#8 know the numbers...its vital

When you have pets it is important to know what the average regular vital signs are for that species as well as knowing what is normal for that particular pet. This is especially true when your pet has a disease like epilepsy. During a seizure event a dog’s temperature and heart rate can both increase dramatically in a very short amount of time. If an elevated temperature is left untreated during and following a seizure it can continue to rise which can cause severe brain damage, and possible stroke. An increased heart rate can lead to a heart attack and both can lead to more severe seizures and possibly death of your pet.

For most dogs the normal resting heart rate is between 60-140 beats per minute. The normal temperature range for most dogs at rest is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is important for pet owners to periodically check their pet’s vital signs. The best way to check your pet’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer.  Of course during a seizure or other traumatic medical event it can be difficult and or possibly dangerous to try to check the temperature of your pet so it is also important to know what their “feels like” temperature is. The “feels like” temperature isn’t the most accurate but it can give you an idea as to whether or not you should be concerned with the temperature of your pet. The “feels like” temperature is equivalent to when a parent holds their hand to the fore head of a child to see if it feels hot. To check the “feels like” temperature of your pet, simply place your hand on the inside of your dog’s back leg in the thigh region. Get used to the feel of your pets body heat. As with all vital sign checks this would ideally be done while you pet is at rest. After a seizure you will now be able to tell if your dog feels over heated by feeling his or her skin rather than trying to get an actual temperature.

Checking your pet’s heart rate is a much simpler process. To get the most accurate results it is best to use a stethoscope. An efficient and affordable stethoscope can be purchased from many online providers for as little as $5. To check the heart rate of your pet, while your pet is laying on his or her side place the bell of your stethoscope behind the front leg on the lower chest just behind the elbow. Hold steady pressure and listen quietly until you hear the tell-tale “bump-bump-bump” of the heart rate. Once you can hear the heart beat count how many beats you hear within a minute. 

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