What Causes A Puppy To Have Behavior “Fits”?
There are many different causes of fits in puppies. The usual ones are irritation of the gums due to teething, and irritation of the intestines by worms. Both of these conditions are not serious and can be cured. The more serious cause of fits is distemper, when an encephalitis or chorea ensues. Only expert veterinary advice can help you in this case.
Some puppies have hysteria, which produces fits, but the cause of this is unknown. A puppy that has constant fits is not a good proposition, and your vet may suggest that you have it put to sleep. Vitamin B complex in large doses is always worth trying, as experiments on rats lacking in this vitamin have proved that they have fits. But as all puppies should have vitamins given to them from the moment they come to your home, fits from this cause should not occur.
Worm the puppy three times from birth to six months old, and thereafter if any signs of parasites are seen in the stool. If fits continue, it may be worth having a laboratory examination of his stool to determine whether a tapeworm is present.
dogandmaster on December 19th 2006 in Dog Behaviour
sharon said on 28 Jan 2008 at 6:49 am #
hi wen my puppy shiht-zu was 3 weeks old he had a fit the vet said it may be a virus and gave him some antibiotics he only had 1 more fit and they stoped my vet discharged him then 3 days ago he is now 8 weeks old they started again they are short about 1 min long he sleeps alot not drinking much but can eat a little my vet has sugested putting him to sleep can you sugest what could be causing this as he has been welll and fine up to this he had no problems beeing born he is not the runt and he is as happy and playful as all the other puppies
Gary said on 29 Jan 2008 at 5:43 pm #
Hi Sharon,
It is so sad to hear of a dog, especially a puppy, in such distress.
The only thoughts that come to mind when you mention fits, are epilepsy and hypoglycemia
(This is by no means meant to be medical advice).
Have you considered approaching another veterinarian for a second opinion?
Hopefully some of our readers might be able to offer some insight.
We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family and hope your puppy survives this terrible ordeal.
Gary
DogandMaster.com