Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse Could Affect Some Epi-Dogs (Dogs With Epilepsy)

 

While the "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse is exciting to many, for caregivers of dogs with epilepsy (Epi-dogs), it can also be a time when we see a *possible* increase of seizure activity if lunar phases, eclipses, and atmospheric events are triggers for your dog. And...these effects may happen from a few days prior to an event up until a few days after.
 
What is the Ring of Fire?
On February 17th, the "Ring of Fire" eclipse according to Space.com, is when, "During an annular solar eclipse, the moon covers a majority of the sun, leaving a distinct ring of light, hence the nickname 'ring of fire' eclipse. This striking 'ring of fire' effect will last up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds on the path of annularity." 
 
Where and when can I see this eclipse? 
For more info on this, visit HERE for a listing of places and times. 

Will this affect my Epi-dog? 
Possibly. Maybe, or maybe not. There have not been enough authentic studies conducted to give this a precise answer. What I can say is this...some folks have reported that their dogs do have an increase in seizure activity around the time when these type of events occur. 
 
According to Dogileptic.com, "During a solar storm, the Earth's magnetic field can become distorted, potentially affecting the brain's electrical activity and lowering the seizure threshold in dogs with epilepsy."
  
What can I do for my Epi-dog? 
Here at FiveSibes, I always say, be prepared. That's what I did when it came to my beloved Epi-dog, Gibson. What this means is:
 
1. Stay calm.
2. Have your emergency seizure buster medications on hand. 
3. Get all your seizure protocols in order.
4. Keeping your dog cool and calm. 
5. Have your dog's vet, veterinary neurologist, and ER vet numbers handy, just in case you need to bring your seizing dog in. 
6. Have your Epi First Aid Kit at the ready. 
 
I always say I'd rather be safe and prepared, than sorry. Please be sure to stay calm, as your dog can pick up on your anxiety, and that in itself could trigger a seizure. So it is important to be prepared and remain calm.
 
"During a solar storm, the Earth's magnetic field can become distorted, potentially affecting the brain's electrical activity and lowering the seizure threshold in dogs with epilepsy." ~Dogileptic.com
   
There will also be a six "planet parade" occurring on Feburary 28th, when according to Sky at Night Magazine, "The planet parade could be visible two weeks before that date of 28 February," notes Sky at Night Magazine. The planets are Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Does this mean your Epi-dog will definitely have a seizure during any of these upcoming events?

No.

But...s/he could, so it's always best to be ready. And prepared.

 
 (click on image to read my blog article)


How can Epi-dog caregivers prepare for these type of events?
As I've written in my previous articles, including the one above, basically, it's best to be prepared *for possible seizure activity* by having your safety precautions and First Aid in place.

Prior to any of these events, have a chat with your veterinarian, and do a little pre-planning, as you would for any out-of-the-ordinary situation or event that could have an adverse effect on your Epi-dog. 

While it is our hope that the planetary alignments, eclipses, meteor showers, etc., will not trigger seizure activity in your dog, some helpful hints in preparing include:

1. Keeping your Epi-dogs safely inside during an eclipse, meteor shower, or any space event or storm so you can keep an eye on them.

2. Having your Epi First Aid Kit ready and waiting. 

3. Know where to put ice/cool packs before, during, post seizures.  It's imperative to keep an Epi-dog cool before, during, and especially after a seizure. Overheating/heat can be a trigger for some dogs as well. Be sure to check out my "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put the Cold Packs?" info poster I collaborated on with Dr. Arnold Rugg, founder of Kingston Animal Hospital.

 
(Click on image to go to full size poster & info)


4. If your Epi-dog is on anti-seizure medications, be sure s/he has been properly dosed on time and have any emergency doses at the ready.

5. If you use hemp chews/oil, CBD, or natural anti-anxiety supplements and/or treats, be sure to administer them early enough, as according to the directions and vet instruction.
6. If you use an anti-anxiety vest or shirt on your Epi-dog, this is a good time to put one on, just as a precaution.
7. Play soothing music or white noise in the background.
8. Plug-in a calming pheromone diffuser or spray.
9. Diffuse a calming essential oil*, such as lavender (but NOT spike lavender oil). Also, when diffusing, choose either #8 or #9, but not both at same time.
10. Put a cooler or herbal calming collar on your Epi-dog.
11. If you use a cooler mat or bed for your Epi-dog, have it refreshed and encourage your dog to lie on it. 

12. Talk to your vet about adding supplements such as melatonin, Omega-3s, and MCT oil (I gave Gibson virgin gold coconut oil and Omega-3 oil).
13. Stay close to your dog, petting and talking to him/her in a reassuring manner until after the event is over.
14. Have an emergency plan. Be sure your vet/ER hospital numbers are handy, as well as having a means of transportation, should your dog should go into seizures.

 *A word about essential oils – again, it is important to check with your veterinarian before using, especially if trying for the first time. Some essential oils, such as spike lavender, eucalyptus, hyssop, rosemary, sage, camphor, tea tree, et al., CAN trigger seizures.

 (Click on image to read blog article on Possible Triggers)


 PLEASE NOTE: Even with the best of preparations and care, a dog with Canine Epilepsy, even if on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), still may experience anxiety, pacing, and/or seizure activity. Not sure if your dog is having a seizure? Contact your vet immediately.

Once again, I want to reiterate that Canine Epilepsy is NOT a one-size-fits-all-disease. So not ever Epi-dog will react to the same triggers. Some may be very sensitive to these type of phenomena and have serious seizures, while others may be unfazed.

“Dogs are so much more sensitive to things like changes in air pressure, rising humidity, storm dynamics, and temperature changes than humans are. It is the same with high tides, earthquakes, and other environmentally driven events. Often our pets can sense changes approaching even before the news hits the weather channel.” 
~Susan Sehi-Smith, Late President/Founder, Paws to People: Bridges to Cures
 
 (Click on image to read blog article)

Another article I've written "Can Solar Flares, Lunar Phases & Weather Trigger Seizures in Dogs With Epilepsy? Comparative Studies in K9 and Human Epilepsy" covers this in more depth. In my article, I spoke with the late president/founder of Paws to People: Bridges to Cures and she stated, “Dogs are so much more sensitive to things like changes in air pressure, rising humidity, storm dynamics, and temperature changes than humans are. It is the same with high tides, earthquakes, and other environmentally driven events. Often our pets can sense changes approaching even before the news hits the weather channel.”

  Best advice: Be Calm, and Be Prepared.



 
Looking for more information on Canine Epilepsy and current clinical trials?
A great place for valuable information is the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine. Be sure to download their helpful and informative flyer by clicking on the image below.
 
 (Click on image below to download PDF of brochure)

 
For more information and important links and resources on Canine Epilepsy, visit our FREE award-winning FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource library.

 

 


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