Author #FiveSibesMom & Her #FiveSibes
"When you live with Siberian Huskies, you always have a story to tell!"
Caring for the Epi-Dog & Caregiver
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You know the scene...you’ve
been up most of the night watching over your beloved dog who just had a
seizure or is ill. Whether you dog has been diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy or just
experienced its first seizure, it is a frightening experience for dog
caregivers. Triggers come in many ways and forms, and not all the same things
trigger a seizure in dogs. The “wild west” of causes can keep a dog parent on
edge—from developing a care and hopefully anti-seizure treatment plan with your
vet, to the daily worry of whether or not your dog will have another seizure.
Then there is the post-seizure cleanup of both your beloved dog and its
surrounds. Caring for an Epi-dog can be exhausting mentally, physically, and
sometimes even financially.
While we
now know a lot about Canine Epilepsy and how these Epi-dogs can and do live
happy lives thanks to medication, nutrition, alternative therapies, and mainly
the overall care given by the families who love them. But just as important as
it is caring for dogs with epilepsy, or any type of health issue or disability, it is equally important to care for the
caregiver.
On March 26th (Purple Day® for Epilepsy 2024) I proudly debuted a new slideshow I created with support from Karen
Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) and Julie Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS
(Neurology) of the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Labat North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine titled, "Caring
For The Epi-Dog & Caregiver."
This video highlights 14 Epi-dogs from across the world and their stories and self-care tips, plus info and charts from caregiver journals, art, photography, music, and ways for the caregiver to destress and unwind in order to give the best care to their special needs dogs. Pause the video and be sure to read all these fabulous stories, as well as info from the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab.
And...a
bit of trivia, the beautiful music you hear in this slideshow video was
written and composed by Julie Nettifee of the Companion Animal Epilepsy
Research Lab, and the piano and vocals are by Lyndy Harden!
Note: The
best way to watch the video is to pause it to allow time to read the
heartfelt information given by Epi-dog caregivers across the world, from
the US to the UK. This is also available in PDF print copy if you would
like one sent to you, Email us at
FiveSibesLiveGibStrong(at)gmail(dot)comand put Epi-Dog Caregiver in the
Subject Line.
To read the original Purple Day 2024 blog post, please go HERE.
Do you have my big, beautiful coffee table book featuring
Gibson's Intro Page in EPIc Dog Tales...
There are a limited supply left of these big, beautiful coffee table books! Visit our ArcticHouse Books & Gifts Shoppe! Send us an Email at ArcticHousePublishing(at)gmail(dot)com
and we will invoice you.
BONUS: If you mention code "Gibson" you will get 20% off!
Dorothy I have learned so much from you, this post is such an eye opener also and the music is so calming and beautiful, you speaking out for this cause is so important as you do not hear much about it like you about other illnesses in dogs, thank you for being their voice
*Updated March 2022 Our Vet-Approved FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put Cold Packs?" Informational Poster Poster Is A Great Resource for: ✔︎ Veterinarian Offices ✔︎ Vet ER Hospitals ✔︎ Rescues & Shelters ✔︎ Dog Wardens & Animal Control Officers ✔︎ Trainers ✔︎ Groomers ✔︎ Dog Walkers ✔︎ Dog Parks ✔︎ Pet Supply Stores & Boutiques ✔︎ Dog Friendly Businesses ✔︎ Police Departments ✔︎ Fire Departments To request FREE* printed copies, simply send an Email with #Paws4Purple Materials in Subject line and what you'd like copies of and how many, to: Debra@AKFUS.org of the Purple Day® Every Day as Presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation For More Info on Canine Epilepsy, Please Visit Our #LiveGibStrong Online Library & Resource Page HERE. Here's a great tip, diagram and explanation from Tallgrass Acupuncture Institute as to why ice on certain acupressure points can be a relief for a dog with seizures and
Dewclaws. Such an unnecessary evil for a dog. In August, I noticed Harley limping. At 11-and-a-half, she is a bit stiff-legged at times from arthritis, but this was a more pronounced limp and she was having an extra tough time sitting down. She seemed very uncomfortable. She was also becoming a bit snarley, especially when I was touching her paw, which is something that never typically bothers her. Upon further checking, I noticed an odd lump around her dewclaw on her right leg, thinking it was possibly a pulled dewclaw, maybe a splinter, thistle, or even a bee sting , she became extremely agitated when I touched it. (Warning: some photos may be somewhat graphic, but I am sharing for educational purposes). Oddity beneath the dew claw. Off to the vet we went. At the vet, Harley is protective of her paw by hiding it . Harley's paw was shaved and it uncovered a very large inflamed area surrounding the dewclaw and beyond, as you can see in the below photo
Original photo by and courtesy of Lisa Byrd; modified by FiveSibes The Rainbow Bridge must be some (p)awesome place to be for it has so many amazing, beautiful angel animals there. My beloved Gibson is there. As is my Chelsey, Sandy, kitty Smokie, bunny Sunny, my fox Ah, many horses, and so many others pets. We have many furfriends who have also crossed The Rainbow Bridge. All of these beloved animals are there...so healthy and happy, with all the dogs enjoying their zoomies and playing Fetch all day in a land that is eternally beautiful. Sounds perfect. Only catch is when our devoted companions are there, we can no longer physically be with them. So while they are in a place where the spirit soars, our hearts are broken as we are missing them here with us. It is a hurt we all as pet parents now way too well. And today, as unbelievable as it seems as I write this, we have to bid a final farewell to another dear furpal, Buddy, the Christmas Husky , who has now earned his w
Born on March 10, 2005, our beautiful alpha queen, pupster surrogate momma, and my daughter's and our first Siberian Husky, turns 14½ today! You may be wondering why are we celebrating her half birthday? Because, as heartbreaking as it is, we now know she will not be here in March to celebrate her 15th Birthday as I once had hoped. Heartfelt thanks to Ann at Zoolatry for this beautiful badge. Thank you all who are sharing it and joining paws for our girl. As amazing and strong as our queen has been, and how proud I have been of how she still could outrun Pupsters Wolf and Bandit, still splash in her pool like a puppy, tear up a dog bed like there's no tomorrow, and chase her tail until the sun sets, our beloved Husky leader has also been dealing with health issues that we have been treating, but are now slowing her down and, heartbreakingly we are preparing ourselves for her journey, that we as pet parents all dread, to the Rainbow Bridge. “Dogs' lives a
Article Updated 04/04/2024 T here is a lot of buzz about the upcoming solar eclipse, especially for folks who are in the path of totality. No matter where you live, if you plan on watching the solar eclipse, aside from protecting your eyes from “eclipse blindness” with special American Astronomical Society approved eclipse glasses, but did you know that the eclipse could have an affect on your Epi-dog (epileptic dog)? With the simulation of “night” as the sun is covered by the moon, animals may go into a nocturnal mode, or seem restless or confused, while others, will be unfazed. However, the excitement of the eclipse by humans could create excitement in our dogs, whether they have epilepsy or not, as they pick up on our energy and moods. The same as with non-epileptic dogs, if there is a lot of noise, whistling, clapping, or fireworks to celebrate, dogs could be frightened and attempt to escape. As with any loud or stressful holiday or event, be sure to have your pets se
Dorothy I have learned so much from you, this post is such an eye opener also and the music is so calming and beautiful, you speaking out for this cause is so important as you do not hear much about it like you about other illnesses in dogs, thank you for being their voice
ReplyDeleteSuch a tough disease all around for the pups and the caregivers. A very thoughtful post!
ReplyDeleteNo matter the special needs, the caregivers need to care for themselves, too. Your information is excellent and applies to a wide range of situations.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful org and what beautiful, lovely doggies. I hope for health for all epi doggies and for kind anthros like you to care for them.
ReplyDelete