An Introduction to Canine Epilepsy Triggers
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects dogs just as it does humans. It's characterised by recurrent seizures, which can vary in type, frequency and intensity. While epilepsy in dogs often has no known cause, there are certain triggers that can precipitate seizures in susceptible individuals. In this article, we'll delve into the world of canine epilepsy triggers, exploring what they are, how they can impact our furry friends and strategies for managing and minimising their effects.
While this list may seem overwhelming, there are ways to find out what might be causing your dog's seizures, and we highly recommend downloading our free seizure tracker here. Tracking your dog's seizures and being aware of any events that precede them can provide crucial information that will impact your care plan.
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Canine Epilepsy Triggers
Epileptic seizures in dogs can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:
Stress, Excitement and Anxiety
Experiences that cause stress, excitement or anxiety can trigger seizures in some dogs. Some examples of such triggers include:
Changes in routine
Visitors to the home
Excitement or stimulation (e.g. at feeding time or playing with another dog)
Separation anxiety
Fear
New environments/unfamiliar places
Interactions with unfamiliar people
Interactions with unfamiliar animals
Abuse/neglect
Witnessing traumatic events
Physical Factors
Certain physical changes can lower the seizure threshold in dogs. Some examples of such triggers include:
Fatigue
Exhaustion from strenuous exercise
Illness
Infections (such as urinary tract infections or ear infections)
Hormonal changes (such as during estrus or pregnancy)
Fluctuations in body temperature
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins or extreme changes can act as triggers. Some examples of such triggers include:
Pesticides
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Certain plants (such as lilies, azaleas, or sago palms)
Cigarette smoke
Lead toxicity
Metaldehyde poisoning
Ethylene glycol ingestion
Xylitol ingestion
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold)
Rapid changes in altitude
Sensory Stimuli
Visual stimuli may also act as triggers for some dogs with photosensitive epilepsy. Similarly, some dogs might be triggered by auditory stimuli. Some examples of sensory triggers include:
Flashing/flickering lights
Intense visual patterns (such as strobe lights or flickering television screens)
Loud noises (such as fireworks or thunderstorms)
Repetitive noises
Sleep Deprivation
Poor sleep hygiene can disrupt brain function and thereby increase the likelihood of seizures in some dogs with epilepsy. Some triggers could include:
Lack of sleep
Irregular sleep patterns
Disruption to the sleep environment (e.g. due to excessive noise)
Uncomfortable sleep environment
Dietary Factors
Certain ingredients and feeding patterns may trigger seizures in some dogs with epilepsy. Such potential triggers include:
Change in feed or feed pattern
Chocolate ingestion
Caffeine ingestion
Artificial colourings
Preservatives
Flavourings
Allergic reaction to a certain food
Inadequate nutrition resulting in low blood sugar levels
Irregular meal times resulting in low blood sugar levels
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Medication Changes
It's essential to follow your veterinarian's recommendations closely and monitor for any adverse effects. Abrupt changes in medication can disrupt seizure control and increase the risk of breakthrough seizures in dogs with epilepsy. These include:
Change in dose
Change in formulation/manufacturer of medication
Alterations to administration schedule, forgetting dose(s)
Insulin overdose in diabetic animals
Hormonal Changes
Dogs may experience increased seizure frequency during natural periods of hormonal fluctuations. These include:
Those associated with the oestrus cycle (heat) in intact female dogs
Changes in testosterone levels in intact male dogs
Allergic Reactions
Allergies to environmental allergens may trigger seizures in some dogs. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the body, including the brain, potentially leading to seizure activity. Some examples of potential allergens include:
Pollen
Mold
Dust mites
Certain foods
Electrolyte Imbalances
Disruptions in electrolyte levels such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium can affect nerve function and increase the risk of seizures in dogs. These disruptions in electrolyte levels can be triggered by:
Dehydration
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Kidney disease
Physical Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma or injury can increase the likelihood of seizures in dogs, even if they occur months or years after the initial injury. Such injuries include:
Pain
Head trauma
Concussions
Other physical injuries can damage the brain
Illness or Infection
Underlying medical conditions and certain infections predispose dogs to seizures. Such triggers include:
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Tumors/cancer
Sepsis
Cushing's disease
Addison's disease
Hypothyroidism
Canine distemper
Canine parvovirus
Tick-borne diseases
Meningitis/Encephalitis
Severe respiratory or heart disease leading to low oxygen concentrations to the brain
Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds of dogs have a higher incidence of epilepsy, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Breeds more commonly affected by epilepsy include:
Beagles
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
English Springer and Cocker Spaniels
German Shepherds
Border Collies
Brachycephalic (flatter faced) breeds
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Boxers
Dachshunds
Irish Setters
Irish Wolfhounds
St. Bernards
Corgis
Wire-haired Fox Terriers
Standard Poodles
Yorkshire terriers
Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Seasonal Changes
Some dogs may experience an increase in seizure activity during certain times of the year, such as spring or fall. While the exact cause of this seasonal variation is not fully understood, factors that could play a role include:
Allergen exposure
Temperature
Daylight hours
Managing Canine Epilepsy Triggers
While it may not always be possible to eliminate epilepsy triggers completely, there are steps that pet parents can take to minimise their impact and reduce the likelihood of seizures in their dogs:
Identify and Avoid Triggers: Pay close attention to your dog's behaviour and surroundings to identify potential triggers for seizures. Once identified, take steps to minimise or eliminate exposure to these triggers.
Maintain a Consistent Routine: Establishing a regular daily routine for your dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for seizures.
Provide a Safe Environment: Create a safe and secure environment for your dog, free from potential hazards and triggers. This may include keeping toxic substances out of reach, providing a quiet space during times of stress, and ensuring adequate rest and relaxation.
Ensure Proper Nutrition: Feed your dog a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients to support overall health and minimize the risk of dietary-related triggers.
Monitor and Manage Stress: Minimize stressors in your dog's environment and provide outlets for relaxation and mental stimulation. This may include regular exercise, socialization, and training.
Conclusion
While canine epilepsy triggers can vary widely from one dog to another, understanding and managing these triggers is essential for supporting dogs living with epilepsy. By identifying potential triggers, implementing appropriate management strategies, and working closely with a veterinarian, pet parents can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in their furry friends, ultimately improving their quality of life. If you suspect that your dog may be experiencing seizures or have concerns about potential triggers, don't hesitate to consult with a veterinarian for guidance and support.
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