Seizures usually occur quite suddenly in dogs. Your dog might simply be quiet, then suddenly start shaking, stiffening, or even falling. It is really scary to witness this, and it’s common to lose your head thinking about all the possible reasons there could be for the problem.
Knowing what causes seizures in dogs is important, as the appropriate course of action will be determined by your knowledge. A seizure starts with abnormal signals from the brain, and a number of factors can trigger such a reaction.
First, let’s look at the internal medical issues that generally cause seizures. This way, you will have an idea of what may be taking place in your dog’s body.
1. Seizure Disorders Caused by Medical Conditions
Health issues within the body may have a negative impact on the brain. The following are some of the major reasons for canine epilepsy, especially among elderly pets and those with widespread diseases who might be at risk.
- Brain Tumors or Abnormal Growths: A tumor in the brain can prevent the normal functioning of the electrical signals in the brain. One of the signs of a seizure in dogs could be confusion, frequent walking, unsteady walking, and unusual changes in behavior.
- Liver Problems: The liver has the capacity to eliminate all the poisonous substances that comprise the blood. However, if it stops working, these poisonous substances are allowed to go into the brain. A few days before a seizure, dogs may show signs like drooling, weight loss, vomiting, and less activity.
- Kidney Disease: The kidneys’ inability to expel waste produces a toxic build-up. The unbalanced blood eventually affects the brain. Dogs may drink more, urinate more, or be surprisingly quiet long before the onset of a seizure.
- Low Blood Sugar: This is very often the case with small-breed puppies, diabetic dogs, or pets having insulin-secreting tumors. The brain will stop functioning correctly due to the lack of glucose, which will, in due time, result in a convulsive seizure.
- High Blood Pressure: Heart and kidney disorders could lead to high blood pressure. When this becomes extremely high, a change in the amount of blood to the brain could occur. Seizure is one of the possible outcomes of this.
These internal health issues show the strong connection between a dog’s body and brain. Now, let’s look at idiopathic epilepsy, a common cause of seizures in young, otherwise healthy dogs.
2. Idiopathic Epilepsy in Younger Dogs
Idiopathic epilepsy, in general, is the most common reason for repeated seizures in dogs from one year to five years. The brain seems normal, but its electrical activity is very sensitive and may cause sudden seizures.
- Causes: No definite physical cause is usually found. Dogs’ brains have a low seizure threshold so they can become very excitable even with minor changes or stress.
- Vulnerable Breeds: Epilepsy is found more often in some breeds than in others, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, and Labs. Nevertheless, any dog can be prone to it.
- Patterns You May Notice: Some dogs experience “cluster seizures,” which means several episodes in a very short period of time. Others can stay for months free of seizures. Stress, excitement, or poor sleep can act as triggers.
Despite epilepsy being a serious condition, thanks to proper treatment, many dogs have long and stable lives.
Are you a veterinarian looking to elevate your canine seizure management and treatment strategies? For expert strategies and practical insights, consider the Management of Seizures in Dogs webinar.
So far, we’ve identified a few main causes of epileptic seizures in dogs. Before studying the environmental triggers, let us first have a closer look at the toxins. The toxins are among the most immediate and preventable reasons for seizures in dogs.
3. Toxins That Cause Seizures in Dogs
Dogs can be easily exposed to the harmful substances that are mostly found in their everyday items. The home is where some of the most dangerous toxins are found.
- Chocolate :Dark chocolate and baking cocoa contain theobromine in high amounts that are unacceptable for dogs. It is possible that the dog will have vomiting, be restless, have a fast heartbeat, and even have seizures in rare cases.
- Rat Poison: Some poisons work by attacking the nervous system directly, while others do so by affecting the organs first. Depending on the type, seizures might show up as soon as within hours.
- Moldy or Spoiled Food: Poisonous mold on bread, nuts, or dairy can induce dogs to shake, behave strangely, or suffer from seizures shortly after ingestion.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is found in gum, certain types of peanut butter, and low-calorie snacks. It has the ability to reduce blood sugar very fast and thereby bring on terrible convulsions.
- Household and Lawn Chemicals: Fertility enhancers, bug sprays, disinfectants, and insecticides are some of the products that can be extremely dangerous for dogs. These pets may be poisoned through licking, breathing, or even getting the chemicals absorbed through their paws.
Understanding these common toxins is key to keeping your dog safe at home. But seizures can also be triggered by a dog’s everyday environment and lifestyle.
4. Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers
Disease and toxins are not the only reasons that cause seizures in dogs. There are instances when environmental factors play the role of a trigger. To some extent, these triggers do not result in seizures by themselves but can nonetheless cause one in an already sensitized dog.
- Stress or Fear: Fireworks, changes, etc., even if they are not sudden or unfamiliar, can increase stress levels in dogs. A dog with epilepsy may exhibit strong reactions and have a seizure after a stressful event.
- Heatstroke or Overheating: High temperatures lead to blood flow reduction and oxygen supply being greatly diminished. During the summer months, a dog may suffer from heatstroke and hypoxia, leading to a seizure.
- Poor Sleep or Sudden Waking: Sleep helps balance electrical activity. When sleep cycles are disrupted, some dogs become prone to seizures.
Once you identify what can cause seizures in dogs, the next step is to understand your dog’s condition. A correct diagnosis allows the veterinary practitioners to determine the cause and select the appropriate therapy.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Care for Dogs with Seizures
To accurately pinpoint the cause of seizures, comprehensive testing and evaluation are necessary. Blood tests assess various organs, look for infections, check toxin levels, and determine sugar levels.
Imaging through CT or MRI scans determines if there are any issues with the brain. Neurological tests, along with observing your dog, contribute to the diagnosis. After diagnosis, effective and timely treatment is required for dogs to recover.
Seizure treatment mainly aims to keep your pet safe and minimize episodes. The use of drugs helps to stabilize the brain, and avoiding stressors, such as certain foods, also helps.
Seizures lasting more than five minutes are classified as emergencies, and veterinarians may provide a rescue medication for emergency use at home.
Caring for a dog with seizures shows just how much knowledge and skill vets bring to every case. You may also be interested in this guide on how much veterinarians make, giving insight into the professionals who manage these complex cases.
With the right care, attention, and veterinary support, dogs with seizures can live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives.
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