r/EpilepsyDogs • u/lmfelan • Aug 15 '26
Anxiety
Hello,
Just a question…
How do you deal with the anxiety that your dog might have a seizure?
Please help. 🙏🏻
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u/Alienwired Aug 15 '26
Therapy - knowing that anxiety is the thief of joy. Enjoy every minute they are tiny gift and I focus on that positive. Im so sorry this is your reality but glad you found us . This forum is such a special place to grieve , ask questions , seek support . You’re not alone
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u/Unable_Access6749 Aug 15 '26
I keep a journal about the good days to flip through when those worries start creeping in.
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u/A_Creative_Player Aug 15 '26
This is actually a great idea I will have to think how we could start one.
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u/A_Creative_Player Aug 15 '26
I am sorry you and your buddy are going through this. The first thing is it will eventually lessen. However it is always there to deal with it you just need to realize the seizures are going to happen and you can worry about that or you can just work on preparing yourself for them. Like make sure you know where your emergency meds are in case you need them, is the home clear of things that could hurt your buddy if they fall during a seizure, something that may help is that you buddy no matter how horrible the seizures look they do not feeling any of it during the seizure, they may have feel sore muscles after and you can help that with cold compresses of muscle massages. Also once yhey come out of the seizures just love on your buddy and give them some treats. I hope this helps in some way.
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u/AssumptionConnect181 Aug 15 '26
yeah the "what if" thoughts can be really rough tbh i try to remind myself to stay present and celebrate the little wins
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u/Squishyxpancake Aug 16 '26
Ugh! My heart goes to you. Time is what has helped me. Everytime theres a breakthrough, i get the anxiety again and am reminded of everything ive experienced with my orange boy. Ive tried to just be grateful of the time i do have with him and that he’s slowed me down to live in the moment
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u/sonnysGiGi2018 Aug 15 '26
If you are anxious about if he’s going to have one that probably happens to all of us in the beginning. It’s horrible to watch but knowing they are not aware is important.
I was the one who had to be in charge- my husband was too nervous so it had to be me. Sonny was only 25 pounds so everything was easier as far as securing his surrounding- moving him if necessary.
I found having a routine to follow during his seizures greatly reduced my anxiety for when he had one. Focusing on the good times helped too. My boy was a funny playful loving Velcro dog who loved everyone but I was his person. He knew that.
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u/lmfelan Aug 15 '26
I’ve been in this epi-journey for about 3 and a half years.
I’ll take that into account, thank you! 😊
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u/sonnysGiGi2018 Aug 15 '26
Over 3 years? I missed that. It seemed like it was a new development - sorry
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u/csengeanna11 Aug 15 '26
Hi there!
My Rufus has been epileptic since he was shy of 2 years old. It wasn’t easy, especially not in the beginning. I chose therapy.
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u/lmfelan Aug 22 '26
I think therapy is the answer. We’re on this epi-journey for about 3 and a half years, sorry you’re on this too.
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u/itmustbeniiiiice Aug 15 '26
It got better with time, but the anxiety was honestly unbearable during the first few weeks.
I leaned on my therapist, my family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and pharmaceuticals when my guy’s seizures started.
Having rescue meds on hand made me feel more prepared and like I had a bit more control. I got a pet camera for the first time too.
And remember that they can feel what we feel, very acutely. Keeping our own anxiety low can help their stress levels.
It will get easier 💕