Is my 5-month Shih Tzu's ear scratching & head rubbing a seizure?

This sounds like possible partial/focal seizures. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. Show them the video since she isn't likely to be doing the behavior during the exam. veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951440

Dogs having a seizure are typically unaware and unresponsive to their surroundings and will not respond when you call their name or attempt to interact with them. They can experience repeated behavior (such as fly biting), or a grand mal seizure with paddling of the legs while laying on the floor. Head shaking while waking up or while walking do not sound consistent with seizure activity, although it cannot be definitively excluded. Head shaking is more commonly a result of ear discomfort in dogs, which can be caused by ear infections, inflammation within the ear, or ear mites. Since Bit Bit Fletcher is shaking her head so much, I recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation to determine the cause of this issue. If an infection is present, the vet will be able to evaluate any ear discharge under the microscope so that the most appropriate medication to treat her problem can be prescribed. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Jill. Some of the behaviors you are describing do sound similar to a seizure. Seizures can have a spectrum of severity, meaning that not all pets will have paddling like motions of their limbs or other typical signs of a seizure. More subtle jerking and shaking can be consistent with a seizure. Additionally, pets who are having a seizure are not mentally appropriate, meaning that they do not respond to stimuli (name calling, clapping, etc) like normal dogs. Seizures can have many causes. In a younger dog like Jill one possible cause is low blood sugar. I would recommend having Jill evaluated by a veterinarian so that she can be examined and further diagnostics (such as bloodwork) can be considered. If you are able to I would recommend trying to take a video of one of Jill's episodes. Additionally, until she is evaluated by a veterinarian I would recommend keeping a log of when these events occur and how long they last. Jill should be seen by a veterinarian immediately if these events last longer than 5 minutes, she has multiple events within 24 hours, or she does not normalize between events. Hope this helps, good luck!

It sounds like Renz may have an ear infection, and he does need to see a vet for it. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria, and the cause needs to be diagnosed so he can be treated. As for the scratching, that can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, he will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Renz should see a vet today and tomorrow for his ear problems, and possibly the scratching. If he is up to date on his flea treatments, the vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Poochie. If he is truly having a seizure, he should be unresponsive if you call his name or touch him. Most dogs will lose control of their urination and defecation. Some may drool or vomit during an episode as well. He should see his veterinarian to determine if this is the case or if something else is going on with him. It would be helpful to bring a video of a recent episode with you to your appointment. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to something stuck in his ear or an ear infection. I would recommend having Frank examined by a veterinarian. The vet can look into Frank's ear to make sure nothing is stuck in the ear canal and to see if there are signs of an ear infection. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It’s possible his anal glands are full/uncomfortable. If they are bulging on either side of his anus when you palapate from the outside, then that definitely could be the case. I recommend bringing him to your vet for a rectal exam/anal gland expression and to check his ears. He likely will need and ear cleaner and a steroid/antibiotic/antifungal/antiyeast ointment such as otomax/kometamax/posatex if he has an ear infection. A few days of an allergy medication called Apoquel may help as well. Good luck!