Common Household Toxins That Can Cause Dog Seizures: Household Hazards

There are a number of different household items and environmental toxins that can cause seizures in dogs, ranging from food and drug additives to common plants and insecticides. However, the most common causes are rodenticides, human medications (especially antidepressants), lead, chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, mycotoxins from moldy food, certain plants (especially sago palms), and pesticides that contain organophosphates or carbamates.

To help you better understand the causes of seizures in dogs and what symptoms to look out for, we will look at the findings of veterinary toxicology studies that have identified the most common toxins, how they work, and the best ways to treat them. This will help you learn to recognize these dangers and take steps to minimize them in your home, as well as know when to get emergency care for your dog.

How to Spot Toxin Exposure and Seizures in Dogs

Being able to spot the signs of toxin exposure is important because poisoning can be life-threatening. According to PetMD, common symptoms of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, weakness, abnormal body temperature, and difficulty breathing.

More serious symptoms of poisoning in dogs can include internal bleeding, which can be identified by pale gums or vomiting blood, kidney failure with increased urination and a loss of appetite, liver failure with yellow gums and tarry stool, and cardiovascular symptoms, according to Daily Paws.

You should also look out for gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures, and any sudden changes in behavior or lethargy, which can all be signs of poisoning according to the Pet Poison Helpline. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to seek immediate veterinary care, as the RSPCA explains that poisoning needs to be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications like organ damage.

Common Household Toxins That Can Cause Seizures in Dogs

There are many common household items that are toxic to dogs and can cause seizures. These items include medications, plants, foods, and pesticides. According to the ASPCA, medications that can cause seizures in dogs include antidepressants, ADHD medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and decongestants. Meanwhile, Lolahemp notes that sago palms, mushrooms, and certain fungi are some of the most common toxic plants that can cause seizures in dogs.

Foods that can cause seizures in dogs include chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, alcohol, and moldy foods that contain mycotoxins, according to Outward Hound and The Native Pet. Meanwhile, Ethos Veterinary Health explains that insecticides, rodenticides, and other pesticides that contain organophosphates or carbamates are some of the most common pesticides that can cause seizures in dogs.

Because these items are so common, it’s important for dog owners to know the risks and take steps to prevent their dog from accidentally ingesting or being exposed to them. It’s also important to seek immediate veterinary care if a dog shows any signs of poisoning from a toxic substance or has a seizure.

First Aid and Emergency Care for Toxin-Induced Seizures

If your dog has a seizure, make sure to keep them away from any hazards and time the seizure, according to Southeast Veterinary Neurology. Make sure to call your vet right away, especially if the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes or if there are multiple seizures, according to Richmond Valley Veterinary Practice.

If you believe your dog has been exposed to a toxin, make sure to call your vet or a pet poison control hotline immediately, according to the AKC. Also, make sure to try to figure out what the toxin is and save any remaining samples or vomit for testing, according to First Aid for Pets. However, make sure not to try to hold your dog down or put anything in their mouth during a seizure, according to Veterinary Partner.

Because toxin exposure can be life-threatening, it's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if they are having seizures. These steps can help ensure your dog gets the help they need.

How to Avoid Toxin Exposure and Create a Safe Home for Dogs

To avoid exposing dogs to toxins in the home, it's important to know what substances are toxic and to keep them in a secure location, including medications, cleaning supplies, and chemicals, according to Ethos Veterinary Health. In addition, using pet-safe products and disposing of toxic substances properly can help lower the risk.

In addition to keeping toxic plants and foods, such as chocolate and xylitol, away from your dog, it's also important to watch your dog when they're in areas where they could be exposed to toxins, according to Zoetis Petcare. This is also important to remember, according to Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic.

Finally, it can be helpful to have pet insurance and emergency numbers, such as the Pet Poison Helpline and ASPCA Animal Poison Control, on hand to ensure that you can act quickly if your dog is accidentally poisoned, according to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Conclusion: How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Prepare for Emergencies

As PetMD notes, poisoning in dogs is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, you should immediately seek veterinary care or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Symptoms of poisoning can vary and may include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Some of the toxins that can cause seizures in dogs include chocolate, coffee, caffeine, rodenticides, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, according to PetMD. Treatment for poisoning can include vomiting, activated charcoal, and supportive care such as IV fluids and oxygen. It is important to note that veterinary care is necessary and that time is of the essence in these situations.

In addition to seizures, the Pet Poison Helpline lists other common symptoms of toxicity, including drooling or foaming at the mouth, difficulty breathing, abnormal temperature, weakness, and gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can be a sign that a dog has been exposed to a toxic substance and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

To help prevent pet poisonings, Ethos Veterinary Health suggests learning about common toxins, keeping potentially toxic substances in a safe place, and making sure that you have emergency contact information on hand. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pet is safe and healthy.