No loving dog owner wants to see their beloved pets in distress, but unfortunately for many dog owners, this can be a daily reality. Seizures are a frightening but very common problem for our domesticated dogs. One of the most common causes of seizures in dogs is called Idiopathic epilepsy, which reportedly occurs in up to nearly 6 percent of all dogs. Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs- also referred to as congenital or genetic epilepsy- is a term given to seizure disorders that have no obvious cause.
Learn how to recognise the signs of a seizure by reading the following article:
Dog Seizure Symptoms
What Causes Seizures In Dogs?
A seizure occurs when an abnormal burst of electrical activity erupts within the brain. This uncontrolled neurological activity can lead to unexpected behaviours, such as generalised and severe convulsions of the body. As mentioned above, one of the most common causes of seizures in dogs is canine idiopathic epilepsy, though this is by no means the sole cause. Below, we examine some of the major causes of this unsettling condition.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common but mostly preventable condition. It is estimated that somewhere between 50 and 90 percent of all epileptic dogs suffer from low blood sugar levels. It is no wonder that this condition is considered to be one of the major contributing factors to seizures in dogs.
Toy dog breeds and small puppies are particularly susceptible to hypoglycaemia and require more attention to help maintain ideal glucose levels. Toy dog breeds and small puppies usually require more frequent feeds throughout the day. Adequate rest is also important, as puppies will often play until they drop. Just as in dealing with overactive children, regular rest and “quiet time” should be enforced.
Some of the other common causes of hypoglycemia in dogs is an insulin overdose as administered by the dog’s owner. The severity of the hypoglycemia is relative to the level of overdose as well as the type of insulin that is used. Your dog may also experience an insulin overdose from insulin-secreting tumours that grow within the pancreas and elsewhere in the body. These tumours greatly contribute to a lack of sugar in the blood which leads to a number of symptoms including seizures.
If you suspect your dog of having any kind of blood sugar problem, it is important to seek advice from your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Other Common Causes
Severe infestations of intestinal worms can lead to a build up of toxins within the dog’s body, which can have a detrimental effect on the dog’s nervous system.
Heatstroke is also prone to causing seizures in dogs and can be life-threatening. Your dog is at risk of heatstroke if he is left in an overheated environment such as a parked car or garden shed, where temperatures rise rapidly even in moderately hot weather. Some dog breeds have trouble cooling their bodies due to their shortened mussels. These dogs along with overweight and old dogs are at higher risk of developing heatstroke and thus are more prone to experiencing heatstroke-induced seizures.
Seizures may be a side-effect of poisoning. If your dog ingests or comes into contact with poisonous chemicals, plants, insects or animals, he is at much higher risk at developing serious medical problems and must be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Some dog diseases can lead to seizures and may even cause irreparable neurological damage. Vaccinating puppies against distemper, parvovirus and other diseases is an extremely important and life-saving measure and can prevent your dog from experiencing seizures and other severe medical conditions.
High blood sugar, low calcium levels in the blood, cancer, liver disease, kidney failure, nutritional deficiencies and head injuries are also potential causes of canine seizures.
Is My Dog At Risk Of Seizures?
Every dog is at risk of experiencing a seizure at some point in its life, regardless of breed. Some dog breeds however are reportedly more genetically predisposed to Idiopathic epilepsy than other dog
breeds. Breeding studies have shown a high incidence of (or inherited predisposition to) epilepsy in the following breeds:
Dr Bruce Fogle's book "Caring For Your Dog" is an excellent home reference for dog breed info, dog illnesses and medical treatments.
- Beagle
- Belgian Tervuren (also known as the Tervueren or Belgian Shepherd)
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd (also known as the Alsatian)
- Golden Retriever
- Irish Setter
- Keeshond (also known as Keeshonden)
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Poodles (all varieties)
- Saint Bernard
- Siberian Husky
- Wire-haired Fox Terrier
What Should I Do If My Dog Has A Seizure?
No matter how docile your dog may be in everyday life, it is important to protect yourself. Dogs experiencing seizures have been known to unintentionally bite their owners. If your dog is experiencing a severe seizure and needs his airway open, you should not hold your dog’s mouth open with your hand or arm. To be safe, use something like the cardboard cylinder from a paper towel roll to prop the dog’s mouth open. Clearing the airways may not be needed in less severe or shorter dog seizures.
If your dog is near any kind of hazard such as a set of stairs, grab your dog by the scruff of the neck and pull him away from the hazard. Place blankets or cushions under your dog’s head to help protect against injury. It is also recommended that you throw a blanket over your dog’s body and use the blanket to help control your dog’s thrashing. This will help contain and protect your dog.
Dogs are often unconscious during a severe seizure. Nevertheless, it is important that you remain calm and collected during the episode. If your dog appears conscious at all, speaking calmly to your dog and gently stroking him may help reassure your pet. It is imperative that you do not become distressed during or after the seizure, as your dog will find it more difficult to recover mentally from the event, feeding off your anxiety. Showing distress or smothering him with panicked attention during or after an episode could potentially lead your dog to have anxiety problems.
After the seizure has occurred, many dogs are momentarily distressed and will try to run off. This can be dangerous due to the disorientation that follows a seizure. Try to keep your dog confined and preferably laying down to help prevent injury. Provide your dog with some drinking water and clean up any mess if your dog released his bowls during the episode.
If this is your dog’s first seizure, or if the seizure is very severe, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Take note of whether your dog may have recently come into contact with any household poisons (such as lead paint or rat bait), or if there is any other possible environmental causes for the seizure. Your veterinarian will need this information to help diagnose your dog.