Did Your Dog Have a Stroke? One minute your dog is fine, and then suddenly your dog is incapacitated. As confusing as this sounds, canine strokes may be more common than what was once believed. So, what should dog owners know? Imagine this: Your dog suddenly falls down, can’t focus and doesn’t seem to be acting like himself. These are scary symptoms, especially when they come on suddenly. If your pet exhibits these behaviors, it may be because he is having a stroke. Though this is a frightening thought, there’s no need to panic if you take the proper measures to handle the situation. Here’s an overview on strokes in dogs.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is a sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to a lack of blood flow, says Dr. Carol Osborne, a veterinarian with the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Most frequently, a blood clot is to blame. But a stroke can also occur if a piece of fat, cartilage or bacteria breaks loose in another part of the body and circulates to your dog’s brain, says Dr. Osborne.
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