What Toxins Can Cause Seizures in Dogs?

Watching your dog having a seizure can be extremely distressing. It’s important, however, not to panic. Most dog seizures get over pretty quickly, usually within 30-60 seconds. Once the convulsions stop, you should take your pet to the veterinarian or emergency room to be evaluated.

It’s important to be aware of what can cause seizures in dogs. For example, you should know what human foods are dangerous for dogs. This article will list some common household substances that are toxic and may cause seizures in dogs.

What causes seizures in dogs?

There can be various reasons for a dog to experience seizures. Medical conditions like epilepsy, structural abnormalities in the brain, infections, inflammation, tumors, and stroke can all lead to convulsions. Canine seizures can also occur from exposure to neurotoxins (toxins that affect the brain).

What toxins can cause convulsions in dogs?

Many common household substances are toxic for dogs and can cause seizures. Some of these are listed below:

Foods

• Excess salt (ingesting excess seawater, table salt, or play-doh)
• Methylxanthines (found in dark chocolate and caffeine)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

Alcohols

• Isopropanol or rubbing alcohol
• Ethanol (alcoholic drinks and raw dough for breads)
• Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
• Methanol (paints, varnishes, shellacs, adhesives, windshield washer fluid)

Heavy Metals

• Zinc (found in coins)
• Lead (found in paints)

Pesticides

• Weed killers like carbamates and organophosphates
• Zinc phosphate (found in mole bait)
• Metaldehyde (found in snail bait)
• Bromethalin (rodent killer)
• Strychnine
• Phyrethroids and pyrethrines

Drugs

• Antidepressants
• Asthma medications (theophylline)
• Analgesics (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Decongestants (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine)
• Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine)
• Beta blockers (medicines for the heart)
• Muscle relaxants (methocarbamol, baclofen, tizanidine, carisoprodol, and cyclobenzaprine)
• Cancer medicines (5-FU)

Carbon Monoxide

• Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning can cause seizures in dogs.

Plants

• Mushrooms (amanita, fly agaric, panther cap)
• Sago palm
• Yesterday, today, tomorrow plant (Brunfelsia)
• Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Animal Toxins

• Killer bees
• Bufo toads

You can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on 1-888-426-4435 for more information. Lines are open 24x7x365. Consultation fees may apply.

How can I tell if my dog is having a seizure?

Some of the signs and symptoms of seizures (convulsions) in dogs include:

• Muscle twitching or stiffening
• Jerking movements
• Tongue chewing or chomping movements
• Paddling movements of the legs
• Foaming at the mouth
• Drooling
• Involuntary urination or defecation
• Loss of consciousness
• Collapsing

What to do if my dog is having a seizure?

Try to stay calm. As mentioned, dog seizures are usually over in less than a minute. Avoid holding or touching your dog as you could be accidentally bitten. However, take the following precautions:

• Remove objects in the vicinity that could hurt your dog.
• Take steps to prevent falls from furniture or down the stairs.

If you can, make a video of the seizure to show to the vet. Once the seizure is over, call the vet or take your dog to the emergency room.

If your dog has more than 2 seizures in 24 hours or has a seizure that lasts more than 3 minutes, seek emergency medical attention. Call the vet immediately. Do not wait for the seizure to stop.

By educating yourself about canine seizures, you have already taken the first step in keeping your dog safe should he suffer a convulsion. Read more dog health tips, including signs your dog may be sick, so that you are prepared should illness strike.

04 December, 2022