What Toxins Can Cause Seizures In Dogs?

Every dog owner who ever experienced their dog having a seizure knows how scary it is. You are confused, terrified, but aware of the fact that you have to help your dog. There are tons of triggers that can lead to seizures in dogs. Some may be neurological, while others are caused by something else. However, the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) notes that very often the cause of the problem are actually toxins. But what toxins can cause seizures in dogs? The scary truth is — tons of them. To find out more, keep reading this on article.

What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?

If your dog experiences seizures, the first and most important thing that you can do is to contact your vet and schedule an appointment. The underlying cause of your dog’s seizure has to be identified. The following article about all of the toxins that can cause seizures in dogs cannot replace professional advice from your vet. If your dog was prescribed some medications, don’t stop using them thinking that he will be fine if he just avoids these toxins.

While toxins can in fact trigger seizures in dogs, they aren’t the only possible reason. That’s why your dog should go through different diagnostic testings to really determine correctly what the underlying cause of his seizures is.

However, knowing what toxins can cause seizures in dogs can be incredibly helpful. Be mindful about it and check if your canine has been exposed to any of these.

But still please remember that everything can be toxic in some doses. Just because some medications are on this list doesn’t mean that they are most definitely the reason that your dog had a seizure. Medications that are commonly used in veterinary medicine can cause seizures if the dosage is too high. That often happens if the owners don’t follow the guidelines that were provided to them by their dog’s vet.

List of toxins causing seizures in dogs

Many different types of toxins can cause seizures in dogs. Medications, food and plants are only some of the categories. While not all dogs would have a seizure after coming in contact with them, some canines could be more sensitive to it. However, in most cases, it would require a higher dose of the toxin to trigger a seizure. That’s why the medications from this list are still in usage in veterinary medicine.

Either way, never self diagnose your dog after he suffered a seizure. While toxins are considered to be the most common reason, different neurological conditions and diseases can cause them as well. Schedule your canine for a check up so that he can get the treatment he deserves.

Here’s a list of toxins that cause seizures in canines.

Medications

1. Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream
2. Ivermectin
3. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
4. Isoniazid
5. Lamotrigine
6. Ibuprofen
7. Metronidazole
8. Phenylbutazone
9. Amphetamines
10. Vilazodone
11. Diphenhydramine
12. Phenylpropanolamine
13. Procaine Penicillin G
14. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
15. Any medications with the potential to cause hypoglycemia (such as sulfonylureas)

We have a whole article on OTC medications that are and aren’t safe for dogs: Medications For Dogs To Get Over-The-Counter

Plants

1. Mushrooms
2. Brunfelsia
3. Sago palm

Food

1. Xylitol
2. Caffeine
3. Ethanol
4. Dark chocolate
5. Rodenticides/Insecticides
6. Metaldehyde
7. Bifenthrin
8. Strychnine
9. Zinc phosphide
10. 4-Aminopyridine
11. Illicit Drugs
12. Cocaine
13. Amphetamines
14. Cannabis
15. Synthetic cannabinoids

If you are still unsure about some foods: Which Food Is Good Or Bad For Dogs?

Miscellaneous

1. Ethylene glycol
2. Mycotoxins
3. Bee sting envenomation
4. Homemade play dough or salt dough