Emotional

How do you navigate the anxiety that comes with having a dog with epilepsy or seizures? I think that’s one of the most asked questions in the various groups online. And this is different for everyone. I want to acknowledge that it also depends on why your dog has seizures. If it is a brain tumour, an infection or other trauma. Or if it is hydrocephalus or idiopathic epilepsy. Because any cause (known or unknown) comes with other challenges and anxieties.

We were thrown in the deep end. Alfie had one seizure which is worrying. But also not uncommon. He could have eaten something. Got too hot. He was only a little puppy… but it VERY quickly progressed to very violent clusters. So we were expecting a seizure anytime. And then obviously the stress of his tests and potential diagnosis.

I can imagine it might actually be more challenging if the seizures are less common. Or they start later in life. Because then it’s a huge change and a worry about why and what’s wrong. And of course quality of life when both dog and humans have known differently.

What helps me: 

• Being logical, as I wrote about above, is probably the foundation. 

• Tend to your own health and wellbeing, mentally and physically. 

• Acceptance. One of the most challenging concepts in life is that we are not in control. That there is no fix. There is no cure (for most of our seizure dogs anyway). And that’s how it is. Yes, of course you can be upset, but that’s how it is. It really won’t help anyone if you feel anger or injustice. Knowing that that’s how it is is helpful because it’s real. 

• Learn from your dog. They live in the present. Do the same. When your dog is happy, normal (for them), and playful or cuddly, then be remember that’s them. That’s most of their life. That’s real, too. They pick up our emotions, so be present, live in the moment, enjoy and treasure every moment with them.

The seizures and post-ictal phase are only a moment in their lives. When Alfie was diagnosed, we asked what we could or shouldn’t do so we could avoid seizures. His neurologist said that for Alfie (it may be different for other dogs) a seizure would happen if it were to happen. Basically, there’s not much we can do to avoid them. Although for some people there might be triggers, mostly they will just happen. It was a relief. Because we are not walking on eggshells. Of course, we don’t want to stress him or create any uncomfortable situations - but we also want him to have a normal puppy life. Having zoomies, going for walks, playing with other dogs like the crazy dog play dogs do. And that was also a priority for the neurologist.

• Quality of Life and quality over quantity. That is a priority for both us and the neurologist. Living in the present. Having a full life. Enjoying the moment.

• Movement, breathing, being. My yoga practice (the philosophy as much as the physical practices) have been an anchor in my life when it comes to anxiety and has been incredibly helpful being a dog mum to a special needs dog too. I seriously can’t stress that enough. Movement, breathing, stretching and getting grounded is an absolute foundation for dealing with anxiety and stress. That’s why I love sharing and teaching yoga. That’s also why I created the Online Course for Dog Parents. Because I know how stressful it is, and I want to share the benefits of easy-to-implement yoga practices to support us humans.