Dog seizures are not only painful for your dog but also affect your mental health. There would be a lot of questions on your mind regarding the consequences of dog seizures and the reasons behind them. In this article, I will answer all those questions that have occupied your mind for so long regarding, Can Dog food cause seizures.
What are the causes of dog seizures? Is it caused by some specific food type? And what are the possible ways to reduce seizures in dogs? etc. At the end of the article, you will get answers to all these complex and confusing questions.
Table of Contents
Causes of Dog Seizures
Many factors can cause dog seizures. Some are inherited factors such as idiopathic epilepsy while others are food and environmental factors. We can’t limit it to one category. Therefore, I have divided the causes of dog seizures into different sections.
Common causes of seizure
Commonly seizures occur when a change in activity occurs. It gets stimulation from the surrounding, environment, medications, stress, and food. Some of the common causes of dog seizures include;
- Brain inflammation and head injuries
- Liver and Kidney failure,
- Thyroid issues and low blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalance and anemia,
- Congenital abnormalities or idiopathic causes.
Foods That Can Trigger Dog Seizures
Can food cause seizures in a dog? This question can’t be answered with yes or no because there is a huge amount of food categories. Not all food groups lead to seizures in dogs as there are many other factors as well. However, the excess or deficiency of some nutrients over others can create health issues in dogs.
When your dog takes one food group in excess amount while the other is lacking, an imbalanced diet leads to seizure arousal in dogs. Here are some major food groups that are known to be problematic to dog’s health.
Toxic nutrients
Some nutrients when consumed in excess amounts can lead to toxicity in a dog’s body. Dogs’ bodies have a certain level of absorption of the nutrient. When it exceeds the level, the dog’s body cannot control the nutrients levels any further thus leading to complications.
Vitamin D
The excess amount of vitamin D leads to toxicity which has effects on muscles thus leads to seizures in dogs.
Vitamin D deficiency leads to a disease in dogs called cholecalciferol. This poisoning disease has a relation with calcium absorption and its effects. Cholecalciferol has impacts on the GI tract, heart, liver, kidney, and blood vessels thus leading to complications in dogs.
- Omitting
- diarrhea or constipation
- loss of appetite
- blood in vomit
- excessive drooling
- increased urination
- weakness
Nutrient deficiencies
For the normal functioning of the body, all nutrients and minerals are required in a balanced amount. If one nutrient is lacking in the body it leads to diseases. Dogs have a history of lacking water-soluble vitamins because they are not stored in the body. Also, they absorb easily during the process.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is required for the mental functions of dogs. Its deficiency leads to several neurological diseases and seizures. Other than that a diet having a high amount of carbohydrates, sulfur dioxide, and sulfite preservatives can enhance the deficiency.
Intestinal disease and liver diseases also the contributing factors to deficiency of thiamine.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is needed for limitless processes in the body. Zinc deficiency can cause skin-related issues. Zinc is vital for the functions of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters fire erratically producing seizures if there is no zinc.
Wills-Raftery opines that “Zinc deficiency is something that is not uncommon and can certainly trigger seizures especially in northern breed dogs, such as Siberian Huskies,” (FiveSibes “The Sibe Vibe”).
Also Read : Best Dog Food For Puppies With Sensitive Stomach
Other seizure causing food
According to Dr. Jean Dodds, certain ingredients that can enhance seizure attack includes;
- Pro-inflammatory foods
This food group includes foods that cause allergies and intolerance in dogs. Gluten is on the top of the list which needs to be avoided because it can cause canine epileptic cramping syndrome.
- Foods that have high sugar level
Those foods having a high amount of sugar can lead to high blood sugar levels in dogs thus directly linked to the seizure intensity. Thus, you need to feed your dogs those foods that have a low amount of sugar to reduce seizure attacks.
- Glutamate and Aspartate
Glutamate is an amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter. It causes a neuron to fire so if your dog has an excess of glutamate it will lead to increased electrical activity in the brain leading to seizure.
Likewise, Aspartate is a salt that has the same functionality as that of glutamate.
Food additives
Although food additives are count to be safe for dogs’ health however it is noted that they reducing additives in food leads to less number of seizure in dogs. Food preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin should be avoided if your dog is showing seizures.
The commonly used food preservative rosemary should also be avoided because it is a chimerical preservative that enhances seizures in dogs.
Dog seizures after eating
I have already discussed the food groups that cause seizures in dogs. If these food are consumed in larger quantities, your dog might get a seizure after eating such kinds of food. Food containing chemicals, metals, zinc, metal, glutton, and additives when consumed by a dog can accelerate episodes of seizures.
Seizures in older dogs
Like every other dog, senior dogs can have a seizure but it does not imply that they have epileptic. Rather, seizures in seniors’ dogs are the result of other physical conditions such as brain tumors, diabetes, kidney diseases, and Cushing’s disease. All of these are not the direct cause of seizures in older dogs however they contribute to it.
Homemade dog food for seizures
There are plenty of homemade recipes for dogs that terminate or reduces seizures in dogs. Essential Fatty Acids are recommended that contain omega 3 doses. It is known to help reduce the symptoms. Homeopathic Oils (such as Aconite and Belladonna) are another natural remedy that can stop the seizure. Acupressure, Ice Pack, Melatonin, and Honey are some well-known natural homemade food that can eliminate dog’s seizures.
Also Read : Can Shock Collars Cause Brain Damage ?
Conclusion
Not every food is the ultimate cause of seizure in dogs. There is a long list of other potential causes that produce seizures. However, Serious contaminated food and toxic levels of certain nutrients lead to seizures in dogs.
If your dog is experiencing seizures, the first thing you need to do is to see a vet. Further, to avoid cumulative nutritional deficiencies and excesses, check dog food recalls and rotate dogs’ food frequently. Variety is the best option to avoid complications.
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