Dogs can have strokes, and while they may be scary, most dogs tend to recover within a few weeks. The recovery time can vary from a few weeks to a few months, and sadly, some dogs never fully recover. However, even if they have some long-term symptoms, the most important thing is whether they can still have a good quality of life.
Strokes in dogs occur when there is a disruption to the blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by blood clots or a burst blood vessel. The signs of a stroke can include a sudden loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, weakness, circling, falling, and seizures. If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, it is important to get them to a veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.
The treatment for dog strokes focuses on addressing the symptoms, providing supportive care, and managing any underlying health conditions. This may include intravenous fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, physical therapy, and medications to lower blood pressure or dissolve blood clots.
While strokes can be serious and even fatal in some cases, most dogs that receive timely treatment will recover well and have a good chance of regaining full function.
Characteristics | Values | |
---|---|---|
Stroke type | Ischemic stroke | Caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to the brain |
Hemorrhagic stroke | Caused by bleeding within the brain | |
Symptoms | Loss of balance | Inability to stand |
Abnormal eye movements | Loss of bladder control | |
Extreme tiredness | Inability to breathe | |
Walking in circles | ||
Treatment | Medication | E.g. blood thinners, high blood pressure medication, anti-nausea medication |
Physiotherapy |
What You'll Learn
How to identify a stroke in dogs
Dogs can experience either an ischemic stroke, caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain, or a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding within the brain. While strokes are rare in dogs, they can be difficult to identify, as they mimic other health issues, such as vertigo, kidney failure, an inner ear infection, a brain tumour, or a seizure.
- Abnormal eye movements, such as eyes flickering quickly from side to side, or one eye staying still while the other moves.
- Loss of balance or coordination, such as stumbling, falling over, or walking in circles.
- Head tilt.
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Confusion or disorientation, such as appearing drunk, or being unable to respond to spoken directions.
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Suspected blindness.
- Weakness or coma.
- Inability to walk or stand.
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What to do if your dog has a stroke
If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Stay with your dog and keep them safe and reassured until the stroke is over.
- Help your dog relax by speaking to them in a soft voice.
- Offer your dog water, but only allow them to drink for a few seconds at a time.
- Elevate your dog's head to relieve pressure and limit blood flow to the brain.
- Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Once your dog has been treated for the stroke, there are several things you can do to help them recover:
- Provide a comfortable resting place with extra padding, blankets, or cushions.
- Reposition your dog regularly to prevent sores or body aches.
- Administer any medications as instructed by your vet.
- Take your dog to the vet regularly for preventive care and early detection of stroke indicators.
- Feed your dog a diet rich in omega fatty acids, which are thought to aid in stroke recovery.
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How to care for your dog after a stroke
Firstly, it is important to note that strokes are rare in dogs and can be difficult to spot. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible:
- Sudden loss of balance
- Lack of coordination
- Head tilt
- Abnormal eye movements
- Seizures
- Loss of bladder control
- Extreme tiredness
- Disorientation
What to do if you suspect your dog is having a stroke:
- Stay with your dog and keep them calm and reassured.
- Offer them water but only allow them to drink for a few seconds at a time.
- Elevate their head to relieve pressure and reduce blood flow to the brain.
- Take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Caring for your dog after a stroke:
- Provide a comfortable resting place with extra padding, blankets, or cushions.
- Reposition your dog regularly to prevent sores and body aches.
- Administer any prescribed medications, such as sedatives, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatories, or anticonvulsants.
- Increase their antioxidant intake by adding natural antioxidants like vitamins C and E to their diet.
- Feed them a diet rich in omega fatty acids, which are thought to help with recovery.
- Monitor their food intake and watch for signs of nausea or loss of appetite.
- Regularly take them to the vet for check-ups to screen for early indicators of another stroke.
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How to prevent strokes in dogs
While strokes in dogs can be scary, they are often not as debilitating as they are in humans. With appropriate care, your dog may recover very well.
Understand the Risk Factors
Ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blocked blood vessel, are more common in dogs than hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Underlying health conditions can increase the risk of strokes in dogs. These include high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, and underactive thyroid glands. Certain medications, such as Proin, which treats urine leakage, might also increase the risk. Additionally, breeds with a predisposition to developing one of these health conditions may also have a higher risk of having a stroke.
Monitor for Symptoms
Strokes in dogs often occur without warning, but there are some signs you can watch out for. These include nausea or vomiting due to balance issues, wandering in circles, loss of body control, unusual eye movements, weakness on one side, and misjudging their steps. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.
Address Underlying Health Conditions
If your dog has any of the underlying health conditions mentioned above, work with your veterinarian to manage them effectively. This may involve medication or other treatments to reduce the risk of stroke.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
A healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risk of stroke in dogs. Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors. Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation to promote good overall health.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's health and identify any potential issues early on. This can help you stay on top of your dog's health and make any necessary adjustments to their care.
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What to do if you can't afford veterinary care
Dogs can and do get strokes, and it's important to get them veterinary care as soon as possible. If you can't afford the veterinary care your dog needs, there are several options you can try:
- Ask for a payment plan: Talk with your vet frankly about your economic situation. They may have payment plans or programs in place to help support your family. They may request additional documentation—such as pay stubs or bank statements—before enrollment. Keep in mind that the practice may keep your pet in their care until you pay something toward the care you received. Open and honest dialogue is key during this process, so it’s best to be forthright and patient.
- Find a free or low-cost clinic: There are veterinary clinics across the country that are committed to serving families who need affordable veterinary care. If you aren’t caught in an emergency situation, request your pet’s medical records and take them to an affordable vet for care. This can be a great option if your pet needs cancer treatment, surgery, or medications.
- Look for a veterinary teaching college: Similar to free or low-cost clinics, an accredited teaching college typically offers reduced rates for veterinary care. Students at the veterinary college are supervised by experienced veterinarians, so you can trust your pet is in good hands. These universities usually have access to the necessary equipment and facilities to conduct MRIs and CT scans, perform surgeries, and offer other specialized care.
- Find a second opinion: Each vet has different methods and levels of experience that factor into how they care for animals. Getting a second opinion from another veterinary specialist can result in finding a different, potentially less expensive course of treatment for your dog.
- Get a pet insurance policy: Depending on your financial situation, a monthly pet insurance premium might not be something you’re comfortable with. However, the average cost of an emergency vet visit can be between $150 and $5,000. With such high costs for an unexpected bill, paying a monthly premium might be a more accessible option.
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Frequently asked questions
The signs of a dog having a stroke can include a sudden loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, walking in circles, tilting of the head, seizures, and vomiting.
If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, you should stay with them to keep them safe and calm, and then take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Yes, dogs can recover from strokes. The recovery time can vary from a few weeks to a few months, and some dogs never fully recover. However, even if they have some long-term symptoms, they can still have a good quality of life with extra help from their owners.
To help your dog recover from a stroke, you should provide a comfortable resting place, reposition them regularly, administer any medications as instructed by your vet, and increase their intake of antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
To prevent your dog from having a stroke, you should take them to the vet regularly for check-ups and screenings. You should also address any underlying medical conditions that may increase their risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, or heart health issues.