasional bump to the head. However, once in a while, a hit can be cause for alarm.

A keen caregiver should know how to prepare for such incidents and be alert to warning signs. Most dogs are pretty boisterous. They enjoy rough-and-tumble playtime to release their pent-up energy. If rough play results in a mishap, such as a dog hitting his head and having a seizure, you need to know what measures to take.

First of all, it is necessary to know the difference between a seizure and a concussion. A seizure means abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may lead to fits or other issues. There are various types of seizures.

A concussion, on the other hand, is head trauma that affects brain function. It is the most common form of head-related injury in canines due to their active and enthusiastic nature.

Concussions rarely lead to seizures in humans, but the phenomenon appears to be more frequent in canines. Although all dogs can get concussions, doggy breed can be a factor in determining which canines are at risk.

Research indicates that small dog breeds with domelike skulls or open fontanelles are likelier to get concussed. Open fontanelles are a result of the bones on the top of the skull not fusing together. This lack of fusing leaves the brain exposed. Although the head is still covered with the scalp, the lack of cranial protection makes the brain vulnerable to direct shock from a blow.

Dog Concussion Symptoms

As pets cannot communicate through any way other than physical cues, a pet owner must be conscious of all changes in behavior. A concussion does not need to be accompanied by a visible injury. Therefore, even an animal that appears to be fine on the outside may have suffered internal damage following a shock.

While symptoms usually manifest within a few minutes or hours, they may take several days at other times. Here are some of the signs to look for after your dog has been in a fight or had a blow to the head:

Lethargy

If your mutt is sluggish and sleeps a lot more than their regular routine, this may be a sign of a mild concussion or a warning for something more serious. Either way, you should contact a vet.

Learn more about: How Much Do Chihuahuas Sleep? Understand Your Pet’s Sleeping Habits

Dilated Pupils

Observe the canine’s pupils if you suspect it is unwell. If one pupil is abnormally dilated or more dilated than the other, it indicates a concussion.

Head Lumps and Headaches

Another sign is a bump on the head, resulting in a lump developing on the spot, denoting something worse under the surface. Also, if your pet is either shaking its head in discomfort or carefully trying not to jostle it too much, it may indicate a headache.

Disorientation

If your dog seems dizzy, has uncoordinated movements, or is stumbling, this is worrisome. If your pet appears confused in the familiar setting of its home, this may be due to a head injury.

Vomiting

A concussion can often cause an animal to throw up.

Convulsions Or Shaking

Loss of control over limbs and muscular contractions are serious signs of a concussion. The appearance of seizure-like fits, including muscles stiffening, jerking, and twitching, is possible after a head injury.

A paddling movement, a jerky motion of the limbs, is often a clear sign of a seizure. Untreated head trauma can also result in seizures due to internal swelling, which may even lead to death. If the dog hits its head and is shaking, it may be displaying signs of a seizure.

My Dog Hit His Head And Had A Seizure – What To Do

We’ve already answered the question – can dogs get concussions. Now, let’s focus on what pet parents looking for an answer to – my dog hit his head and had a seizure – should do.

If your pet has suffered an injury but is not displaying any alarming symptoms yet, it is still wise to take it to a vet to rule out any concerns.

Don’t wait to witness signs that set off warning bells. This is especially true if your dog belongs to a breed that’s vulnerable to concussions. If your dog hit his head and had a seizure, the first order of business is to remain calm. Control your panic and resist the urge to physically restrain or calm it because it may instinctively bite you.

Take notes of how it is reacting and time the duration of the seizure. All this is essential information that may help the vet with diagnosis. It can also aid the veterinarian in selecting the medical treatment that may prevent future episodes.

Remove your pet’s collar or anything that may obstruct its breathing. If your dog faints, let it lie on its side and pull out its tongue to avoid choking hazards. Conversely, if you notice a visible bruise, apply a cold compress to ease your doggo’s pain and reduce the swelling.

Finally, if there is bleeding, apply pressure on the wound –  like you would with a human. This is just the primary care that you need to give in emergencies. Next, contact an animal healthcare expert is essential to ensure that your pet is back at peak condition in no time.

Contacting The Vet Is An Must If Your Dog Hit His Head

Don’t waste precious time Googling things like – dog hit the head and is shaking. Instead, call your vet, inform them of the emergency and take your pet to the clinic asap.

A trained expert won’t only help set your dog right but will also guide you about how to handle potential problems arising from the injury. A well-equipped vet facility will have the machinery to run the necessary scans for your pet. Depending on the dog’s breed, weight, and medical history, they can prescribe or administer drugs as well as address your queries.

Conclusion

If your dog hit his head and had a seizure, your duties don’t end after delivering it to the vet. In the days following the accident, try to limit the activities of your pet. Make sure it gets as much rest as possible and does not exert unnecessarily. Rest is the key to letting the body rejuvenate itself. Give it nutritious meals like bone broth to speed up the recovery. Also, make sure your dog gets its medicine on time and keep an eye out for any erratic behavior.