By staying informed about toxins and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your dog from potential seizures and ensure their overall well-being.
Seizures in dogs can be a frightening experience, and various toxins are often the culprits. While most dogs will recover from toxin-induced seizures once the substance is eliminated from their system, some toxins, particularly heavy metals, can cause ongoing issues. Metals like lead, zinc, mercury, and aluminum pose significant risks because exposure often occurs gradually over time, or from a dog ingesting an object containing these metals. Puppies are especially vulnerable since they tend to explore the world by chewing on everything.
Even though lead is no longer widely used in products, remnants of lead-based materials can still be found in older environments, posing a hidden danger to your dog. Lead can be present in copper water pipes, linoleum, caulking material, drapery weights, golf balls, and especially in lead-based paint.
One of the most common sources of toxin-induced seizures in dogs is exposure to insecticides. These chemicals are designed to disrupt the central nervous system of insects, but when misused, they can have the same effect on dogs. Spoiled food in garbage can also harbor toxins that may lead to seizures.
Here's a list of common toxins that can cause seizures in dogs
Flea Medications and preventatives
Flea and Tick Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats; Although most dogs and cats haven’t had neurologic adverse reactions, seizures may occur in animals without a prior history.
What products are in the isoxazoline Toxin class?
The FDA-approved drugs in this class include:
Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats
Nexgard (afoxolaner) tablets for dogs
Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs
Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats
These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations. Some are also approved for treatment and control of ear mite infestations and some gastrointestinal parasite infections, and a few are also approved for prevention of heartworm disease.
Other Toxins to Watch for Include:
Animal Toxins
Bee and wasp venom
Toad Toxicity: Dogs can experience seizures after biting or mouthing toads that contain bufotoxins, such as the Colorado River toad and the marine toad.
Caffeine
Hydrocarbons and petroleum distillates
Alcohols and glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol, methanol)
Camphor
Phenols
Pine oils
Solvents (e.g., toluene, benzene, xylene)
Metal Toxins:
Lead
Zinc
Aluminum
Mercury
Mycotoxin Toxins
Amanita mushrooms
Penitrems A (found in moldy cheese, walnuts)
Pesticide Toxins
Boric Acid
Bromethalin
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Fluoroacetate
Metaldehyde
Organophosphates and carbamates
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids
Rotenone
Strychnine
Vacor
Zinc phosphide
Plant Toxins
Akee
Anticholinergics (found in plants like angel's trumpet, deadly nightshade, jimson weed, jasmine, lantana)
Blue-green and red algae
Bleeding heart and Dutchman’s breeches
Chinaberry
Moonseed
Tobacco
Water hemlock
Yellow Jasmine
If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, follow these steps:
Contact your vet, emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for accurate advice.
Try to identify the plant by taking a sample, a photo, or by collecting any vomit in a plastic bag.
When you reach the vet or helpline, provide as much information as possible, including: the suspected plant and the time of ingestion, your dog’s weight, and any symptoms your dog is showing.
Under no circumstances should you induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by the vet. Specific plant poisons require specific treatments, and vomiting can make some cases worse.
Don’t fall for the myth that dogs instinctively avoid dangerous plants. While it’s sometimes true of animals in the wild, dogs have no ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe plants.
According to American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein, the best cure is prevention. He recommends that you survey your yard regularly and identify any plants that may be dangerous. Then restrict your dog’s access to them. You may need to consult a landscaper to remove particularly stubborn plants. If you are in doubt about whether a plant your dog ate may be poisonous, seek professional help immediately. “The most common mistake pet owners make is to wait to see if the dog becomes ill before contacting the veterinarian,” says Dr. Klein.
By staying informed about these toxins and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your dog from potential seizures and ensure their overall well-being. Always keep potentially hazardous substances out of reach and be vigilant about what your dog might encounter in their environment.
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