Watching your dog have a seizure is terrifying, so knowing what type of seizure he is having and what triggers it helps you act fast. Here are the three main categories of dog seizures and what causes each:

1. Triggers for reactive or extracranial seizures in dogs

This type of dog seizure originates elsewhere in the body, but affects a dog’s brain. The most common causes of reactive seizures are:

• Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar (glucose).
• Hypocalcemia – low calcium levels in the blood.
• Hypothermia – an abnormally high body temperature (overheating).
• Hypothyroidism – when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone increasing the body’s metabolism.
• Liver disease —variety of conditions that affect the liver, including infection, autoimmune, toxicity, neoplasia and congenital conditions.
• Household toxins. A wide and varied range of items, such as :
  • Chocolate and caffeine
  • Ethylene Glycol (antifreeze)
  • Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)
  • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
  • Ethanol found in alcoholic beverages and raw bread dough.
  • Pesticides
  • Poisonous household plants.
• Common medications, including analgesics (aspirin and ibuprofen), antidepressants, asthma medications, antihistamines, cancer medications such as 5-Fluorouacil, Beta-Blockers (cardiac medication), decongestants such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, muscle relaxants (Baclofen, Carisoprodol, Methocarbamol, Tizanidine and Cyclobenzaprine.
• Drugs such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and opiates.
• Salt Poisoning (excessive seawater, table salt, even the ingestion of Play-Dough, popular in homes with small children.
• Stress and over-excitement.

2. Triggers for structural or intracranial seizures in dogs

This type of seizure is caused by either structural or functional changes inside the dog’s brain.

• Structural epilepsy, caused by something directly affecting the brain like a tumor
• Trauma to the brain
• Autoimmune diseases (where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body).
• Infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus (CDV) and rabies.
• Tick-borne diseases

3. Triggers for epileptic seizures in dogs

Dr. Jon Nauss, medical director at the Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital Primary Care & Integrative Medicine explains that epileptic seizures are those “not caused by either reactive or structural issues. Instead, it refers to unprovoked seizures that can be inherited and known as genetic or idiopathic epilepsy.”

Epilepsy in dogs can be traced to one of three causes, explains Dr. Nauss. “First, a direct genetic cause which has been identified in some breeds. Second, a suspected genetic cause based on heritage analysis. Third, there is epilepsy of unknown origin, when there is no evidence of a genetic, reactive or structural cause of seizures,” he adds.

Dog breeds prone to seizures

Seizures are more common in certain dog breeds. Some of the more popular breeds include:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Australian Shepherds
• Boxers
• Beagles
• Dachshunds
• German Shepherd Dogs
• Golden Retrievers
• Poodles
• Siberian Huskies

Seizures can also affect brachycephalic breeds (with flat noses), such as Pugs, Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs.

My dog is having a seizure! What do I do?

If you think your dog is having a seizure, seek immediate veterinary help. And if your pet has ingested something that you are concerned about, you can seek help from the Pet Poison Helpline. It’s $85 for a consultant call. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com Tel. 855-764-7661.

For more on the symptoms of seizures in dogs and what to do when a seizure is happening, read Dog Seizures: Symptoms and What to Do.