Activities For Dogs With Epilepsy

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Introduction

Epilepsy is a condition, unfortunately, of the chronic kind, that can cause repeated seizures in your doggo. It appears when there is some abnormal electrical activity in your dog’s brain, and it is a lifelong disease. It can be hereditary and can cause several types of seizures, but even though there is no way to cure your pup, you can still give them a good life. The key is to keep them calm and unstressed, and focus on activities which will help them cope with the illness easier. 

Quiet Times

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
TV
snacks
music
book
Activity description

The key to treating and managing epilepsy is to keep your doggo as calm as possible. That does not mean that you should never go out or play, of course. It just means that you should avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and over-worrying since dogs can feel your emotions which can make them anxious and cause a seizure. You can have a relaxing night in and just watch TV, read, or listen to some soothing music together while eating healthy snacks and cuddling. Your doggo will appreciate a relaxing evening with you and will enjoy the time you spend together. 

Step
1
Music
Put on some music and just relax with your beloved pupper. Avoid heavy electronic music that features a lot of erratic sounds, and stay away from heavy metal, as it can cause stress and uneasiness. Opt for jazz or classical music, and keep the volume low. You can also gently massage your doggo while you cuddle.
Step
2
Eat snacks
Prepare some healthy snacks you can share with your pup. Fresh vegetables (safe for dogs), little treats here and there, and maybe even low-calorie canapes can give you guys enough nourishment on your night in, so that you don’t go hungry while you are relaxing.
Step
3
Read a book
Your dog loves listening to the sound of your voice. So, you can read them a book! We are sure that they will not care what the genre is, as long as you are not raising your voice or sounding upset while you read. Get a blanket, cuddle, and read that novel you have had on your shelf for years!

Massage

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
15 min
Items needed
pillows
Activity description

One of the best ways to relax your pupper is to give them a pamper session they will remember for a long time. Transform your living room into a doggy spa and give your pupper a proper massage to relax their muscles, soothe their mind, and bond with them. You can always include massages in your daily cuddle sessions, but why not go an extra mile and make them feel like royalty? They will be so calm and relaxed that all they will want is to fall asleep and be well-rested for the next day!

Step
1
Petting
Start the massage with a classic pet session. You already know that your dog loves when you pet them, so spend a few minutes doing that and getting them into a relaxed state so you can continue with the massage. Talk to them and tell them that they are the best pup anyone can ever have!
Step
2
Neck and shoulders
After that, move on to your pup’s neck and shoulders. Use circular motions on their neck and use gentle pressure. When you reach their shoulders, you can ask them to sit to make the job easier. You can always play soft music in the background to promote calmness.
Step
3
Back and tail
After the neck and shoulders, move on to your pup’s back. They can never reach this place, so giving them a good massage will surely help them alleviate tension and feel more relaxed. Use circular motions and go up and down the spine. Massage their tail area, and you will see how much they love it!

Slow Walk

Least Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Free
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
leash
harness
water
Activity description

Yes, you do your daily walks, and that is completely fine. But, once in a while, it can be good for you and your pup to change it up a bit and change your routine. Instead of just going to pee, poop, and play for a bit, you can take a long, slow, relaxing walk around the neighborhood. You can explore the places you’ve never been before and have some bonding time together, all while you are getting some light exercise. Pick a day when you do not have to rush anywhere, preferably over the weekend, and smell all the flowers, see all the birds, and check out every corner of your neighborhood. 

Step
1
Leash on
Prepare for your walk! Get a good leash and harness, pack a water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your doggo, dress well, and head out into the great unknown. Well, maybe not unknown, but be prepared to keep it slow and explore all the corners of your hood!
Step
2
Slow explore
Instead of taking your usual routine, change it up a bit. Instead of right, go left. Try to find a nice place to walk, without too much traffic preferably, and without any loud construction noises. You don’t need to stress out your dog, but relax them instead!

More Fun Ideas...

Dash of Valerian

If your dog seems anxious, you can give them a drop of valerian to calm them down. Don’t abuse this. However, your dog should not take any more supplements and meds than they already do. To be on the safe side, consult your vet as well!

Sing, Baby

If you notice that your pup is anxious which can cause a seizure, try singing to them. You may not have a beautiful voice, but to your doggo, it is the best voice in the universe!

Conclusion

There is no cure for epilepsy, unfortunately. However, dogs with this condition can still have a good life, if you are diligent and devoted to their well-being. Find a good vet and stick to the treatment and management plan, and always try to relax your doggo as much as possible. Give them attention, care for them, and be there when they have seizures. That’s all they can ask of you.