Most Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Finding the cause of sudden seizures in previously healthy dogs may require a neurology or internal medicine work-up, but the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center notes that often the problem can be traced to a toxin exposure.

Before you recommend an MRI, refer to this chart to see if the pet has potential exposure to one of the items. Be mindful that many of the medications commonly used in veterinary medicine are on this list because they cause concern in overdose situations or when given via an incorrect route (ie giving Penicillin G IV).

Medications

Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream

Ivermectin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Isoniazid

Lamotrigine

Ibuprofen

Metronidazole

Phenylbutazone

Amphetamines

Vilazodone

Diphenhydramine

Phenylpropanolamine

Procaine Penicillin G

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

Any medications with the potential to cause hypoglycemia (such as sulfonylureas)

Plants

Mushrooms

Brunfelsia (Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow)

Sago palm

Food

Xylitol

Caffeine

Ethanol

Dark chocolate

Rodenticides/Insecticides

Metaldehyde

Bifenthrin

Strychnine

Zinc phosphide

4-Aminopyridine

Illicit Drugs

Cocaine

Amphetamines

Cannabis

Synthetic cannabinoids

Miscellaneous

Ethylene glycol

Mycotoxins

Bee sting envenomation

Homemade play dough or salt dough

More Lifesaving Resources

Most common toxic causes of seizures in cats