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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Ruger started having seizures at age 2 (he is now
8). His seem to be stress related and happens 2-3 days after a really stressful
event that scares the beegeebees out of him. Like the fire alarms going off,
someone stepping out from behind something and scaring him. Ruger is the more
sensitive hound, a little on the high strung side. I started doing several
of the tips that I found in the literature when I researched canine
seizures. Like using unscented, clear & free laundry detergent on all
of the laundry but especially their bedding, I don't use dryer sheets or any
other fabric softener. I split up their heartworm and flea prevention tablets
and give them at least 3 days apart from one another. I quit using Freebreeze,
or other deodorizers. I don't use bleach on their bedding. I don't use harsh
chemicals to clean the house especially the areas the hounds reside in. I now
steam mop the floors and use other all natural cleaners.Vinegar and water is an
excellent cleaner and deodorizer. </FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Beds are aired
out with sunshine and fresh air after being sprayed with a 10% vinegar and water
solution. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and germ killer. It is supposed to
kill more germs then most chemical based household cleaners. Use a 50/50
vinegar/water solution to clean showers and toilets. Everything else use a 10%
vinegar 90% water solution to wipe down counters, and spray carpets and bedding
to kill germs and to deodorize. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly, and is
not as irritating to sinuses like a lot of the chemical cleaners. Plus it is
soooo much cheaper. I also put about half a cup in the washer when I wash the
dog beds. After that I use a whole cup of vinegar to clean out the washer after
washing doggy stuff and before washing our clothes. I also put them on better
quality food and treats. I make most of their treats like cookies, chicken &
liver jerky and try to use drug free chicken and other all natural or organic
ingredients as much as possible. Also we try to keep Ruger as stress free as
possible and if there is some sort of stressful event I go ahead and give him a
valium right away. Did all of this help Ruger? I don't know for sure, I have to
believe that it does...but I do know these preventions didn't hurt. And the
bonus of most of all of this is my allergies have been a lot better since I
started doing all of this. Now his last seizure came after he went into our
master bath room to find Todd who was taking a shower, about 7 days before I had
for some stupid reason used scrubbing bubbles to clean the shower. He walked in
and immediately walked out...within just a few minutes of walking out he had a
seizure...first one in two years. I would also keep a journal...logging date,
time and duration of the seizure, also a 3-5 day history...just jot down
anything and everything that you can think of that happened during the last 3-5
days. if you haven't already I would go ahead and take any dog that has a
seizure to the vet for an exam. Tell the vet what happened. If he has
another I would definitely take him in. Seizures are one of those crazy things
that can be caused by numerous things, they may never have another one.
</FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Seizures: worse case they can be put on
anti-seizure meds depending on the number of seizures that he has a week. Our
vet only wanted Ruger on those meds if he was having 2 or 3 seizures a week or
more.</FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Our vet also gave me 2 syringes of valium to
keep on hand, to be given rectally when he seizes if it last more than a couple
of minutes to hopefully help bring him out of the seizure. And to hopefully
prevent having a cluster of seizures. He also gave me some valium tablets to
give him after a seizure to help him from having another. But other than
attempting to pad the area so that he doesn't bash his head or hurt himself form
the thrashing about you do sort of wait it out. But if it last more then 3 - 5
minutes or if he has multiple seizures back to back you need to get him to a
vet. Seizures are scary things but you need to remain calm and softly talk to
the dog to ensure him that he's okay and that you are there with him...you must
be careful because some dogs will bite or snap either during a seizure or when
they start to come out of it...they are just scared and disoriented. With Ruger
he usually seeks me out before a seizure, his eyes are kind of funky
looking...kind of wide eyed, and he tries to crawl up in my lap if I am sitting
down. I just try to protect his head and if on the couch gently hold him and
stroke him and softly talk to him...telling him "its okay, momma's here." It
seems like forever but he usually comes out of it within just a couple of
minutes. maybe 3 at the longest...if it goes longer than that I would give him
rectal valium. As soon as he starts I try to get the hubby or I have had to call
a neighbor to come help me (luckily my husband has phones in almost every room
close to the couch, the bed, in the kitchen or my cell phone is usually close by
too)....to go get Ruger's meds and get it ready if I need it. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Michele Momma to the Bad A** Basset
Brothers</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Colt ATB, "Ruger gets possessed by a demon
sometimes"</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Ruger "I don't like dancing the funky chicken
dance"</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Xander: "I like chicken"</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>