Seizure Triggers in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Seizures in dogs can be alarming for pet owners, but understanding the causes and available treatments can help manage this condition. Seizures are a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and they can vary in severity. Some dogs experience one-off episodes, while others may suffer from recurring seizures. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of seizures in dogs, when to seek veterinary help, and how to manage your dog’s condition effectively.

What is a Seizure in Dogs?

A seizure in dogs is an involuntary, sudden, and often violent burst of electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, a dog may experience symptoms such as shaking, twitching, loss of consciousness, and muscle spasms. There are different types of seizures, with generalized seizures (involving the entire body) and focal seizures (affecting one part of the body) being the most common. Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, and the dog may be disoriented or confused afterward.

Signs of Epilepsy in Dogs

The signs of epilepsy in dogs can be categorized into three phases: pre-seizure, seizure and post-seizure:

(1) Pre-seizure signs

Behavioral changes: The dog may exhibit behaviors such as irritability, restlessness, hiding, nervousness, whimpering, shaking, or salivating.
Altered mental state: The dog may appear disoriented, confused, anxious or unusually excited.
Signs of a seizure

(2) Generalized seizures (grand mal)

Loss of consciousness: The dog may suddenly fall to the ground and lose consciousness.
Muscle spasms: tonic or paroxysmal spasms of muscles throughout the body, stiffness and extension of the Ⅳ limbs, bending of the head and neck to the dorsal or lateral side, and sometimes paddling of the limbs in the form of swimming.
Pupillary changes: pupils dilated.
Drooling and foaming at the mouth: drooling and foaming at the mouth due to spasm of the muscles of the mouth.
Incontinence: Incontinence may occur due to loss of muscle control.
Apnea: Breathing may be suspended in severe cases.

(3) Partial seizures (petit mal)

Localized muscle twitching: e.g. eyelid fluttering, eye swirling, lip tremor, etc.
Impaired consciousness: there may be a transient impairment of consciousness, with frozen immobility, unresponsiveness or unresponsiveness.

(4) Signs after the seizure

Recovery of consciousness: The dog gradually regains consciousness, but may show varying degrees of visual disturbances, ataxia, confusion, and fatigue.
Behavioral abnormalities: Behaviors such as disorientation, pacing, increased thirst and appetite may occur.
Physical state: The dog may appear fatigued and depressed.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

The causes of seizures in dogs can be categorized into primary and secondary epilepsy. Below are the specific causes.

1. Primary epilepsy

• Genetic factors

Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to primary epilepsy, such as Beagles, Dutch Mansions, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

Increased sensitivity of the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers to external stimuli: In this case, neurons in the brain are prone to abnormal discharges, leading to seizures.

2. Secondary epilepsy

① Brain diseases

• Brain and meningitis

Inflammation of the brain will affect the normal function of the brain and trigger seizures.

• Tumors in the brain

Tumors can cause pressure on the brain and affect nerve signal transmission, thus triggering epilepsy.

Also Read: Cat Brain Tumor When to Euthanize​

• Parasites in the brain

Parasites moving inside the brain may damage brain tissue or affect nerve conduction, leading to epilepsy.

Fipronil Spot On

Fipronil is a new dewormer that belongs to the phenylpyrazole family, indicated for the elimination of fleas on cats and dogs and dog lice.

View Product

• Concussion, brain injury

Traumatic injuries such as a bump on the head may cause damage to brain tissue, triggering epilepsy.

② Other diseases

• Canine distemper

Viral infections may damage the nervous system and trigger epilepsy.

• Cardiovascular disease

Abnormal heart function may affect the blood supply to the brain, leading to seizures.

• Metabolic disorders (hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, uremia, toxemia, etc.)

Metabolic disorders can affect the normal function of nerve cells and trigger epilepsy.

• Toxic diseases

For example, carbon monoxide poisoning will cause insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and trigger epilepsy.

• External stimuli

High excitement, fear and strong stimulation can cause seizures.

③Environmental factors

• Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides used on lawns

These chemicals may contain toxins that are harmful to dogs and trigger seizures.

• Cedar shavings

may be harmful to dogs and trigger seizures.

• Toxic flowers and plants

such as aloe vera, holly, apples, apricots, and bay laurel may trigger seizures when dogs come in contact with them or accidentally eat them.

• Changes in atmospheric pressure and extreme heat or cold

These environmental factors can be seizure triggers.

• Bee and wasp venom, toad venom

Bites or contact may trigger seizures.

What to Do if Your Dog Has a Seizure?

Owners need to take the following steps when their dog has a seizure.

1. First aid measures in the event of a seizure

(1) Stay calm

The owner should first stay calm and avoid panic, because the nervousness may have a negative impact on the dog.

(2) Ensure safety

Remove items around the dog that may cause injury, such as glass, sharp objects, etc. If possible, move the dog to an open space to avoid collision with furniture or walls. Also, take care to protect your dog's head from injury.

(3) Maintain ventilation

Seizures can cause your dog to sweat profusely and breathe heavily, so make sure the air around you is well ventilated. You can open windows or start an air purifier to increase the freshness of the air, which can help relieve your dog's seizure symptoms.

(4) Avoid touching

Avoid touching your dog during a seizure as the dog may bite unconsciously.

(5) Record the duration of the seizure

Observe and record the duration of the seizure, which is important for subsequent treatment and management.

(6) Do not force-feed or apply pressure to the limb

Do not force-feed or press your dog's limbs during a seizure; this may cause injury.

(7) Prevent choking

Tilt the dog's head to one side to allow oral secretions to flow out on their own, preventing saliva from accidentally entering the airway and causing aspiration pneumonia. If your dog's teeth are clenched, place a gauze-wrapped tongue depressor or toothbrush handle between the upper and lower teeth to prevent your dog from biting his tongue.

(8) Call a veterinarian

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if the dog has frequent seizures, contact a veterinarian or transport to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately.

2.Peculiar Seizure Post-Seizure Care

① Provide a quiet environment

After a seizure, your dog may feel tired and depressed and needs to rest in a quiet environment.

②Replenish water

After an attack, you can give your dog some water to help it recover.

③ Observe the symptoms

Closely observe your dog's symptoms, including state of consciousness and behavioral changes. If your dog shows abnormal behavior or the symptoms continue unabated, contact your veterinarian promptly.

④ Adjust diet and living environment

To prevent seizures, you need to provide nutritionally balanced food and avoid high-fat and high-sugar food. Keep the living environment stable and quiet, and avoid excessive stimulation and stress.

⑤ Use medication as prescribed by the doctor

Medicines for Epilepsy -Tablets

Antiseizure; status epilepticus; convulsion; spasm

View Product

If your dog is being treated for epilepsy, take the medication on time as instructed by your veterinarian and do not increase, decrease or stop the medication on your own.

⑥ Regular checkups

Take your dog for regular physical checkups, including blood tests, etc., to monitor its health and side effects of medication.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has Recovered From Epilepsy?

Determining whether a dog has recovered from a seizure requires a combination of several things, including physical and behavioral indicators. Here are some key ways to determine this.

• Physiologic Indicators

Respiration and heart rate: a return to normal respiration and heart rate are important indicators that a dog has recovered from a seizure. During a seizure, a dog's respiration and heart rate usually increase, and these indicators should gradually return to the normal range after recovery.
Body temperature: Seizures may cause a temporary increase in body temperature, so a return to normal temperature is also a sign of recovery.
Pupil size: Pupils may be dilated during the seizure and should return to normal size after recovery.

• Behavioral indicators

State of Consciousness: A dog regaining consciousness is the most direct sign of recovery. After the seizure, the dog may appear disoriented and confused, but awareness should clear over time.
Behavioral Patterns: Observe whether the dog's behavioral patterns return to what they were before the seizure. For example, does the dog resume normal activities such as eating, drinking, and playing.
Orientation: The recovered dog should be able to walk normally without becoming disoriented or bumping into objects.
Response to the environment: the dog should have a normal response to the surrounding environment, such as responding to the owner's call and responding appropriately to other stimuli.

• Other Indicators

Post-ictal care needs: If the dog requires special care after a seizure, such as extra water, rest, or medication, it may be considered to be recovering after these needs have been met and the dog's condition has stabilized.
Likelihood of subsequent seizures: If the dog does not have another seizure for a period of time and his behavior and physical state remain stable, then he can be considered to have recovered from the seizure.
It is important to note that the recovery time may vary for each dog, depending on the severity of the seizure, the dog's overall health, and whether or not it has received appropriate treatment. Therefore, when determining whether your dog is recovering, a comprehensive assessment should be made on an individual basis. If you have any concerns about your dog's recovery, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian for a professional opinion.

FAQs

What foods can cause seizures in dogs?

Foods that may cause seizures in dogs

• Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic substances for dogs. Theobromine can affect your dog's nervous system, heart, and urinary system, among other things. Even small amounts of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can lead to symptoms of toxicity in dogs, including seizures, tachycardia, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain sulfides, which can destroy your dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia. Severe anemia can affect the oxygen supply to your dog's brain, which in turn may trigger neurological symptoms such as seizures.

• Foods or drinks containing alcohol

Alcohol can be extremely damaging to your dog's liver and nervous system. Dogs that ingest alcohol may experience symptoms of alcohol poisoning such as ataxia, euphoria, seizures, and even coma and death.

• Certain foods containing xylitol

Xylitol is commonly found in some sugar-free gum, candies and baked goods. When ingested by dogs, xylitol can cause a massive release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia, a severe form of hypoglycemia that can trigger seizures, convulsions, weakness and even death.

What to give a dog after a seizure?

1. Easy-to-digest food

During your dog's recovery period after a seizure, you can give easy-to-digest foods such as cooked chicken and rice. Chicken is a source of high-quality protein that is easily absorbed by your dog's gut, while rice provides energy and helps stabilize bowel function.

2. Highly nutritious canned food

Canned foods that are specially designed for sick or recovering dogs are a good choice. These canned foods are usually rich in a variety of nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, which can help replenish energy and nutrients for your dog. However, be careful to choose canned food that has no added harmful substances.

3. Maintain water intake

Make sure your dog has enough clean water. Seizures can cause your dog to become dehydrated, and adequate hydration will help keep your dog's body functioning properly. Water can be provided using a shallow dish or a specialized pet waterer.

Can eating grass cause seizures in dogs?

Conclusion

Seizures in dogs can have many different causes, ranging from genetic factors to environmental triggers. Understanding the potential causes of seizures and seeking prompt veterinary care is essential for managing this condition. With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many dogs with seizures can lead happy, healthy lives. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance on diagnosing and treating seizures in your dog.