Stroke Symptoms in Dogs

Stroke in dogs is observed rarely unlike that in humans. Dogs suffer from two types of stroke, namely; ischemic and hemorrhagic. If there is lack of blood to the brain of the dog, then it is attacked by ischemic stroke. The blocked artery stops the blood from flowing to the brain. Hemorrhagic occurs when the blood vessels burst thus, leading to internal bleeding in the brain. Both the strokes are extremely fatal and hence, should be treated as soon as possible. If the treatment is delayed or if proper treatment is not provided, then it can surely lead to the death of the dog. If the dog is has had a stroke, you can immediately observe a change in the dog behavior. In most cases, it is difficult to detect the stroke symptoms in dogs and it is mistaken to be some other ailment, which might thus give rise to the delay in the correct treatment.

Bulldogs and Pugs are more prone to stroke. Since, the respiratory pathway of these dogs is extremely narrow, they are prone to strokes. Hence, extra precautions should be taken of these kind of dogs. Very old and very young dogs are also susceptible to strokes.

Symptoms of Stroke in Dogs

Stroke in dogs can lead to a sudden deterioration in the dog's health. These are a few symptoms:

• A Stroke in a dog can cause tilting of its head. Whenever he is called, he may turn his head in the wrong direction. Read more on symptoms of dog stroke.
• The dogmight also experience loss of balance along with the loss of vision.
• Along with all these, you will also observe a change in his behavior. A change in his movements will also be observed.
• You will also observe him circling, house soiling and falling over very often.
• He may also experience difficulty in walking.
• Extreme lethargy is another symptom of stroke in dogs.
• The dog will also lose control over his bladder and bowel.
• Confused appearance and vomiting regularly are also dog stroke symptoms.
• If the dog is suffering from heat stroke, then it pants heavily and at times, he will also collapse. Read more on why do dogs pant.

What Causes Strokes in Dogs?

There are varied reasons that can lead to stroke in dogs. Below, I have mentioned a few of them.

• One of the main reason that can cause stroke in dogs is brain tumor, as it affects the brain. Read more on tumors in dogs.
• Along with this, other dog health problems like Cushing's disease and diabetes are also some reasons which can give rise to the problem.
• Heart, thyroid and kidney problems are also reasons for stroke in dogs.
• Presence of internal parasites are also responsible to some extent.
• Dislodging of spinal cartilage or blood clotting in the brain is also a reason for it.

There is not much that can be done at home for the treatment of stroke in dogs. So, taking him to a veterinarian is a really good option, rather than wasting time. What can be done at home is proper feeding, dog care and improving his quality of living. If the dog receives proper treatment without any delay, it can recover completely within weeks and can live a healthy life. Hence, if you observe stroke symptoms in your dog, take him to the veterinarian immediately, to avoid further dog illnesses.