Thunderstorms inducing seizures in dogs??

Jeanie | 07:25 Wed 20th Apr 2005 | Animals & Nature

5 Answers

My seven year old collie cross has about 2-3 minor fits a year. She's been tested for any underlying disease and thank goodness has been given the all clear.

I started keeping a record of when she'd have the fits to see if there was any link - and the last five times it appears that she has had a fit the day before a thunderstorm. I told my vet who shrugged and seemed to think it was coincidence. But I wondered if anyone knew whether a change in barometric pressure could trigger a seizure in a dog? She is terrified of thunder/fireworks etc - so I guess maybe it could be stress induced? - Having said that, she's never had a fit around firework time, so I guess that maybe scuppers that theory!!

Anyway - just wondered if anyone had any knowledge of thunderstorms connected to fits in dogs?

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I found your question really interesting so 'googled'. There are quite a few references to this. Here is one which might help, but it would be worth you doing a search.

http://tinyurl.com/d2d4w

Hope this helps.

Jeanie

Question Author

Thanks for that FP - have found quite a few sites linking thunderstorms as a trigger to fits - so it would seem that I may be on to something. (also thinking of changing my vet as he was so dismissive of the idea!)

Trouble is - nothing explains why - or whether I can do anything to alleviate her symptoms, other than buy a barometer and watch the weather forecast and be prepared...

Hope you are able to find a better vet Jeanie who will perhaps give you some advice on how to anticipate and perhaps control the fits better.

I have an epileptic cat who always has more fits in the summer when he gets to warm.

Jeanie

Question Author

Just a quick update FP - just by chance, met someone out dog walking yesterday who gave me the name of a holistic vet who she saw a few years ago with her dog. Spoke to him on the phone today, and it sounds as though he may be able to help - all very positive stuff!

Please let me know how you get on Jeanie. Hope you get some really positive advice. Good luck. x

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