What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?
What toxins can cause seizures in dogs? Many different types of toxins can cause seizures, some of which may be surprising to you! Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of dog seizures and how you can keep your dog safe from toxins.
FOODS
The most common food that causes a seizure is chocolate. Other foods that are high in fat or have a lot of sugar can also be a trigger. This includes fast food and junk food, like candy bars and ice cream. Alcohol, caffeine, and aspartame may also trigger seizures for some animals.
Plants
Certain plants contain chemicals that may be toxic to your dog. These plants do most commonly found in people’s gardens and yards. If a dog ingests any of these plants, the following symptoms may occur: diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and seizures. The following is a list of common garden plants that can cause these side effects azalea, holly, ivy (hedge), lilies, mistletoe (evergreen), oleander, sumac, and sago palm. Also listed below are some non-native plant species that affect dogs: daffodil bulbs (including flowers), garlic bulbs, and onions (including flowers).
Rodenticides/Insecticides
While necessary to keep your home free of unwanted pests, rodents and insecticides should be used with caution. Rodenticide poisoning is a common problem that can result from using rat poison. Secondary poisoning is the most common form of this type of poisoning, which occurs when pets or wildlife eat the poisoned rodents and develop the same symptoms. Common rodenticides include Warfarin, Bromadiolone, Chlorophacinone, Difethialone, Diphacinone, and Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080). Insecticides are also used to control insects in homes, but they are a less common source of toxicity in pets.
Illicit Drugs
It was found that there is a range of illicit drugs that have been associated with seizures. These include amphetamines, cocaine, and LSD.
In a study, it was found that there is a range of illicit drugs that have been associated with seizures. These include amphetamines, cocaine, and LSD.
Miscellaneous
Chemicals, plants, and animals all contain different types of toxins. Some are natural, like the chemicals found in a bee sting or snake bite. For example, one chemical called acetylcholine is used by the body to send messages from the brain to other parts of the body. Small doses can treat some types of muscle spasms and nerve pain. But when too much is released at once, it causes a very rapid heartbeat and may lead to death through a heart attack or stroke.
HEAVY METALS
While you may not have given much thought to the effects of heavy metals on your canine companion, it is an important subject—heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic harm humans and animals. There are many ways that a dog could be exposed to heavy metals. Through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation from improperly disposed batteries, or eating old paint that contains lead.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
The common misconception about carbon monoxide poisoning is that it only affects humans, but there have also been reported cases of animals succumbing to CO poisoning. This type of poison may be the most common form of animal poisoning. If you know your dog has been exposed to carbon monoxide, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and decreased concentration ability. The animal’s gums will also turn blue or cherry red, while skin and eyes are often yellowish green or olive coloured. Vomiting and diarrhea are not usually present. But they could indicate another problem and should be evaluated by a veterinarian ASAP.
Related article: Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
