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Seizures in dogs are definitely one of the scariest things a pet parent may have to go through.
As canine companions go, Chihuahuas are fantastic! They have sassy, super-size personalities packed into pint-size bodies – it’s easy to see why this breed is popular with dog lovers everywhere, from Coach-toting celebrities to the neighbor next door.
Unfortunately, much to the chagrin of their owners, these spunky little dogs tend to be prone to some health problems, and recurrent seizures are one of the most concerning issues that face the Chihuahua breed today.
In fact, a 2009 health survey by the Chihuahua Club of America revealed that 45% of survey participants had either bred or owned a Chihuahua with seizures of unknown origin – an alarming fact that has many lovers of the breed worried for their future.
I have gone through this myself. Although my current dogs have never had a seizure (thank God!), I went through this for almost 19 years with my beloved Terri-poo Joey.
He had them once or twice a month, so although he didn’t have to go on medication for them, they were still quite terrifying to go through, both for him and myself too.
What exactly does a dog’s seizure look like? Well, much in the same way as a human seizure might happen, a canine seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive and uncontrollable firing of nerves in your pup’s brain.
When this happens, it produces a pattern of involuntary movements (contractions) of some muscle groups, and it can show up as odd sensations, abnormal behaviors (like staring into the distance, blinking, or repetitive movements), and a full-body convulsion, or any combination of the above.
Here’s a video of a little Chi going through a seizure:
There are usually three parts to seizure activity. The first stage, or ‘aura’ stage, is when signs of a coming seizure may be noticeable – dogs will often become restless, anxious, or clingy and might whine, tremble or hide from you.
Second is the ictal stage, which is when the actual seizure occurs. Depending on the type of seizure, you might note that your pup vocalizes, chomps, pees, or poops, as they aren’t able to control these functions at the time.
Finally, the post-ictal stage describes the time period right after the seizure. Your pup might seem confused, tired, or less responsive to you; this stage can last for mere minutes or up to a few days after the seizure.
Besides noting the signs of a seizure in your four-legged family member, it’s important to know about the causes of seizures in Chihuahuas as well. The most common reasons for seizures in this breed are:
Common Reasons for Seizures in Chihuahuas
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is especially an issue with young puppies who don’t eat frequently enough to maintain a good blood sugar level. Since Chihuahuas have a smaller number of fat cells than many other breeds, they don’t have much energy reserve to fall back on.
Hydrocephalus. Sometimes called ‘water on the brain,’ this is a condition that’s caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain cavity, and it’s one that’s common to many toy breeds including Chihuahuas. The increased pressure on the brain can cause poor growth, lethargy, stumbling, and seizure activity.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt). Another condition that’s prevalent in toy breeds, a liver shunt is a blood vessel that carries blood around the liver instead of through it. For Chihuahuas, the defect is usually one that’s congenital (present from birth). The shunt prevents the liver from removing toxins from the bloodstream and can limit a dog’s access to energy stores.
Hereditary (or idiopathic) epilepsy. Some Chihuahua breed lines are prone to hereditary seizures that don’t originate from any particular health problem.
GME This is a condition that affects the nervous system, which is more common in small dogs, though dogs of any size can develop it.
Diagnostic Testing for Chihuahuas
Determining the cause of your Chihuahua’s seizures is a task that’s best left up to your veterinarian. If your dog has had a seizure, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to find out the underlying cause of the incident.
Diagnostic tests can include a full health history, examination (including neurological exam), blood tests, urinalysis, and stool checks. These tests are vital for determining the type of treatment needed (if necessary) for your Chihuahua’s seizure activity.
What To Do
So, what should you do if your Chihuahua has a seizure? First of all, don’t panic, and keep in mind that they’re not actually in any pain – just unconscious!
If possible, move your pup away from furniture, stairs, or water to keep him safe. You may need to hold your dog still to keep them from flopping around or trying to stand up during the seizure.
It’s a good idea to time the seizure if you can and keep track of how long it lasts, too, and, if there are multiple seizures, how long of a time period in between each seizure.
Also, use your camera function on your cell phone and take a video of the seizure while it’s in progress to show your vet.
Call your vet for advice right away if your pup’s seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Don’t put your hand or any other object in your dog’s mouth during a seizure either – dogs don’t ‘swallow their tongues, and you run the risk of being bitten accidentally; objects in their mouth during a seizure are also a choking hazard for your Chihuahua.
Stay by your little dog’s side to give them comfort and to help calm them down once they stop seizing – they’ll need some extra loving care afterward.
I know Joey always stuck to me like glue for a few hours afterward. First, I would take him out to go potty, then get him a drink of water. He was always thirsty. And then I would just hold him for a while. He seemed to need comfort.
For some dogs, seizure activity can sometimes become dangerous. You should bring your Chihuahua for emergency veterinary care immediately if you note:
- Seizures that last longer than a few minutes minutes
- Seizures that happen more than once in 24 hours
- Seizures that begin before your pup has completely recovered from the last seizure
To help your Chihuahua recover after a seizure, make sure to stay close and help them through any confusion or disorientation. Keep the room dim and quiet, and speak softly and calmly, keeping your furry friend away from hazards like stairs until they are acting like their usual self.
Some dogs may seem tired, while others bounce back as though nothing happened and are ready to play again. You can offer a small amount of water but realize that your pup may not feel like eating or drinking for a short while afterward.
For owners who adore their little sprites, their Chihuahua’s seizures can be a scary experience – it’s always difficult to watch a fur baby go through an experience like that without being able to help them. With the right care and management, though, many Chihuahuas with seizure disorders go on to live well into their senior years as happy dogs. My Joey lived to be one month shy of his 19th birthday.
I wanted to include this video, although I have no idea if it really works. If anyone tries it or has tried it, please share your results. This lady says she has found a way to halt her dog’s seizures:
If you have gone through this with your dog, feel free to share your experiences in the comments section. Have you had to put your dog on medication for seizures? How often do they have seizures?
Click to find other chihuahua health problems.
FOOTNOTE: One of the readers, Steven Bruggeman on our Facebook page, wrote this: “Not long ago my precious “SPIKE” almost passed away after multiple seizures overnight. The Emergency Vet here in Sarasota advised me to put her down. I got my Baby girl and came home. I posted the story on my FB page.
A fantastic friend told me of a vet in Mobile Alabama had proven that feeding your dog with seizures a special brand and flavor of food, and that would stop the dog from having a seizure. It is a Natural Choice, and it is fish and sweet potatoes formula. I started my spike on that three weeks ago, and since that time, she has made a full recovery where she was almost lifeless at the emergency vet.”
I have no idea if this will work for all dog seizure cases, but I thought I would add it as a possible remedy. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try it.
Also, check the comments below as several people reported good results in stopping seizures with different tactics.
One of them is CBD oil, which has been none to help prevent or lessen the effect of seizures in some dogs (and humans too). We recommend (and use for other reasons on our elderly dog) King Kanine.
If you try CBD oil, start with the lowest dose first and be consistent with it every day for several months before you decide whether it’s helping your dog or not.
Be sure to add your recommendation if you found something that has helped your dog with their seizures.
Chihuahua Seizure FAQ
Is it common for Chihuahuas to have seizures?
45 percent of people surveyed said that they owned a Chihuahua who experienced seizures of unknown origin. It is more of a common occurrence in more than 30 dog breeds and significantly affects more than 5 percent of all dogs.
What should I do if my Chihuahua has a seizure?
First, stay calm. You can put cold water on your dog’s paws to cool him down. Avoid touching him during the seizure to avoid any accidental biting and call your vet immediately once the seizure has ended.
If the seizure is lasting more than a few minutes take your dog to the nearest vet or veterinary emergency clinic. Do not wait for the seizures to stop take them directly to the vet.
Are there foods that can cause seizures in dogs?
If your dog is prone to seizures, they should avoid eating any potentially inflammatory foods, including those foods that may trigger an allergy or sensitivity. These inflammatory foods include anything containing chemical additives, wheat, soy, corn, beef, or cow’s milk products.
Will treatment help prevent your dog from having seizures?
There are some medications your veterinarian can prescribe that can help control seizures. You should always discuss treatment with your vet because they can target your dog’s specific problem. Alternative therapies may also prove to be helpful in some cases.
Can a seizure kill a dog?
Status epilepticus is a very serious and often life-threatening situation for your dog. This occurs when your dog’s seizure lasts for more than five minutes. To help stop the seizure activity, intravenous anticonvulsants are needed, or the dog may die or suffer from irreversible brain damage because of the seizure.
How do you treat hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas?
Sometimes a sugar source like Karo syrup that is highly concentrated can help with hypoglycemia in dogs. Giving your pet a small amount of sugar to eat may help return their blood sugar levels to normal. However, you should always discuss any treatment for your Chihuahua with your veterinarian first.
Can low blood sugar cause seizures in dogs?
When your dog’s blood sugar levels drop too low, it can cause pain, seizures, loss of consciousness, and sometimes even death. Low blood sugar also ultimately affects the organs and overall brain function of your canine companion as well.
Why do Chihuahuas have seizures?
Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures in canines. This disorder is inherited, but its cause is still unknown. Other causes of canine seizures include liver disease, kidney failure, and brain trauma.
Dr. Sara Ochoa
DVM
This article has been fact-checked and approved by Dr. Sara Ochoa DVM. You can read more about her on our About page.
YES my little man has seizures. He takes medz in the morning and night. He’z been having them for about 4 years. He’z 10. Watching his seizures are SO sad. I feel helpless watching him but I NEVER leave his side before, during or after. He is so TIRED after them. I forgot to say..during his seizures I gently pet him and PRAY! I wouldn’t want life with out him. Prayers go out to ALL the Chihuahuas and their owners. God bless you….Toni and Kurbee
I would never leave my Joey’s side either. I could tell he was scared and confused afterwards. I always felt so helpless too Toni and I feel so bad for the dogs and people too who live with seizures .
I was so happy to read your post. My 5 year old who I adopted in May had thrm. Your story was comforting to me and I do have a couple ( your opinion) questions my name is Barbara thank you in advancr
Glad it helped Barbara! What questions do you have?
Hi Kilosmans mom
My name is Barbara also. My precious teacup chihuahua “baby” just has convulsions for the first time. It was so scary. She sleeps w me and woke me up shaking rhythmicly and foaming at the mouth I got scared and put a little water on her face panting. Then her tongue stuck out to the side. I thought she just died. I love her so much. I held her close. Then it stopped. I rescued her from abuse about 5 years ago. She must be about 7. Help!!
Yep sounds like a typical seizure and they can be caused by many things from low blood sugar to pressure on the brain and more.
Your first order of business is to get her checked out by the vet and tell them exactly what happened. If it happens again, video it so you can show your vet.
Also read through the comments and the article itself for ideas you can try. Not every remedy will work for every dog as the cause of the seizures can be different and sometimes only drugs can help.
Hello, I have a 7y old male chi, had seizures ones every 6 months since he’s 1y old, after the seizure he gets back to normal in couple hours and we dont experience seizures for months, so he’s not under medication. But yesterday he had one after the other, 10 min apart, I toke him to the emergency and they sent us home after injecting medication at 4am. at 11am he started having seizures 10 min apart one after the other wile I was driving to the emergency and he’s tongue was sticking out and drilling, like never see him before. he is ingressed right now, he’s gonna have an MRI tomorrow and hopefully find out what is it and how to stop it. We are devastated and very scared of he’s condition getting worse. If any of you expirienced a similar episode please share advise.
Thank you!
That’s scary Cintia. I haven’t had that happen personally but I know of it happening to others. I don’t have any advice to help you but do keep us informed about his condition.
what was the outcome of the MRI?
Those are cald cluster seizures. My tiny chi does this also. She has had so many violent seizures in a row that she is partially blind now..she is on CBD oil and 2 different seizure meds..so far all she does is facial jerks once a week…its been 3 weeks since her last cluster..vet gives me liquid valium that is rectal to immediately stop a violent seizure..I wish you luck with your baby, I know how you feel, we just want the best for them
Oh wow, Sandy, you have your hands full. I’m glad the seizures are somewhat under control.
My chi is 4 1/2 years old and just started having seizures. At the beginning of her seizures she had 4 back to back starting at 10:05 P.Mand lasted till 12:30 A.M. seizures were were lasting 12 to 14 minutes and 30 recovery time. Then her seizures were about 14 hrs apart for about a week. She was taking Phenobarbitals and Valium and still the seizures kept coming. We were facing possibly putting her down if the medicine didn’t get them under control. A friend of mine suggested CBD oil. Being desperate to help our chi we give if a try. After just one dose of the CBD oil she hasn’t had another seizure. It worked like miracle. She also looked like she felt better and definitely started acting better. Our chi was so sick and in only a couple days she was playing with toys again. I think the CBD oil stopped her seizures.
I have heard that before Bret. It doesn’t work in every case but it’s a miracle worker in some cases. Glad it helped your chi baby.
@Bret Devoe,
I too use CBD oil. I make my own from the plants I grow so I know it is organic. 4 drops morn. & night for my 3 1/2 lb chi. Her seizures started a wk or 2 after she was vacced. So far it is keeping them under control. Now they know vaccs causes autism in babies, so it stands to reason they would cause seizures in our tiny dogs. I do not vacc unless the vet insists because they need a procedure done. eg. teeth cleaning.
Interesting, I never thought of making it myself. My dogs don’t need it now but they may as they age so I’ll keep this in mind. Marijuana is legal now in my state and I’m pretty sure my son could supply me with a plant if I wanted.
can palm fronds be poisonous? the answer to all of your questions is no that’s what baffles me so much but I had no idea that caffeine was poisonous I don’t feed them caffeine but I also didn’t know about the bark and thankfully I don’t have any Brandy was only three pound and Kiki the first one to die about four pound I have parents to both of them and I have all their siblings a bunch of their siblings we used to breed for sale and I used to always have to keep one counting the parents I still have seven little one and I’m terrified I just got them all vaccinated and I pray that helps protect them
Sago palms are highly toxic to dogs but I don’t know about other types of palm fronds.
thank you
God bless you never loved any one like I love my Paris I pray for you as well
I am so sorry you have been going through this, but please know that there is HELP. My dog was having them often and I finally found help. This vet here in Euclid Ohio immediately put him on PHENOBARBITAL (my spelling may be off) But this medication which is a controlled substance has been a miracle. He hasn’t had a episode in over two years. They have had to adjust the dosage a little but my baby has been fine ever since.
I hope this helps you and others.
Barb
Euclid Ohio
They also give Keppra too. My chi has been on it for over a year and a half. Phenobarbital was an option but our vet said that Keppra was easier on their liver but has to be taken 3 times a day. Since we were able to be available to give him his meds 3 times a day, we went with the Keppra and he hasn’t had a seizure since.
They didn’t even have Keppra available when my dog was going through it.
I need help my dog is moaning he threw up and he has lots of Saliva coming out of his mouth. He’s shaking and can’t walk what should I do please help me
I need help my dog is moaning he threw up and he has lots of Saliva coming out of his mouth. He’s shaking and can’t walk what should I do please help me
Sorry Brandon, I just saw your comment. How is he doing now? It does sound like he had a major seizure. He needs to see a vet as soon as possible.
Thank you Cathy It scared me so so bad he’s so precious to me he seems to be better I thought for sure he was going to die. Can I give him a nice warm bath?
Sure you can.
My Bochi has been on both for about a year. She has been having seizures for almost 3 years now, just under 6 years old. I deal with episodes every month , not easy to deal with at 3am, but that’s when they happen. I have a call in to her vet tomorrow to get an MRI, I’m at my wits end at this point. Any other ideas?
Hi Liz
My female chi also started having seizures. She was 2 when they started. She had gained alot of weight after being fixed and that seemed to be a contributing factor. She will goes several weeks without one and then we let our guard down and give her a table scrap she loves so much and then 2 days later she is seizing. If we stick to her daily walks and strict only pet food diet she goes quite awhile.
I’m glad you figured out what was aggravating them Robin. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing your pain that I am going to right now what is HORRIFIC appreciate you thought
You’re welcome Debra. I hope it helped.
I’d have thought all that praying would have cured him.
In the past two weeks I’ve had to of my choice Chihuahuas die within hours after starting to have seizures and neither one of them to ever had a seizure before so I don’t know what causes them or why they died but it was almost two weeks today between the two and both of them were just three years old and neither never had a seizure before like I said anybody with any ideas would be appreciated because I have others and I don’t know you know I’m terrified of something happening to them because like I said I don’t know what brought it on I don’t know any of that
Oh wow! I’m so sorry Kathy. The fact that it happened so suddenly to both of them makes me wonder if they got a hold of something that poisoned them that you didn’t know about. Caffeine poisoning can cause seizures and they can get that through cocoa bark that people use around their plants, not just from actual chocolate or coffee. Other poisonings can cause seizures too. Had anything changed shortly before their death? Did they recently have vaccines or start on new medications? Did you get new carpeting?
Did you get either one of them autopsied?
at your email and thank you for your kind words no I did not have an autopsy the vets in my area are so extremely expensive and I just simply couldn’t afford and can’t afford there prices I know that with the tests that you mentioned it would it would have cost me probably $800 to $900 and I simply don’t have that kind of money and I’m blaming myself for both of their deaths big time we’ve got a 35-foot motorhome to bring our babies when we moved from Idaho to Arizona couple years ago and I’m so scared and no they did not have their vaccine at up to date when they got sick but they never left the house or the yard and nobody else brought any animals to my property only thing I can think of that might have been a factor is that we have a huge number feral cats and I know they did in my yard when I bring on my dogs at so I don’t know if Avery eating kitty poo and maybe the Farrells are sick I don’t know
Could they have witnessed a traumatic event to a close animal or person?
Valley fever it’s a big thing that kills a lot of dogs in Arizona it sounds like it could have been valley fever I would definitely consult my vet
I have never heard of Valley Fever before.
I don’t understand the point of the medication if they continue to have seizures anyway that would say that the
medication was not working
CBD oil seems to be helping Sparky. He is 7had his first seizure 2 years ago. Has had only 3 . We had him on predizone but made his seem more tired, since using CBD he seems more active and has not had another since we started him in Oct
That’s wonderful to hear Mike!
@Barbara Sweeney,pheno negatively affects the liver in dogs
My baby is 3 years old she has been having seizures since birth. Vet said it is Addisons. She is on steroids every 3 days and has to have a shot every 25 days. She doesn’t flop around with her seizures. She more or less just stiffens up for about a minute or two.
Thanks for sharing your experience with your Chi Bobbie. How often does she have seizures?
My Rosebud had Hypoglycemia spells (2) when she was a baby. The first time she had just gotten one of her shots. We were in the office paying the bill when she vomited, and then again. Then she went limp and her gums turned gray. They called the Dr out and he checked her. He went in the back and came out with a bottle of Karo corn syrup and a Q-tip, and rubbed the syrup on her gums. Soon she responded to the syrup and came around. He said that the gums are the fastest way to get the sugar into her blood stream. He said never be without the Karo syrup. We took it everywhere with us. She responded to it quickly when she had the second spell. She will be 11 yrs old in May. She is my companion and my love.
Good to know Betsy. Thanks for sharing about Rosebud!
Our Chihuahua literally just had a seizure like twenty minutes ago, and one about 4 days ago. That’s when I first heard of this Karo trick.
I have him a tiny drop, being unsure how much was too much, I figured one drop would probably be enough.
This seizure was different though because he was mostly just shaking Like he was cold. And he felt cold. We played a fleece blanket on him and he’s cuddled on his dad’s chest right now.
If he has another one in the next week or so we definitely taking him to the vet. He usually has 2 – 3 seizures in like a 2 week time, then he’ll go month’s without one.
The past week we’ve noticed he appears to be eating a lot more. All his siblings are cats, and they want nothing to do with his food.
The seizure he just had just seemed different than the others. He also made noises like he was in pain. I think he bruised himself jumping off the couch recently… But not knowing for sure just made this one scarier. Though not as scary as his first one!
If you take him to the doctor be sure to tell them exactly how this one seemed different. Keep us updated.
Was it dark or light Karo syrup?
My Boo has seizures often. I hate it and I cry every time. I hold him and tell him it’s ok and mama is here etc. He is on Keppra, but I think it’s sugar related. I usually give him a bit of maple syrup or honey or even sugar in warm water. This helps every time. And if he has anything sweet it sets him off also. I feed him steak or beef etc that I cook for him. He had to have most teeth removed and his jaw had fractured so no kibble for him. If he gets scared or overheated or dehydrated he seizes. He also has a heart murmur and is at the beginning of kidney issues. It is interesting that most Chis seem to shake (vibrate) and lift a front leg when seizing. Boo gets so tired after and I massage him and comfort him. I am so scared of the day he leaves me. I think I will die.
Poor little guy! Boo is lucky to have you for his mommy. It sounds like you are taking very good care of him.
I’m so glad that I found this thread! What happens to your pup sounds like what happened to my 11 year old chiwennie, Gianni… Took him outside with his brother Peanut, everything seemed fine – he did his little biz and came to sit next to me. Then his body heaved a little like he was going to throw up, so I decided to take him inside – as we were walking he just stopped and laid down on the ground.. I just could feel like something was wrong.. I went to pick him up and his little body was stiff and his eyes were kind of blank and I noticed his tongue that was slightly sticking out of his mouth was grey – then I really freaked out – I just rubbed his chest and kept calling his name and tried to give him some water…then it seemed he took a breath and started to pant. His tongue turned pink again then he started scratching at himself and walking in circles. I put a cool towel on his head and he drank some water and then slept for a while. Being stuck at home on limited finances because of the COVID19 doesn’t allow me to rush him to the vet, so after talking to the vet, I’m just keeping a super close eye on him… I’ve just been so worried but he seems like his old self now.
That is scary and unfortunately sounds like the type of seizures my little grandson has. It really seems like he’s dead and then he just comes back around after a few minutes.
Do you know if anything was different in the days before the seizure with Gianni? Did he eat anything different? Or get into any houseplants or anything out of the ordinary?
@Betsy Koppinger,
I love this
Thank you
I also had a beloved Chi that had seizures . They were scary and even though with vet care and medicine . He still had seizures. Didn’t realize this was so common . He lived for 15 years oh he’s been gone for 4 years now I still miss him so . I always wondered if it was caused by the heart worm flea medicine had caused the seizures ? His just happened to start after he had been on them . Am still wondering if there is a connection ? I know they have to be safe from heart worms . Just had a new Chi I adopted given her shots and a shot for the protection . Now I’m nervous if she will be ok . She is fine so far. She is the 3 Chi counting the one which passed. Still have one 16 years old that I’ve had from 9 weeks old as the one who had seizures and now the new one a year old . Love the breed . I’m not suggesting anyone blame the meds.as I say my other dogs have get the medicine too. Just a thought how long seizures date back and when they are indoor dogs except to be out short time on leash to potty and up to date on all other vaccines do they need the flea heart worm protection ? I repeat I still have mine vaccinated for this just wonder ?
I have wondered about that too Pam.
I agree, my little Chi, Dottie had never had a seizure until I gave her Confortis. Three days later she had her first one….she now periodicly still has them and I completely blame this drug. For the first 5 years of her life she had never had one and then she has one after the first dose??? It pretty much speaks for itself and it is totally to blame.
Yes it does Lisa. Don’t think I’ll be trying Comfortis.
The company takes no responsibility…they say that the dog could already have a chance for a seizure and the drug could possibly just bring it on…HOGWASH!
Sounds typical for a large drug company.
My Chi started having seizures after being on the oral for 3 months. I called them and turned in a complaint since it is stated in the insert it could cause seizures. My Chi uses Revolution which covers everything and is topical. He does have a “spacing out” seizure once in awhile, but nothing like he used to, Grand Mal seizures!
Oh wow, that’s so scary Tango! Glad he’s doing better and hopefully with time, the spacing out seizures will disappear too.
It’s such a horrible sight to watch. My 5 year old Chi Chewy started them about a year ago. I was in no position to pay for lab work so I began feeding him Treatables. They are CBD ( no thc, so no he’s not getting high) and his weekly seizures went to monthly and every other month to none for 9 months. I wasn’t able to continue purchasing them so the seizures began again after being off them 3 months. He had his 1st seizure April 8th and a second one a few moments ago. During the throw up/poop part, he throws up a good amount of food. Looks like he hasnt digested his food for a few days. Like its backed up in there. So gross I know. Prayers to all the pooches and parents
I got some samples of Treatables at a recent pet bloggers conference I was at and gave them to my dogs when we had a thunderstorm a few days ago. They calmed right down. These things are great for lots of problems. I’m so sorry you haven’t been able to get more 🙁
I live in Canada. Where can you get Treatable? I’ve been giving my dog cannabis oil but not sure how effective it is since she is still having seizures periodically. I’ve also heard that you may have to keep trying different ones to find the right one that works.
Iv’e heard that too Lisa.
I’m not sure where you get them in Canada but you can probably order them from their site https://www.treatibles.com/ and if not, they have a contact form you can ask them about it.
My little one began having seizures at about 6 years old. Her vet never did find a reason. As they became more severe and more frequent, he started her on potassium daily. She has has a couple of very mild ones since, when she was stressed out when we moved from one home to another. That was about a year ago. She is now content and no more problems.
That’s great Joanna!
How much potassium do you give daily?
I have a CHI is name is Tyson he is 2 and a half years old and he has 2 seizures this week, it scared my i hold him and pet him and talk to him it seems to help some.
what else can I do for him? dont have money for vet yet, i am on a fixed income
There isn’t much else to do for him except hold him and make sure he doesn’t hurt himself during the seizure and give him some water after it’s all over. You do need to get him to a vet as soon as possible. Check to see if your local SPCA has discounted vet services. Many of them do,
I have a chi and his name is Joey he has been taking seizures now for almost a year the first time that he took a seizure I thought he was dying I panicked by him to the vet and they had no idea what happened the second time he took his second seizure we ran him to the vet again and this is when they told us he was taking seizures I do chart his seizures by date time and how long they last when he is in a seizure I hold him really tight with his head tucked up underneath my chin and I talked to him his baby sister who is his actual blood sister she’s a long hair Chi she will come over and lay beside him on my lap with him and it doesn’t take that much time for him to come out of the seizure he is 3 going to be for and I know I have a long road ahead of me but he is very loving and playful each seizure is different there are times where we just have the shaking and staring into space there are times where he acts like a bobble head doll and then his body completely totally stiffens up I’m sometimes they’re much worse we have all the symptoms we have the shaking the bobblehead is there are times where he will drool and yes he stares off into space which I know he is unconscious and can’t see but we just hold him and talk to him and bring him out of it it does work is it is just too hard to sit there and leave him on the floor and watch him go through the convulsions depending on the length and how severe is the seizure is dictate how he acts after sometimes he just curls up want covered sleeps and there are times where he boss is right back like nothing ever happened but I wouldn’t trade him in for the world
I felt like that too with my Joey Robin. I didn’t think he could hear me or know I was there but I couldn’t just stand there and watch him flop around like that so I tried to comfort him as much as I could.
My 16 year old Chihuahua had a seizure this evening when the UPS truck stopped to deliver a package. She just laid down and seized. There was no violent shaking, but for a moment I thought she was maybe having a stroke. Her heart beat was very weak as well as her breathing. I thought for sure she was going to die, so I just laid down on the floor with her and comforted her as best I could. Eventually her heart beat became stronger and her breathing became normal. We still just laid there until she was ready to get up. She was quiet for about 15 minutes but then became her normal self. I found this article and the videos most helpful. Sassy enjoys very good health otherwise and I expect I’ll have her for a few more years, but I will definitely be notifying my vet first thing tomorrow.
Keep us updated on Sassy’s condition and tell us what the Vet said.
I have a chubby 4 lb rescue Chihuahua, female, who started having seizures about 8 months ago. She’s 2 1/2 yrs old. Her bloodwork was normal and she only has 2 seizures about 24 hrs apart every 2 months. Her seizures are full body but short – never over a minute, usually 30 seconds. She has a short post-ictal and gets right up and starts with her usual active life. The vet decided not to put her on meds with this seizure pattern. Last night she started at 6 pm and had a seizure every hour until 11 pm. I have a 3 legged boxer, also rescue, who is on Potassium Bromide and Phenobarb for seizures as the result of damage she received early in her life. After six hourly seizures with the Chihuahua, she was getting tired and listless so I decided to try a low dose of the Potassium Bromide on her. It’s noon on the following day and there hasn’t been a seizure since I gave it to her. I know it’s supposed to be slow acting but it did seem to stop them. My vet is out of town so we won’t see him until Mon of next week. Any ideas or suggestions?
I’d just keep an eye on her and if she starts up with the seizures again, give her another low dose of your Boxer’s meds.But do get her in to see the vet as soon as possible, specially if this is becoming a pattern with her.
I took my Dach/Huahua into the vet this morning because he was having seizures one after the other. The vet is testing for epilepsy which she said could be managed with several drugs. The old ones like Potassium Bromide have unfortunate side effects like peeing all over but the newer ones have few side effects but were more expensive.
So which medicine will you go with? I’m thinking I’d go with the one where there are fewer side effects even if it’s more expensive. Probably be cheaper in the long run because you wouldn’t have to replace carpeting because of the overactive bladder issue.
My vet got home yesterday and wanted to see my chi, Sugar. She had one more seizure yesterday morning – again, only 30-45 seconds.
He started her on liquid potassium bromide. If that doesn’t give her a significant reduction in seizures, we’ll try the phenobarb next. So far, no additional seizures. She’s sleepy and very clingy but when I wake her up she’ll go out and play with the big dogs. They seem to watch out for her. She’s never allowed out without my husband or myself because we’ve got beautiful red hawks who are way too interested in her. I think she’s gotten too heavy for them to pick her up up but their talons could still cause severe damage.
She’s beautiful Wanda! Let’s hope the meds do the trick with her.
I have a Chi, Cocoapuff, that is about 5 or 6lbs. He is almost 10. He started having seizures about 2 years ago. He was on Phenobarbital until I researched and tried essential oils. He loves lavender and peppermint. His seizures didn’t happen as often.
I realized his eyes would get really big and watery before a seizure. He is fed organic food, bananas, cucumbers and bananas. I figured out he’s hypoglycemic, low blood sugar.
The bananas seem to prevent his seizures! I just give him half a banana when he seems jittery or if his eyes are big and watery. Hope this helps!
It’s worth a try for those who are dealing with seizures. Thanks for sharing that Tonya!
Thank you!
I’ve always had chihuahuas but Sugar is definitely special. All of mine have been rescues, most with pretty awful histories, but they all welcome all of the love they can get.
I have a 10 (almost 11) year old Chihuahua. Daisy. <3 She started having small facial seizures when we would go to the vet. About 2 years ago. They were ONLY when we would go to the vet. Like an anxiety thing. As soon as I opened the door and she could smell where we were she would start. Last September (2015) she had her first one at home. And now they had progressed to grand mal. And one exactly a month later. And one 3 days after that. They were ALL at night. While she was sleeping. I took her to the vet and they did an exam and found nothing wrong. She said it could be caused by age. They put her on Kepra and she was doing really well. Went back 2 weeks after she started the meds and SHE DIDNT HAVE A SEIZURE AT THE VET!!!! I was so excited! First time in years!!! I thought the pills had to be working. But unfortunately 4 days ago she had another one (at night, in her sleep). We had a vet appointment scheduled the next day anyways for vaccines. She had one when we got to the vet too. 🙁 the vet said the meds were to help with the frequency that she would have them. Not to get rid of them completely. I'm just baffled as to why they are ONLY at night when she's sleeping. It's so weird. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!!
I don’t really know why she has them at night Jeanne but my Joey did the same thing. 90% of his seizures happened when he was asleep.
I’ve taken in several breeds with uncontrollable seizures. In my experience, the only dogs with seizures during the day were caused by a physical problem – undiagnosed pain after a poorly healed broken leg, asthma, heat intollerance, drug reactions, severe nerves, etc. Night time seizures happen with idiopathic seizure disorders, simple epilepsy. I find the night time seizures much easier to deal with because the dog is usually in bed with us or in a playpen close to me. Daytime seizures are hard to watch for. My dogs have doggie doors that let them go in and out as they choose and I’ve had a dog fall into the swimming pool during a seizure. I luckily was outside when it happened but I’ll always be nervous if I have a daytime seizure dog that’s out of my sight outside. I hate locking them inside when they enjoy the outside so much!
My chi. Is only about 2lbs. And his seizures are horrible they dont last long but his little body looks broken his back arches and he is screaming at the top of his lungs, his body in pain no doubt. It always happens during the day.
Oh wow Charlotte! That’s awful. I feel so bad for your little guy.
@Charlotte, have you been able to figure out why or what has helped? My dogs only happens when she is super excited like when I get home or she jumps and barks at the tv. Then same thing looks dazed the arches her back, crying out loud and stiff legs. I hold her and calm her down and after 10-20 seconds comes out of them but collapses on me and falls asleep. Any info would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!
@Wanda, Hi Wanda! Thank you so much for all the information youve provided, this has been extremely helpful as my dog has just been put on Keppra for seizures, she is 12 years old. I was wondering if you could elaborate on the daytime seizures and undiagnosed leg pain? My dog tore her ACL and had surgery for it and ended up tearing the other one. We never got it fixed as the vet said since she is small and bearing weight on it, they can eventually heal itself. It got a lot better but recently I have seen it getting worse and we were going to possibly decide to just do the surgery. She developed seizures about 3 weeks ago and they only come on with excitement. When I get home and shes crazy excited or she jumps at the tv when she sees another animal and then she will go into a surgery. Do you think it could be related to her torn ACL in your opinion? Thanks again!!
Sugar update: 4 whole days since starting the potassium bromide without a seizure! Excited and optomistic but we know there’s a long time before we can let our guard down yet. It’s just really nice to see her feeling good, peppy and eating again.
Yay! So glad it’s working Wanda!
We have a 5 yr old chihuahua who is about 3.5 lbs. she had her first seizure last April and was fine and last Summer had a few more. She started getting them again 2 days ago but had about 7 in 1 day and the next day had 5 more. We took her to the vet and gave her medicine but before we left she had another one so they had to admit her and put her on IV and give her a stronger dose of medicine. She was fine the 5 hrs she was there and then in the middle of the night she had two more. Waiting for the vet to open to take her back in. Is there anything else we can do for them??
Gosh Ann Marie, that’s got to be tough to deal with. I’m not sure what else you can do for her. It sounds like you are doing all that you can.
That’s so scary. Having the vet do bloodwork & try new aniti-seizure meds is the thing to do. You can come up with a diary of what she was doing at the time she had her seizures. Some of the littlest insignificant things can be clues to the vet. Include activity, inside or outside, asleep or awake, what has she eaten & when, did she do anything unusual for her, has she been more thirsty than usual, is she peeing & pooping – it all seems mundane but can give them a clue. Good luck
That’s great advice Wanda!
I’m a retired Critical Care RN. Some things never fade.
@Wanda, I’m an OR RN. So true!!!
I have a 2 year old Apple Head, Deer Legged Female chihuahua that is my daughters comfort animal for her autism. For the last year and a half, she has been having seizures almost 2-3 times a month. We don’t know why. They last anywhere from 5 minutes to all night long. Vets say that they are common in chihuahuas and since she is not showing any other signs of distress, there’s not much to do. I am at a loss. I can’t afford pills. I have attached photo of what, we call derp moment, looks like.
Wow, all night long? I have never heard of them lasting that long. Try the method shown in the bottom video on the article and see if that helps. I also have heard of people getting great results with ice packs. I found an article about it you might want to check out. It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/icepack.htm
We have a 5 yr old 10 lb purebred rescue named Nala. She started having odd seizures about 7 months ago – her mouth would open into what looked like a silent scream and her entire body would tense and she’d go stiff for a few moments — and she’d have this episode several times in a row. We knew when one was coming on, she’d go hide under the couch, afraid
The vet checked her over, couldn’t find anything wrong.
Around the same time, we noted that our DVR had started to emit a soft, high-pitched beeping noise every so often. And then we noticed that her seizures would happen within seconds of this beep. As soon as I realized the connection, I immediately took the DVR back to the cable company and replaced it with another — we’d had it for years and it had never made this beeping noise before and prayed the next one wouldn’t either.
It didn’t make the sound. And her seizures IMMEDIATELY stopped.
I haven’t seen much online about sound-related seizures, but it IS possible in humans and I’ve seen a couple of sites that suggest the possibility in animals. I would definitely recommend anyone with a dog suffering from seizures might want to consider checking their home for high-pitched sounds that could be causing or exacerbating the seizing.
For a few months after, some other beeping noises would seem to frighten her and she’ll go hide again — but we’d be quick to grab her and calm her down. She’s yet to have another seizure and it’s been about six months now.
That’s really interesting Kellie. I have heard of flashing lights causing seizures but not sounds.
I’m glad that you found what was causing the seizures, Kellie. It’s like Wanda said above, ” Some of the littlest insignificant things can be clues”. While I’m posting, I’d like to thank all of y’all, especially kilosmom, for posting what you have found and maybe helping others.
You are welcome Howard!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and comments. I am new at “seizures”. My “Nevaeh” will be 9 yrs old next week. She started having seizures about a year ago and only had maybe 3 or 4 the entire year.. She looks around with pitiful eyes in the need to see that I am near, while her hind leg flips uncontrollable. They seem to last no more than a minute. But have come more frequently, coming 2x a mth. and now 2 x a week. She still only wants me near….as I “click” like as in calling a horse …into her ear she refocuses and watches me.
Then stays clingy for an hr. (if the picture posts she is the Black one on the right)
I think the vigorous rub and helping them “re-focus” is helpful.
I was told to mix a little powder from “GABA” and “honey” and let her lick that off your finger will help the anxiety. However, I have not yet tried that…maybe next resort. Thanks Janice
If you try the GABA and honey, let us know if it helped with her anxiety. Thanks for sharing your experience Janice and your fur babies are precious!
My baby Kiannah will be 14 the beginning of may. She had her 1st seizure 3 days ago. She’s had a total of 3 so far that I’m aware of. The vet thinks it may be bacterial bc her heart is on the large side of normal. They were hoping that it was “exercise ” induced. However today’s proved otherwise. I’m having a hard time determining the right thing to do.
If it’s bacterial, can they giver her antibiotics Valerie?
@Valerie mattson, did they ever figure it out?? My little one’s only happens when shes excited.
Hello, My little Chi. Misty started having siezures about 6months ago and so far has had 5 siezures the last one was caused by me I think, I was getting on to her for eating food off the ground and when I went to pick her up she started having a siezure and it lasted for around a minute or two. So I started thinking about her siezures and everytime she had one she was stressed out somewhat. Loud noises bother her and air compressors distub her and Big transfer trucks bother her and if she is not with me she gets stressed out. She is eleven years old and led a SUPER life. I think the best I can do is to not let her get stressed out, I am going to the vet tommorrow and we will discuss Misty and Her siezures. But until then me and Misty will go out to eat, She goes into all the stores and Resturants with me, I have her registered as a Service Dog so she can be with me 24 hours a day so I can watch her, If I do not have her with me she starts Howling, Then after her best friend Macy died a couple of years ago she started shaking and acting reaslly nervous all the time, I think that is also maybe having somewhat of a effect on her having siezures. I mreally think her siezures are caused by stress, I do not know but thats what I think is causing hers, Thanx Misty The Chi. & Bobby her care taker
Let us know what the vet say Bobby. It does sound like a stress related thing with her.
This is worrying my about our new rescue Chi named Taco. She is so attached to my wife that she will throw up when my wife’s dresses up to go to the physical therapist. I’m doing what I can to try and get her to transfer some of the attachment to me. Hope it works.
What are doing now to help Taco Howard?
Mostly just trying to get her to spend more time away from my wife. Things like taking her outside by myself.
Try to offer her small treats to get her to come to you and praise her when she does in a soothing voice. Chis tend to be one owner dogs but they can learn to like other family members too.
I had a Chi named Flan. He started having seizures and the vet said it would only get worse. Sure enough, at the end, he started having 7 seizures a day. The vet said I should put him to sleep because he was suffering. He said the tumor had gotten bigger and he was suffering. It was so hard to make that decision. Now I have another chi, named him Prince and I pray that he doesn’t go through that. It’s the most awful thing. They are family and it hurts to see them go through suffering.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that Silvia. Odds are Prince will be fine. Most Chis never have that problem, thank God.
One of my babies just had a seizure about 15 mins ago. He is 10 but still my baby. ..I just held him close and talked to him letting him know everything will be ok. He is cradled in my bed with me right now. This is the second seizure this year. I was told not to take him to the vet the first time..when should I go? Do I change his food? Get him meds?
I would call the vet and let them know he has had his second seizure. He really needs to be checked out by them. You could try changing the food too and see if it makes a difference but it usually isn’t the food that causes seizures (although it has happened where a dog has an extreme sensitivity to a food). Regardless though, you should call the vet first.
Hi I’m Barbara and I have a 7 week old tea cup Chi. I never thought I’d love a dog as much as I love her. Her name is Hope and weighs 1.7 pounds. She eats very well and plays a lot. Tonight I experienced my first seizure with her. I held her, cried and I prayed for her. It happened when she was sleeping. As I was reading the other entries my Hope doesn’t like loud sounds such as my cell phone ring tone. It gets her all shaky as if it does stress her out. She has another appointment June 6 and I’m going to tell the vet about her less than 3 minute seizure that seemed like for ever for me. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
You’re welcome Barbara. I don’t think I’d wait til June 6 though. I’d at least call your vet and let them know what happened. They will probably want to see her right away.
Hello Barbara, my name is Sheron Price. I had a Teacup Chihuahua for 14 1/2 years. My vet expected her to have problems with seizures, but thankfully she never did. I lost her August 16, 2014 from heart problems. I didn’t think that I would ever get over losing her, and did not even consider getting another one until last summer when I saw a picture of a little girl that had been found with her deceased owner, and had been turned over to the local animal control. She was, later that day picked up by a local rescue, spayed and given a complete physical. They considered her ready for adoption. She was located 100 west of where I lived, and I called and spoke to the lady that ran the rescue for three days before I gave in and decided to give her a new home. My son lived closer to where she was, so he picked her up and brought her to me. I immediately realized that she had a skin issue. She was scratching herself constantly. I took her to my vet and he started her on an injection to help with the itching. She had been given an injection every two weeks for almost two months and she had her first seizure, then another three weeks later and another in two weeks. The vet stopped the injections, put her on Phenobarbital for the seizures and Prednisone for the itching. Needless to say she is overweight now, we are working on that. During December, I took Pneumonia and my husband was feeding her and giving her the meds, but he wasn’t giving her the meds as often as he was supposed to, he just would forget. When I found out that he had missed some doses, I decided that it was time to do something different. I had done some research on a product called Nzymes. It is an antioxidant that keeps the liver filtering correctly. It is given for seizures in dogs, and for other health issues in animals. I took it to my vet and asked him about it. He agreed that it could not hurt her. I started her on it according to the directions. She had been on it for almost two months, and I decided that I would gradually wean her off of the Phenobarbital and the Prednisone. After two weeks, she was completely off of the prescription medications, and I was just holding my breath that she would not start having the seizures again. She started out taking half a tablet of the Nzymes, once in the morning and again at dinner. After 2-3 months I cut it back to 1/2 a tablet once in the morning. She has not had any more seizures 🙂 She feels so much better not being on the prescription medication, and she takes the Nzymes without any problems. Go to Nzymes.com and read about all of the success stories and see what you think. They also have a skin set that I am going to try for her itching. The vet put her on Apoquel, but I would rather she not be on it. It helps with her scratching, but I am going to try the set that Nzymes has and see if it will work for her. I firmly believe in Nzymes and I would not have said anything to you about it if I didn’t. I hope that your little one gets better.
I have never heard of Nzymes Sheron. Thanks for the info.
my nieces boxer has them a lot and I seen her have one once and it scared me,all she does is talk to the dog and gives her something sweet to eat and she comes out of it.it it scarey.i have a chi and hope it happen to her
It is scary Carol. Even though my Joey had them his whole life, I never got used to them. They always scared me and him.
My Maxwell had 4 seizures in a month at 7 months old we put him on meds per the vet’s advice and he has not had a seizure in 2 years. It’s a terrifying experience for both of us
Yeah 4 in a month is a lot. Glad Maxwell hasn’t had anymore. Is he still on the meds? My Joey used to get just one a month but a few times he would get several in a span of a few days.
I am truly thankful I found this blog….I’m fairly certain my 3 yr old Chi, Daisy, has epilepsy or a form of seizures….after the first two (that were 4 months apart) I didn’t want to believe it…but now she’s had 2 in the last week….it’s terrifying and I hate that I can’t help her….while I’m not 100% certain she is having seizures, after reading this I’m not sure what else it can be…..we are scheduled to see our vet on Monday. My heart is heavy, I just want her to be ok……my husband and son wanted this dog, I am a cat person, but she has completely stolen my heart and I absolutely love her!!
They have a way of creeping into your heart, don’t they. If Daisy has another seizure before her vet appointment, take a video of it to show the vet. Keep us updated!
My 13 year old chi, just had her first seizure about two weeks ago. It was during the day and she just went limp. It lasted about a minute. She had another a week later and has had about two since. She dont seem to be eating. But will eat if we give her sandwich meat. She was going on a 2 mile walk every other day. But since this has started has stopped. I am thinking its hypoglycemia as she just feels very frail lately. Other events that happened around this were a change in food about a month before and she has lost her back teeth. Though i have seen her eat crunchy food since the back teeth. After the first one i did get her for the first time a flea collar. But again she has little to no interest in the food bowl but if you have human food she wants that. And we are trying different brands in cluding the moist and meaty soft stuff but she aint happy with that either.
I would get rid of the flea collar as they have been known to cause health problems in small dogs including seizures.
If her health doesn’t improve after you ditch the collar, then she definitely needs to see a vet or you may end up losing her.
You are so right, kilosmom. We put flea collars on our Jack Russells and it killed the youngest one. I’ll never put one on any dog ever.
I’m so sorry Howard. I agree with you though. I have heard of too many horror stories about flea collars and won’t use them either.
I know it sounds crazy but the vet told me that our new puppy had seizures and to give him vanilla ice cream – only a scoop a night. I’m not sure if it was seizures as bad as the ones posted but it worked and he hasnt had them anymore – he just turned 2 years old in Feb.
These were very small that the vet didn’t even see it at first but they seemed to get worse. It took a couple of months but like I said he hasn’t had anymore. Sorry – it sounds crazy and maybe it was because it was on a small scale that it worked. I would ask your vet. It sounded crazy but worked for us.
That’s interesting! It’s worth a try.
Thank you for this! We got a chi-min pin rescue 7 years ago and we adore him. Last year he had a seizure for the first time. $1,000 later (blood tests, diagnostics) there was no answer. He’d had some boiled chicken (which we’d never given him before) and had gotten into a cup of coffee within an hour of that seizure. We surmised that it must have been the coffee. I switched him to a raw food diet (Buffalo, venison, or lamb) Almost a year later he had a second seizure after eating poultry again. The only commonality between the two seizures was what he ate just prior. Needless to say no more poultry for our boy and we’ll hope for no more seizures!
Interesting…chicken is a new trigger for me. Haven’t heard that one before but it doesn’t surprise me. Let’s hope his seizures are over!
Hopefully!
Also curious about this my little guy started about 6 months ago now he will be 8 this year. They happen only in the middle of the night and we never know when he will have one. Vet has said it is most likely low blood sugar and to give him some honey or syrup at the onset that it will raise his sugar and stop the seziure. This has helped and will usually stop one in it’s tracks and he then rebounds very quickly. I know keep honey straws on my bedside table for him just in case.
That’s a great idea with the honey straws Becky. Low blood sugar is a reason why some dogs gets seizures so it’s certainly worth a try for anyone looking for ways to help their dog during a seizure.
Hi all. My Whiskey is seven and just had his fourth seizure in two years last night. It lasted 12 minutes. They always scare me to death! What wiuld I do without my little man. The vet and I are already trying to figure out what’s wrong with his liver and I think this problem is why he’s been having seizures. She’s been doing monthly blood work and his liver function tests come back over 300!!! Nothing seems to help it regulate. We are stumped. I just hate seeing how scared Whiskey is during his seizures. I’m so glad I found this site!
Poor little guy! I hope they figure out what’s wrong with him soon! He’s so freaking adorable!
Hi everyone. My little Darcey is 32 months old and just had a seizure today. Yes , it has freaked me out and I called the vet immediately. They said let her settle and come in first thing tomorrow unless she becomes unwell or has another. For me the most extraordinary and frightening thing is that I also have a Border Terrier nearly 14yrs old that has has seizures since she was three yes old! They are almost identical and when she started the vet put her on a barbiturates based medication. It didn’t help. I went on the internet and looked at videos of other terriers with the seizures and one lady from holland said she managed her dogs episodes mainly with a gluten free and low protein diet. She named it spikes disease after her dog and the vet seemed really surprised by the improvement too. I told my vet about it, never heard of it so he went on YouTube also, then called me back and said stop the medication and try the diet. It works really well and she sometimes goes years without having a seizure, usually we can trace it back to our sloppy use of treats! I am praying that this is the same condition now manifesting itself in Darcey rather than something more sinister. Please have a look at spikes disease (CECS/canine encephalitic cramping syndrome) if you think it may help
Thanks for the info Karen and keep us updated on Darcy!
My little angel is named Lily. She is a long haired Chihuahua. She has seizures too and the vet has put her on 2cc of Potassium Bromide twice a day. She’s been doing good but she just had one this morning and now her right eye looks swollen and she’s keeping it shut. Does anyone have an idea why her eye would swell after a seizure? Has this happened to anyone? Did the swelling eventually go away? I adore this little girl and I do everything in my power to see her happy and comfortable! Any info will be deeply appreciated!
Lily is beautiful!
You need to call the vet and tell them about her eye and the seizure. It could possibly be caused by brain swelling from the seizure.
Thanks Cathy! I did and she’s going tomorrow to be examined! It was a bad seizure so I’m hoping she’s okay! Thanks again!
I’m glad you are going tomorrow Rick. Let us know what the vet says, okay?
My 6 month old chihuahua is walking like she’s drunk and disoriented and when being held she can’t keep her head up, what could possibly be wrong with our baby?
It could be a seizure, or it could be her blood sugar is too low. If you have some corn syrup, rub a little bit on her tongue. If you don’t have that, use a little sugar water and see if she perks up within a few minutes. If she does, give her some food. Puppies this young and small should be fed 2-3 times a day.
If she doesn’t seem better, get her to the vet as soon as possible.
Keep us updated!
Hi, my little angel is Dodo. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus a few months ago. She had seizures couple times before we brought her to a vet. After a hospital visit, she now has to take powder medicine twice a day. We underatand that Dodo is letharge than before. But somehow whenever we take her for a walk, she frequently trembles.. not only her body.. also her eyes.. and I wonder if this is related to the illness she suffers..
Dodo is such an adorable little girl!
Yes the trembling could be related to the illness or she could just be very excited.
My only hope is she doesn’t get worse.. thanks for the comment Cathy!
My beautiful little girl, Sheba is a chihuahua terrier mix, she is 12 yrs old and just started having seizures a month ago, so our vet put her on meds, but she’s become lethargic and seems completely “out of it”, she dosent want to do anything, I told the vet that I thought the meds are making her feel this way, so I’ve stopped giving her these meds, I’m terrified that there was permanent damage done, I would love advise from anyone that has experienced this, and what I can do
@Heather,I Have a chihuahua that is going to be 12 years old next month and her name is also (Sheba) Yesterday she got her first seizure I had no clue what was happening ? she pee & Poop at the same time ? this was her first time getting that… The only thing that i can see is that i know she is nerves and my Husband & his friend was talking loud so probely that it would of been that ! ! but not shurr… I would like somme advice on what could i do for her, She is my baby ?
Question. Skimmed over the replies but did not find such seizures as my little girl has. She does not convulse only goes completely rigid for up to about 2 minutes and then is scared and confused for about 30 seconds then alright. We hold her, comfort her and pet her when this happens. It might be 2 to 6 months between seizures.
Those kind of seizures are more common than you think. I know a person who has them like that. The good thing about them is they aren’t as violent as the convulsive kind and don’t seem to be as hard on their bodies but it’s still unnerving.
I have a 11 month old Chihuahua whom I might have to put down tomorrow. He’s been having seizures since he was 4 months, right after he started getting his vaccinations. He’s on Phenobarbital and that helps, but it seemed like he was getting them towards the end of his prescription, so I heard that CBD biscuits were good for seizing dogs, so I started giving him one a day and his prescribed dosage of Phenobarbital, and he was doing amazing, until last Tuesday, when he had one for two hours straight. I took him to the vet, they prescribed him something else, along with the Phenobarbital. I stopped the CBD and he hasn’t been the same since. He’s eating until he poops, he doesn’t recognize me, he runs away from me and he hides under our bed or stays in his bed. He’s also eating his poop. He won’t play with my other dogs and cries when I try to pick him up. I don’t want to put him down because he’s my baby and little man. Help before I take him tomorrow. My husband keeps telling me to put him down, but I can’t. Once I get him, he loves on me and let’s me kiss him.
Oh no, I’m so sorry Doreen. I think that extra long seizure has probably caused some brain damage which caused the personality change. He’s still young enough that his brain can repair itself, if you could stop the seizures.
What jumped out at me was the fact this happened after his vaccines. This sounds like GME. You can read more about it here: https://ilovemychi.com/gme-a-deadly-condition-you-probably-never-heard-of/
Unfortunately, I don’t know what to tell you to help him. Do read all of the comments people left as some of them have shared what worked for them. I wish I could be of more help. I hate that this little guy is having such a rough time of it and may have to be put down. Please let us know what happens with him.
I have 3 chihuahuas, Rusty, JJ, and Bubba ( otherwise known as Itchy, Twitchy, and Scratchy). MY youngest, Bubba, is a very shy little boy. He is one person dog for sure. When he was about 2, he started having seizures. He would stiffen up all over, his eyes would bug out and his little claws would stick out. After about 5 minutes ( 10 years in doggy years). Then he would be okay. My older “mother henry” dog, Rusty, can sense when he has a seizure, and licks his face. This seems to calm him while I hold him close. These only happen about once every 4 or 5 months and I hope they don’t get any worse. I do keep a record of these. The info I read here was very helpful and makes me realize how lucky we are. Thank you., Sue
They may not get worse Sue and hopefully they won’t. Joey’s were pretty scary but he never had them that often. He did have one 2 days in a row one time and I was so worried it was the start of them getting worse but then he went back to the old schedule of one every month or two.
It’s good Bubba has you and Rusty to help him through them and I’m glad you are recording them too.
Our almost 6 yr. old male Chi just started having seizures a month ago. It scared us when this started and still does some but we know to hold him and talk to him until he recovers. Our vet has diagnosed fps thyroid problem. We have him on two medications which are keeping the seizures under control.
I’m glad the seizures are now under control Linda.
My little Spencer Reid has small seizures. We treat them with essential oils and they work! I see his signs of one approaching, use one drop of oil on his feet and tummy and it never happens! Contact me if you want to know more!
I have heard of essential oils working for some seizure problems before. That’s great. Spencer is adorable.
I would like more information on giving my little man essential oils for his seizures. Please email me bdaonion67@gmail.com
I would be interested in knowing about this as well mrslaurahickman@gmail.com
Dear Lori, I would be very interested in learning about the essential oil as our little “grand-Chi- pup” Peppa is still having a lot of fits and is on pexion twice a day. Hopefully you can help us. Could you please send me a reply by E-Mail .
many thanks
Rene
@Lori Connery, Hi, which essential oil do you use, please ?
@Lori Connery, What brand & type of essential oil do you use please?
could u sugget the oil please .i am having tea cup chehuahua 1.5 year old female ans she is having Seizures once in a month.
@Lori Connery, What oils…. and how do you use them for seizures?
My 4 lb. Chi started losing her hair so I took her to the vet. He took a series of blood test and determined she has low thyroid . He put her on pills but she began getting a twitch in her head after getting those needles . That was 3 months or more ago and they are improving, my granddaughter who is a registered nurse said the needles damaged a nerve but it can get better . Now I’m afraid of injections . She screamed when they were trying to find her small veins. I hope she doesn’t start having seizures . I’m praying for her and I believe in the power of prayer. Karma is 11 years old .
Poor little Karma. Hope she gets better!
I realized a long time ago that my chihuahua has seizures when she is overheated. She also gets chills easily so I would cover her up. But now I make sure part of her body is not covered up. She hasnt had one in a long time. This was the same with another chihuahua puppy I was holding in my sweatshirt before I figured out that overheating was the issue. Keep them warm but not completely covered and see if it helps. Sending all the pups love ?
Good advice Laurie.
@Laurie, I was trying to see if that could be the reason. My 10 pound Chi ZuZu had seizures and the last 2 times it happened while she was under a heavier blanket than I usually use. I thought that maybe she couldn’t find her way out and got and panicked and got the seizure right after she got out from under and the other reason I tough of was that she got overheated under there. Im getting rid of all the comforters and just leaving the light blankets in the bedrooms. I couldn’t find any information about that until I read your post. Thank you for sharing!
My 15 year old Chihuahua started to have seizures after giving her a bath. Thus far she had a full blown one that lasted less than 30 seconds. The next time I gave her a bath she started to behave like she was going to have another seizure so I picked her up and held her close. She trembled and had a dazed look. She did not seemed to have a seizure, there was no convulsions or muscle spasms. After a few minutes she wanted to walk so I placed her on the floor while keeping a close eye on her. She went back to her normal self after that. I took her for a walk and she appeared to have no issues. I read somewhere that over excitement can trigger seizures, not sure if this is the case. Has anyone experienced anything like this?
I have heard that too Allan although I have never heard of a dog having a seizure because of a bath. But I can certainly see how that could happen if they are nervous and scared about being bathed.
My dog would just get them out of blue for no particular reason although about half happened when her was sleeping.
I wonder if you could get a mild tranquilizer from your vet or give her some pet CBD oil to calm her down before a bath.
@Allan, I’m having the same issue. She only has them when she gets excited. It’s changed her personality completely, its almost as if shes afraid to get excited now because she correlates it with seizures. If you found anything that worked for you please let me know, thanks!
My baby boy is 8 years old and about a year ago I figured out he was having seizures, I attributed them to night terrors but when the last one had gotten so bad I thought he was going to die I took him to the vet that very morning. He would always lose control of his bladder during this. Which was a key indicator. He began having them when he was a puppy and only had them maybe 5 or 6 times up until last year when he started having them more frequently. He’s been on phenobarbital ever sense but has had a couple very short lasting seizures recently. He is always extremely tired after, my daughter (who is 7) is also so worried for him when these happen. We love him so much and it’s scary everytime. The vet found no originating problem for the seizures. I feel for everyone dealing with these seizures and their beloved fur babies.
Yeah they are rough to watch. I remember feeling so helpless watching Joey going through knowing I couldn’t do anything to stop it. Joey also lost control of his bladder during them and also was very tired afterwards. He’s also be very clingy for the rest of the day and thirstier than normal too.
My brother’s Chihuahua had a seizure when I came in his house. She hasn’t seen me in a while. He also said the months long fireworks have really upset her. That’s when they started
I have heard that a lot about fireworks bringing on seizures in dogs Barbara.
My dog had a seizure almost every month sometimes more than one in a month. The vet figured out that his kidneys were not filtering properly. Thank god she recommended to lower his protein. I found the ceaser brand is only 9 grams of protein but less than 8 is recommended if possible. I have been keeping track and now he had one seizure in March and one seizure today in August. Hope this helps a chihuahua and chihuahua lover out there.🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡💛💛💛💛💛
Interesting, it would have never occurred to me that kidneys could have anything to do with seizures. Thanks for the info.
My almost 4 yr old Chihuahua. Has a attack where he draws up his mid section and legs can’t stand or walk correctly..look almost like a dinasour shape little thing feet up at face ,shakey and stars straight ahead…will spit or almost foam at mouth …do you know what this could be ?? Has started happening almost once a month that I have caught him having it …..in five mins or less after I get and take lay on bed and love him.its over as if nothing happens.donent seem like seizers other describe..
That does sound like a seizure Michelle. I have seen them like that. I’d let your vet know. Since it’s only happening once a month, they probably won’t do anything about it but if it starts happening more often they may.
My little chi after 12 years of living fine just started having seizures. We have put him on meds and it has now been 24 hours seizure free. I lived with my younger brother having epilepsy his whole life and you are still not ready when it happens to you. I spent the last couple of hours crying on and off because o hate to see him go through this. I am just hoping we will have him for another 12 years at least 😀
He may still have a long life Christopher. My Joey has seizures all his life and still was a very old dog close to 19 years old when he died.
Ok guys listen, my 7 year old, 5 pound chihuahua has been having for 2 years. U have to stop the seizure, u put your finer in the tip of their nose and push up towards their eyes for 30 seconds to a minute or as long as u can. They will more then likely let u if they r seazing, but mine sometimes pushed away, especially if she was already done having them. Honey works. Just a lick every morning for hypoglycemia should do the trick. And also cbd oil works great but beware because there r some kinds of chewable treats that have caused death in some dogs. I’ve finally had to put mine on phenobarbital because she was having them too often and she hasn’t had one since. Food is also a BIG factor. Chi r allergic to chicken and chicken byproduct so make sure the food they have is quality and very few ingredients like beef or lamb (no poultry) and veggies, no corn filler and grain free, it’s VERY important.
Meant to say finger on the tip of their nose
Thank you all for your comments and insight. I’m not quite sure what is going on with my Bella. She is almost 9 years old, and about 4 years ago it seems like she had some time of seizure where she lost control of her bladder and bowel control. Ever since then she has gained weight. (She’s always been about 7 lbs but now is about 10 and I can’t seem to shake it off her.
After that episode I noticed sometimes she would almost have a seizure or some type of episode. Usually it’s at night when she’s laying down. I know it happens because she lets out a Yelp or a bark as if she’s in pain. I don’t know if it causes her discomfort if she’s in pain if she knows it’s coming or she’s just scared. She doesn’t lose control of her bowels or bladder but her body stiffens after she helps and her eyes get glazed over or Smokey looking. She’s stiff for a few seconds and then lays there in her bed as if she’s tired and just keeps licking her nose or mouth.
She doesn’t have convulsions and I’m not even sure if this would be considered a seizure. It happens at least two to three times a month at random. Usually when she’s laying down. if this sounds like a seizure if somebody could please give me some tips or insight and let me know. I haven’t seen too many stories about their dogs making noise prior to the episode so I’m not sure thank you all for your stories and help.
Yep that’s still a seizure. My Joey almost always had his at night too. But he never made noise.
I have a 3 year old chihuahua he has never had a seizure until a week ago and now he has had two of them why would he all of a sudden start having them
Sometimes it just happens that way. My Joey was about that age when he first started having them. Sometimes it’s caused by an injury, or a severe reaction from a bug bite or something they eat or a brain tumor.
Has he seen a vet about the seizures?
Verry useful information.
How do I check for low blood sugar,,I have no money so I can’t take her to a vet
Thanks again
Please let me know
This post tells how to tell if your dog has low blood sugar: https://www.purinaproclub.com/purinaproclub.com/resources/dog-articles/health/hypoglycemia-requires-quick-intervention-in-toy-breeds
Hello, I have a canine that is approximately 4 years old. And one thing that I have found that works for her is just 1/2 tsp of Hagen Dez vanilla ice cream. It has to be Real vanilla. Just place it on side of mouth so it hits under tongue. It hits blood stream faster. It acts kinda of like Smelling salts.
Every time I have had to use this….she snaps out of it within secs.
That’s really interesting Traci. I wonder if it’s the vanilla in it that’s snapping her out of it or something else in it.
My chihuahua had his seizures when some one came to the door and he started barking. He would just lay in his side, eyes open , but unconscious and limp. He has had two in the past six days so getting more worried. Upon investigating, I found out that the “nightmares” that I thought he was having when sleeping were actually seizures. He cries out so I assumed bad dream. I’m not sure about phenobarbital because many have said they still seize. Where can you get cbd for a dog? Thanks for any advice. Love my chi.. weirdly enough I also have his sister that does have hydrocephaly, mild case, without seizures.
I use King Canine CBD oil for small dogs. Here’s a link to it: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=925838&u=338186&m=68341&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fkingkanine%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fking%2Dkalm%2Dcbd%2D75mg&afftrack=
Hello Everyone! Can I just say how happy I am to see this page. What a wonderful source of information from fellow Chihuahua owners and exactly what I’ve been looking for since my little Bella started developing seizures three weeks ago. I was hoping someone’s dog has them like mine and if you can let me know what worked and didn’t I would greatly appreciate it! Ok so on to Bella….
She is a 12 year old long hair chihuahua. The poor little girl has been through a bowel resection, ACL repair and a gallbladder removal, then to top it off developed Cushing’s disease and now as of 3 weeks ago has developed seizures. These seizures are only brought on when she is really active or excited. For example when I get home from work she loves to run in figure 8’s and howl at me. She also watches TV so any time there is another animal on the TV she will actually go crazy and start jumping and barking at the TV, and they have happened when she’s super excited and runs up the stairs. I know when they are coming on because all of a sudden she looks dazed and scared gets a little wobbly then immediately arches her back throws her head back and legs get super stiff and she starts freaking out crying. They last 10-30 seconds and she recovers quickly but is really scared, clings to me and then is almost out cold sleeping with exhaustion. We had her hospitalized and she was put on Keppra 3 times a day which has turned her into a completely different dog. I know this is because of meds and the fact that she now knows excitement correlates with a seizure. It’s been heartbreaking to see my once energy filled excited dog turn into a dog that looks so unhappy and barely even wags her tail. Her other leg needs an ACL repair but because of the expense and the fact the vet said since she bears weight on it small dogs are usually just fine but now with the seizures I don’t think I want her having any other types of ailments on top of everything else. We are probably going to cave in and get the MRI for a definitive diagnosis but I was hoping someone has had the same kind of seizures and issues and may be able to suggest what worked for them.
Again thank you chihuahua community and if you are here then we are here for the same reason so sending out love and positive thoughts that our little ones get better soon!!!
I’m so sorry little Bella is having so many physical problems Anna!
I had a very small chi years ago who would have seizure activity and since she didn’t eat much I would give her a syringe with sugar water during the seizure and she would come out fast…
This is common with tiny dogs, usually it’s hypoglycemia and sugar water works great to get their levels back up.
My little chi tinker passed just before age 14..she was very small four pounds…I gave her sugar water..I now have one who is 13 and has been diagnosed with CHF and heart murmur..she just started having seizures..the first was really mild and the third one she screamed and then looked lifeless .I thought she had died but then she came to herself..she weighs 7 lbs so she eats good but I fed her and her sister right after. She is fine now..will have to keep an eye on her…
One of my grandson’s has seizures like that, where he actually looks dead and does stop breathing. It’s terrifying.
I have 12 year old long-haired Chihuahua just had first seizure 12:30 a.m. this morning it is now 7 a.m. I am home with him they took complete blood test they are saying he has head trauma something in his head is hurting him or Elysian in his said maybe cancer I don’t know a lesion in his head anyway they put him on Kimbrough like I said I’m just home now Kem mpra it is for seizures we will see if he still declining then we know for sure it’s something in his head is putting pressure anybody have this with their older dogs did their vet say it was brain trauma please let me know I feel so sorry for everybody here I want my baby to live forever
I’m sos sorry Linda!
I hope this site is still active My little baby Kaya (rescued at 6 yrs old, is about 1.5 pounds overweight, my fault, seizures)the vet has her on br-250 1/4 tablet. Lately, I’ve seen it twice now, her head will fling back and forth like she has a back cramp. This will last maybe 2 minute top. It’s like when they get a bath and after that they take their head and drag it side to side on the carpet to help dry, get it dirty again or just cause they a happy it’s over with. It’s looks like something inside just grabs their head and pulls it to the side, scares me to death but I hold her and try to calm her. Afterwards she is like nothing happened.
It sounds like it may be a mild seizure. Let your vet know. They may need to adjust the seizure meds.
@Sherry, Hi Sherry. My Bella just turned 7 this month and is 4 lbs. I’ve been so worried about her. For several months now usually at night she seems to have these episodes where her head jerks back and forth and this usually happens when she’s laying down or on my lap. They only last for about 5-10 seconds but can have several episodes in one night. It happens often. I usually pet her lightly and she seems to stop the jerking. It’s so scary. About two nights ago for the very first time her entire body was jerking and I panicked calling her name while it lasted for about 15 seconds but then it stopped and she was fine. I just ordered a CBD oil tonight and I’m going to see if that will help. So scary and upsetting.
Good luck with your fur baby.
My 3 year old chi. Has been having seizures since the vet gave him burvetco flea pill at 6 month old. It starts with him being very unsteady on his feet and then his limbs stiffen up. His head shakes and he cries out. His eyes and mouth water. It usually lasts for about 5 min. Then he acts like nothing happened. The last one lasted longer. Its so scary. I put honey on his lips. When he starts locking his lips I know he’s coming out of it. Im so afraid that he will die in my arms when it’s happening. I take him to a dark room and hold him close to me and softly try and comfort him. After reading these comments im going to try the CBD Oil.
Poor little guy! I hope the CBD oil helps him.
My baby (chihuahua) is 11 years old. He’s known as a deer head chihuahua. His first seizure was 2 months ago and I took him to the vet the next day since he’s never had one before. They first told me to monitor him. The next 2 weeks he experienced another one so I took him back to the vet. They put him on phenobarbital 16mg 1/2 a pill every 12 hours. He wasn’t having anymore seizures. He was just not himself since he was always sleeping and his anxiety was up due to the medication. A couple of days ago he experience a seizure that lasted about 4 to 5 minutes. I immediately took him to the emergency vet since it was after hours. He was at the vet for 4 days and they finally said he was back to himself. They started him back on phenobarbital 16mg (1/2 a tablet every 12 hours and added zonisamide 50mg (1 tablet every 12 hours). I asked if I could give the meds in this food and she said she had just opened his mouth and put them back into his throat. When the tech was bringing him out he was non stop drooling and his jaw was just non stop twitching. They had to take him back to get checked out by the doctor. Well they ended up keeping him overnight. I called the doctor the next morning and he himself said he was baffled as to why he was drooling non stop and his jaw twitching since he has back to himself all day until I picked him up. I don’t know what to do or think anymore. Could the tech have broken his jaw when giving him his meds? I just don’t understand since he was doing so well and ready to come home. Now they want to keep him a couple days more to see if they can get him back to himself. Any advice please. 🙁
Wow, you and your dog have had a rough time of it lately Jessica. I don’t know what to tell you. But I would ask for them to check his jaw. Although experienced handlers know how to give a pill that way. I do it myself for some of the dogs I dog sit for who won’t take a pill any other way. But you never know. It could have been a freak accident.
I hope things get better for your fur baby.
I need help my puppy will be 1years old on 1/19/21. We took him to a vet due to him throwing up and being stiff. They just gave him fluids and checked his blood everything was normal. 4 days went by he wouldn’t stand on his own, he started walking backwards stiff. Ended up taking him to the er but they didn’t give us any answers. They said xrs and blood work was fine. Now he is using the restroom backwards and takes while to walk he leans forward a lot. He just had a small seizure and has had diarrhea. We don’t know what else todo. Please some one help.
I’m not a vet so I won’t be of any help but that is so weird that there is obviously something very wrong with your puppy and the vets aren’t doing more to find out what it is. It kind of sounds like a neurological problem like possibly a brain tumor or something. But he is very young for an issue like that. I would definitely take some video of him doing the odd things he is doing to show your vet and maybe get a second opinion from a different vet if you can.
My vet recommended a diet with as little carbs as possible & cbd. I started feeding as full a meat diet as possible & hemp oil, my little girl has only had one seizure since starting this care. The one seizure occurred when I let her have a few small bits of cracker ( she loves them ). Haven’t done that since and no problems since Jan. 2021.
Good to know Johnda! Thanks for sharing that.
I put my 11-year-old Chihuahua on CBD about 6 years ago. She had three status epilepticus seizures in 4 years. The last one left her with some Vision impairment. Terrifying every time. I thought I lost my baby. Not one seizure has happened since I took her to the holistic vet and changed her to honest kitchen base mix with my own proteins. That combined with the CBD has kept her healthy all these years and I have been blessed. Thank you Cathy for all you do for the breed!
That’s good to know Lisa! I know I got my pet sitting client to put her elderly daschund on CBD oil and it has worked wonders for him.
I wondered about the Honest Kitchen stuff. Does your dog like it? Which one do you use and what kind of proteins do you add?
How much cbd oil should I give my chihauhua as she has just had her first seizure aged 11?
It depends on the size of your dog and the potency of the CBD oil. And be sure to use the type made for dogs.
My Chihuahua has had 2 seizures.1st was 3 months after having both luxating Patellas fixed the second was today after having a run in the local park. First time I rushed her to my vet who ran many tests also blood tests, nothing showed up why the seizure occurred. My vet gave me a emergency seizure kit. This time I rang my vet who is 30mins away, they were fantastic and explained everything to me. My Chihuahua is fine now – thank goodness. I dread to think she may have more. My girl is the most important thing in my life.
I totally understand how scary it is having gone through it myself with my terri-poo.
“I love chi” thanks for this important article. But Is it true, that seizure disorders can occur at any age? I also have a chi Milky and I want to stay aware every matter about them.
I found a great treatment for preventing seizures in Rosco, my 4-year old rottweiler: Revitalize Hydration @ Bloombioscience.com. His seizures were getting more frequent and longer duration over the past 2-years (he takes 6 Keppra pills a day! which did not seem to work), when a month ago, my friend in Austin recommended Bloom Bioscience products. The Revitalize Hydration is mixed with 1 liter of distilled water per packet and pets drink instead of regular tap water. Rosco had a minor seizure the day before he was first given the water supplement, but since then (4-weeks and counting), he’s had zero! I would love to see if others have the same results. I cry with happiness now instead of terror over Rosco’s health!
ave you ever tried Nzyme granules?Go on Nzylmes.com and read up on how it helps with seizures
I’ve never heard of it. Thanks for the info Patty.
I own a three-year-old Chihuahua who experienced their first seizure four months ago, and today, they had a second one that lasted for three minutes. I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I’m unsure about what steps to take, especially since I can’t afford the vet expenses. I’m really concerned about losing my dog, Ichi. In my search for information, I came across an article. Can you please provide guidance on what I should do in this situation?
Are you using a flea collar? If so, get rid of it as it sometimes can cause seizures. Also has anything new been brought into the house or any changes or vaccinations or anything? Seizures can be caused by a lot of different things and some can be beyond your control such as brain tumors or other medical conditions or they can be caused by something in their environment. Because of that there isn’t one treatment for all seizures. Check out all the comments and try some of the suggestions from other pet owners,
I had a Chihuahua companion for 14 years, but he passed away in 2020 due to heart failure and kidney issues. Recently, a friend of mine has been mistreating her Chihuahua, so I asked if I could take the dog in. However, she insisted on payment. I named the Chihuahua Ichi, but unfortunately, he has been experiencing seizures at just 3 years old. The first episode occurred four months ago, and today, the second one lasted for three minutes. I’ve been dealing with trauma since losing my first Chihuahua, and I’m deeply worried about losing Ichi as well. The challenge is that vet expenses in our country are exorbitant, and I can’t afford them. I’ve been researching and thankfully came across this page. I hope you can provide guidance on what steps I should take.
Hi Kent, I just answered you in the other comment, but I just thought about this article since you said you can’t afford a vet right now: https://ilovemychi.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-afford-vet-care/
First I would like to thank you for this article.
My Polly has seizures also. When they are starting she comes to me. I hold her softly until she starts licking. That’s when I know she is coming back to me.
Love chihuahua’s.
I’m glad she comes to you. Sometimes they run and hide when they feel a seizure coming on. Polly knows you are there for her comfort.
My Chihuahua has had seizures since she was around one, vet put her on Kepra to control it. Vet also gave me Valium to put in her rectum to get her out of an active seizure, which has always been successful. Today she had a seizure that wouldn’t stop despite the Valium, had to bring her to Blue Pearl emergence facility that was 45 minutes away, she was seizing the whole way. They gave her iv’s with seizure meds and other therapies. They are keeping her there to continue to help her, she did come out of the seizure and was looking at me, but was unstable they said it was because of the meds, I’m waiting for an update. She is 5 years old. Anyone have similar stories?
Oh wow Kathy! Keep us updated about her condition.
I had a chihuahua named Frankie. At 9 yrs old she started having this tremendously violent seizure, flopping off the bed, against the wall, I tried to steady her and hold her so she would not fall off the bed, but her seizures were so violent and lasted for 15-20 min. I took her immediately to the Vet. The assistant and Vet told me she must go into the hospital or she will die. I only had $900 to my name and they wanted money up front, about $3000. I couldn’t get money, and they would not let me have her, telling me to call my parents, friends…I am bi-polar so I went into a paranoid panic and screamed to give her to me. The vet told me she would not survive if I took her home. I was freaking out and she never woke up after 10 hours. She was barely breathing, tongue hung out, so I thought she was going to die. I didn’t want her to suffer so I took her to another hospital and told them to put her down. Now, I read this, and realize that I killed my dog. She may not have been dying. I am devastated. I killed my dog, now I want to kill that vet by manipulating me to get me to pay. I will never get over killing her. This is the worst day of my life because if I would have known Chihuahua’s have seizures, that they will recover and I put her down at 9 yrs. Old. Oh, my God, I can’t believe I killed my dog.
Please don’t beat yourself up Pamela. If the seizures were lasting 15-20 minutes, she most likely would have died anyway or would have been brain dead if she survived. That predatory vet practice should be ashamed of themselves for the way they handled it.
My Lucky gets seizures only when the weather gets really hot. It’s very scary. I used a cool wet towel and a fan. I found this helps him. I comfort him. After that he’s fine. He was a Chihuahua from my friend. He was inbread. That’s the only thing I can sum it up too. I will take a video of my Lucky next time it gets too hot and show his veterinarian ASAP.
Praying for all the other fur babies and the owners that have this experience.
Poor little guy. Yes, being inbred could certainly be why he has the seizures.
I am curious about this. What are the chances that breeding the dog to be very small is causing these seizures? Could this be do to inbreeding or cross breeding?
Yes, I do believe the chances are high that poor breeding practices may cause many seizure issues.
My little Chihuahua passed away back in January 2024, she had these seizures and they would only stop for a short time, then as soon as she would get up, she’d have another one. It was horrible, this went on for days and I finally made the decision to put her down. She was suffering and I couldn’t stand seeing my little angel going through these horrible seizures. The vet said there really wasn’t much more I could do except be there for her and with her. I miss her so much, my life is so empty without her .
I’m so sorry Tracy. That’s so hard to see them go through seizures and then have to make the decision to put them down.
I’d like to have more information on the CBD oil that’s given to dogs who have seizures. Where do you buy the CBD oil?
And do I need to speak to a veterinarian first before given this to my dog they are also on phenobarbital.
One Dog is on 32.4
mg twice a day.
My other one is on 16.2 mg twice a day. thank you for the information.
Yes I would definitely check with your vet first.
I have used King Kanine with good results.
My 4 year old female chi,Tippy, had her 1st seizure recently and a 2nd a week later but no more so far. She is back to herself but at the time of the seizures she was very clumsy filing over her feet. I just sat with her during the seizure then she slept.
I know how terrifying it is. Did you tell your vet? If it happens again, I would let them know.
Hi I have a 6 year old 6 pound chihuahua/Chinese crest how is having ‘spells’ that occur once or twice a week. They can last sometimes 10 hours. When he’s having a “spell’ he feels very warm and will pant and he is constantly spins.
Does anyone else a pet who does this. We’ve taken him to vet but they gave prosac which didnt help. We are now using CBD. Thank you
Beth Rhodes blumiacow@yahoo.com