Pet Health - A Detailed Look at Dog Seizures! Signs And Causes

From the desk of Sharda Baker.

Hello and welcome!

This is Sharda with another pet health newsletter update for you.

Today, we will talk about a serious pet health problem that may affect your dog and the many factors that may have caused this condition.

So, let's start and talk about DOG SEIZURES...

PET HEALTH - EPILEPSY/SEIZURES

SIGNS OF DOG EPILEPSY/SEIZURES

There are a number of different types of seizures, ranging from generalized to focal motor seizures. A dog health problem called generalized seizure (grand mal, fit or convulsion) generally causes an acute decrease in state of consciousness, repeated movements of the body, excessive salivation, vomiting and often a loss of bladder and bowel control.

It is generally followed by drowsiness, difficulty walking or seeing as well as changes in behavior which can last around 24 hours.

A focal motor seizure will cause just a repeated twitching movement in either the face or limbs and usually only lasts a few seconds. These seizures may be unnoticed if they involve innocuous movements like swallowing.

CAUSES OF DOG EPILEPSY/SEIZURES

Pet health related seizures occur due to a change in the electrical activity of the brain caused by a variety of things - diseases of the nervous system and the brain itself such as epilepsy.

They may also be from a blow to the head, chemicals, poisons, fever and/or caused by deficiency in pet nutrition. Here are some of the things that most commonly trigger seizures.

However every pet is different and sensitive to different things. These factors will not always apply to every dog. They are listed just for your knowledge and for proper care of your pet's health.

Some of them are...

• Hair spray - Do not spray when pet is in the same room
• Heartworm pills - A seizure may occur 1 to 1 ½ wks after administering heartworm pet medicine.
• BHA - A preservative commonly used in pet foods
• BHT - A preservative commonly used in pet foods
• Sodium nitrate - Research shows sodium nitrate causes severe seizures. Sodium nitrate is found in many foods we eat. Read the ingredient labels carefully.
• Fabric softeners - If exposed to clothes that have fabric softener on them
• Dryer sheets - If exposed to clothes that have been in the dryer with the dryer sheets
• Plastic bowls or cheap ceramic bowls - All plastics release some undetectable fumes, especially when heated. This out-gassing means the fumes can pass into the foods that are served or stored in the bowl or container. Stainless steel or glass bowls are recommended
• All toxic flea products - If the product states "Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals", it is hazardous to your pet
• Lead - dogs lick lead because it tastes sweet, and lead poisoning can result from licking or eating wood chips on which there is lead paint. You can check this by asking for a lead poisoning test when you get a regular blood test. You have to ask for this test because it is not a normal part of blood work.
• Rawhides - Many are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach
• FALL - Research shows more seizures occur in the fall due to mold and bacteria the air

Other facots include...

We will stop here for this pet health topic for now so you can digest what I am telling about this dog health problem.

Seizures are serious so if you notice that your dog is displaying these symptoms please consult your vet immediately.

I hope that this pet health newsletter has helped you understand more about this dog health condition.

Don't worry, I will be back with more information on how to cure and what you can do if your dog has this condition.

All the best and take care

Warmly,