When it comes to people having to see their best, four-legged friend have an epileptic seizure, it can be scary, frustrating and confusing to witness, especially when you feel that there's nothing you can do to help them. While epilepsy in dogs can be common, knowing the causes, symptoms and what to look for may help to make things more manageable for both you and your pet.
While not all seizures are related to canine epilepsy, the epilepsy disorder is defined by recurrent seizures. This is brought on when the brain mixes up signals or messages to the body due to abnormal brain activity triggers. As a result, this can cause convulsions, or seizures, and potentially other commonly related symptoms along with it.
Since there are many causes for seizures, canine epilepsy cannot be defined as one singular or specific disease or cause. Instead, it is more rather a category within a series of disorders, and it is divided into two different types of disorders or subcategories known as idiopathic and symptomatic disorders.
Idiopathic epilepsy, or primary epilepsy, often bearing no direct causes or abnormal brain issues; however, it is commonly suspected that certain genetics or breeds may carry the disorder, which usually starts between the ages of one and five years old. Symptomatic or secondary epilepsy is generally something that shows signs to other causes such as lesions, tumors or other health-related matters.
Generally, seizures are classified as either a petite mal or grand mal seizure, with grand mal seizures being the most common affliction. Grand mal symptoms generally entail collapsing and/or signs of uncontrolled spasm and convulsions, while other signs may include swimming or paddling in place, marching or drunk-like weaving, salivating, and sometimes urination and defecation. Petite mal seizures typically do not bear symptoms of convulsions, but may result in the loss of consciousness or collapsing.
Common beginning phases of a seizure may be where the dog acts oddly such as pacing, salivating, hiding, overly affectionate, whining or restless. During the actual seizure, you will note uncontrolled muscle spasms, vomiting, running in circles and so forth. After a seizure, symptoms usually result in the dog appearing disoriented, lethargic, uncoordinated and, in some cases, may suffer temporary blindness.
Whenever you see your pet having a seizure, it's important to keep an eye on them and to calm them as much as possible. However, since the dog will be disoriented, it's best to avoid touching them directly in case they bite by accident. In most cases, comforting the pet at the end has the most benefit, since they may not be aware of your efforts during the fact.
If you feel that epilepsy in dogs is part of the problem, or if you're seeing signs of poor health or seizures, it's always important to seek professional help from your veterinarian, so that they're able to give a proper diagnosis. They will generally perform lab tests, x-rays, a neurological and physical exam in order to gain a diagnosis, as well as ask you about any previous health issues or history. While there are no exact tests to determine epilepsy, certain exams can help to determine the cause for the seizures themselves. They may be able to prescribe treatment or medication to help manage these fits, as well advise you properly on how you and your dog can cope with them in the future.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Dealing With Epilepsy Dogs Often Have
Handling epilepsy dogs have is a common problem. Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures. What should be understood is that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs because there is electrical currents in the brain that cause the familiar seizures. This disease is common and can occur in any breed of dog, it is not specific to any one breed. The cause may either be genetic of heredity.
Epilepsy is a disease that can be divided into two types. The primary form of epilepsy is genetic. This form of epilepsy is passed down through the dogs parents. By looking at a dogs heredity you will often see other cases of the disease.
The other type of the disease is often caused by a lack of nutrients, or a toxin in the environment. Lead and other toxic substances can trigger the epileptic seizures, as can a lack of certain vitamins.
The primary symptoms of epilepsy are the seizures. There are many types of seizures. People familiar with epilepsy in humans will recognize these categories. There are the grand mal seizures. In the grand mal seizure the dog might collapse, lose consciousness and exhibit other extreme behaviors. This type of seizure is associated with the first form of epilepsy.
There are lesser degrees of seizure; some may be very limited in outward signs. In some cases the dog may seem to twitch, or become hazy. Some people may not even recognize a seizure when it occurs.
Owning a dog that has the disease can be traumatic. But there is help. While you cannot cure the disease there are medications that can limit the symptoms and make the dogs life more livable. Some of these are the same medications that are given to humans. Among them are some familiar names such as Valium.
If your dog exhibits the signs of a seizure you should do several things. First, observe their behavior so that you may inform the veterinarian how they were acting before and after the event.
Keeping watch over your dogs eating habits is very important. Besides what food they are eating, it is important to observe and see if there are any poisons or toxins in the area which they have access to.
After the seizure, you should take your dog to a veterinarian. The vet will perform tests including blood work and brain scans. This will look into whether the seizures have been caused by a toxic presence in the dogs life, or rather is primary epilepsy.
You should try and keep the area where the dog is going to be as clean as possible. Any toxic substances such as lead must not be allowed to be near the dog, as these can lead to seizures. After the dog has been prescribed medication you have to watch for reactions. Negative side effects such as liver damage are often associated with epilepsy drugs.
It is also unwise to stop the drugs without lowing the dose. Like many medications for humans, suddenly ceasing all intake can itself cause a problem. Because of this you will often be told by the vet to gradually lower the dose.
Some of the drug treatments can injure a dog if they are halted all together. Like any medication they should be slowly lowered and not completely stopped. Withdrawal all at once can cause injury to the dog.
Even though the disease is never cured, it can be controlled. The comfort level of a dog with epilepsy is now much better then it was in previous years. Medications can ensure that a dog can have limited effects and live a happier and more peaceful existence.
Epilepsy is a disease that can be divided into two types. The primary form of epilepsy is genetic. This form of epilepsy is passed down through the dogs parents. By looking at a dogs heredity you will often see other cases of the disease.
The other type of the disease is often caused by a lack of nutrients, or a toxin in the environment. Lead and other toxic substances can trigger the epileptic seizures, as can a lack of certain vitamins.
The primary symptoms of epilepsy are the seizures. There are many types of seizures. People familiar with epilepsy in humans will recognize these categories. There are the grand mal seizures. In the grand mal seizure the dog might collapse, lose consciousness and exhibit other extreme behaviors. This type of seizure is associated with the first form of epilepsy.
There are lesser degrees of seizure; some may be very limited in outward signs. In some cases the dog may seem to twitch, or become hazy. Some people may not even recognize a seizure when it occurs.
Owning a dog that has the disease can be traumatic. But there is help. While you cannot cure the disease there are medications that can limit the symptoms and make the dogs life more livable. Some of these are the same medications that are given to humans. Among them are some familiar names such as Valium.
If your dog exhibits the signs of a seizure you should do several things. First, observe their behavior so that you may inform the veterinarian how they were acting before and after the event.
Keeping watch over your dogs eating habits is very important. Besides what food they are eating, it is important to observe and see if there are any poisons or toxins in the area which they have access to.
After the seizure, you should take your dog to a veterinarian. The vet will perform tests including blood work and brain scans. This will look into whether the seizures have been caused by a toxic presence in the dogs life, or rather is primary epilepsy.
You should try and keep the area where the dog is going to be as clean as possible. Any toxic substances such as lead must not be allowed to be near the dog, as these can lead to seizures. After the dog has been prescribed medication you have to watch for reactions. Negative side effects such as liver damage are often associated with epilepsy drugs.
It is also unwise to stop the drugs without lowing the dose. Like many medications for humans, suddenly ceasing all intake can itself cause a problem. Because of this you will often be told by the vet to gradually lower the dose.
Some of the drug treatments can injure a dog if they are halted all together. Like any medication they should be slowly lowered and not completely stopped. Withdrawal all at once can cause injury to the dog.
Even though the disease is never cured, it can be controlled. The comfort level of a dog with epilepsy is now much better then it was in previous years. Medications can ensure that a dog can have limited effects and live a happier and more peaceful existence.
Friday, March 4, 2011
What Are The Types Of Dogs Seizures
There are six types of dogs seizures. Seizures are unpredictable and can happen at any time. They are distressing to the dog, of course, but to their family as well. Nothing can be done but to witness it and offer some comfort. Do not panic, offer soothing words and sounds and if possible, rub their back to let them know you are there.
It is frightening to be in the throws of a seizure. Your pet has no control over the muscles of their body. Sometimes they can have brief periods of being unable to breathe. Control of the bladder and bowels can be lost. Remove as many items as possible that they may hurt themselves on. Have children stand at a distance so their are not injured by accident.
Veterinarians do not believe that a seizure causes pain. The owner should stand back and observe an episode then record everything. From what happened just before it began to how the dog behaved when it was over. This information will be used by the veterinarian to determine what kind of seizure it was. The cause of them and what treatment should be given, will also be determined at least in part based on the observations of the pet owner.
The various types of seizures are identified by their symptoms. The generalized seizure may be a grand mal or mild seizure. The mild has few symptoms and the pet will remain conscious during it. There could be some mild movement of the limbs and head. The grand mal seizure also affects the entire body but will include further loss of bodily functions. Uncontrolled salivating, and the release of the bladder and bowels my occur.
Petit mal seizures involve just moments of unconsciousness, their eyes may rotate up or they will have a blank stare. This type is considered very rare. Partial seizures affect one area of the body. It may be twitching of the facial muscles or a single limb jerking. These can progress to a generalized seizure and it should be noted if one area was affected first.
A different type of seizure is the complex partial seizure. It shows as unusual behaviors that may last just a few minutes or many hours. The dog remains aware through it all. They may hide and cower, become excessively thirsty or hungry. They may smack their lips and chew uncontrollably. The dog may even experience blindness during that time.
The more serious seizures that can be fatal are the cluster and status epilepticus. The status epilepticus seizures will be either one long episode or a series of episodes without any awareness during them. Either can last for up to 30 minutes. The cluster seizure is a series of seizures while fully conscious.
Since there are periods when the dog may not be able to breathe during any of the seizures, it is easy to see why these are considered life threatening. There are prescriptions available to help control dogs seizures. Working closely with the veterinarian may help your pet find relief or control of the symptoms.
It is frightening to be in the throws of a seizure. Your pet has no control over the muscles of their body. Sometimes they can have brief periods of being unable to breathe. Control of the bladder and bowels can be lost. Remove as many items as possible that they may hurt themselves on. Have children stand at a distance so their are not injured by accident.
Veterinarians do not believe that a seizure causes pain. The owner should stand back and observe an episode then record everything. From what happened just before it began to how the dog behaved when it was over. This information will be used by the veterinarian to determine what kind of seizure it was. The cause of them and what treatment should be given, will also be determined at least in part based on the observations of the pet owner.
The various types of seizures are identified by their symptoms. The generalized seizure may be a grand mal or mild seizure. The mild has few symptoms and the pet will remain conscious during it. There could be some mild movement of the limbs and head. The grand mal seizure also affects the entire body but will include further loss of bodily functions. Uncontrolled salivating, and the release of the bladder and bowels my occur.
Petit mal seizures involve just moments of unconsciousness, their eyes may rotate up or they will have a blank stare. This type is considered very rare. Partial seizures affect one area of the body. It may be twitching of the facial muscles or a single limb jerking. These can progress to a generalized seizure and it should be noted if one area was affected first.
A different type of seizure is the complex partial seizure. It shows as unusual behaviors that may last just a few minutes or many hours. The dog remains aware through it all. They may hide and cower, become excessively thirsty or hungry. They may smack their lips and chew uncontrollably. The dog may even experience blindness during that time.
The more serious seizures that can be fatal are the cluster and status epilepticus. The status epilepticus seizures will be either one long episode or a series of episodes without any awareness during them. Either can last for up to 30 minutes. The cluster seizure is a series of seizures while fully conscious.
Since there are periods when the dog may not be able to breathe during any of the seizures, it is easy to see why these are considered life threatening. There are prescriptions available to help control dogs seizures. Working closely with the veterinarian may help your pet find relief or control of the symptoms.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Things To Be Aware Of About Canine Epilepsy
Unfortunately for dogs, epilepsy can either be inherited or it may even be caused by the preservatives in the food that they eat. There are certain breeds that are more likely to experience this condition than others. There are three different types that may possibly present in a canine. Most animals affected by canine epilepsy can be treated by a change in their diet and with proper medication and monitoring.
A certain genetic basis for seizures has actual been proven in the breeds of Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens and Keeshonds. There is some evidence that suggests that the English Springer Spaniel may also be predisposed genetically. The condition is quite common in dogs and even when not inherited, they may develop it over the course of their lifetime. Seizures have been linked to conditions related to the thyroid as well and this should be tested initially at diagnosis.
Changing the dogs diet is going to be the first and one of the best courses of treatment to avoid preservatives that are likely to be causing the problem. For breeds that are at particularly high risk anyway, foods that contain preservatives should be avoided from the beginning to eliminate the development of the condition. Check labels closely regarding preservatives in food; it will be clear on packaging.
The three various type of epilepsy that may occur with canines are reactive, secondary and primary. Seizures labeled as reactive involve the metabolic system. These are always related to either low blood sugar, kidney failure or liver failure.
Secondary is also known as symptomatic and can be caused by problems such as stroke or tumors in the brain. Trauma is also known to bring on this type of epilepsy. This type is labeled due to a particular known cause.
Primary or idiopathic seizures are labeled as such due to having no known cause. This diagnosis is reached when all other probable conditions have been completely eliminated. These are likely to begin in dogs that are in the age group of one and three.
There are several types of seizures that may occur lasting from momentary periods to repetitive occurrences. Petit mal are mild and may only be staring for a brief period of time. Grand mal are moderate and may last for as long as three minutes with the animal losing consciousness. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures can both be life threatening and it is difficult in some cases to differentiate between the two; lasting up to more than ten minutes with a loss of consciousness and repeating.
Several excellent medications can be used for treatment including potassium bromide, Phenobarbital and Valium. Phenobarbital is often the first drug to be administered, but the liver function must be closely monitored to prevent damage. Should damage occur, the patient is then changed to potassium bromide for further treatment. Valium is often used for the more serious seizures described and it can be given rectally, orally or injected. There are over the counter treatments that can benefit the pet after a seizure has happened due to canine epilepsy to speed up recovery time and this should be discussed with the veterinarian.
A certain genetic basis for seizures has actual been proven in the breeds of Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens and Keeshonds. There is some evidence that suggests that the English Springer Spaniel may also be predisposed genetically. The condition is quite common in dogs and even when not inherited, they may develop it over the course of their lifetime. Seizures have been linked to conditions related to the thyroid as well and this should be tested initially at diagnosis.
Changing the dogs diet is going to be the first and one of the best courses of treatment to avoid preservatives that are likely to be causing the problem. For breeds that are at particularly high risk anyway, foods that contain preservatives should be avoided from the beginning to eliminate the development of the condition. Check labels closely regarding preservatives in food; it will be clear on packaging.
The three various type of epilepsy that may occur with canines are reactive, secondary and primary. Seizures labeled as reactive involve the metabolic system. These are always related to either low blood sugar, kidney failure or liver failure.
Secondary is also known as symptomatic and can be caused by problems such as stroke or tumors in the brain. Trauma is also known to bring on this type of epilepsy. This type is labeled due to a particular known cause.
Primary or idiopathic seizures are labeled as such due to having no known cause. This diagnosis is reached when all other probable conditions have been completely eliminated. These are likely to begin in dogs that are in the age group of one and three.
There are several types of seizures that may occur lasting from momentary periods to repetitive occurrences. Petit mal are mild and may only be staring for a brief period of time. Grand mal are moderate and may last for as long as three minutes with the animal losing consciousness. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures can both be life threatening and it is difficult in some cases to differentiate between the two; lasting up to more than ten minutes with a loss of consciousness and repeating.
Several excellent medications can be used for treatment including potassium bromide, Phenobarbital and Valium. Phenobarbital is often the first drug to be administered, but the liver function must be closely monitored to prevent damage. Should damage occur, the patient is then changed to potassium bromide for further treatment. Valium is often used for the more serious seizures described and it can be given rectally, orally or injected. There are over the counter treatments that can benefit the pet after a seizure has happened due to canine epilepsy to speed up recovery time and this should be discussed with the veterinarian.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
How To Handle Seizures In Dogs
Having to watch seizures in dogs can be a very frightening and traumatic experience. If you own a dog, then it is important to know the simple steps to take should your dog have a seizure. Knowing how to respond can be very important during this difficult time for your pet.
As in any frightening situation, what you need to do is stay calm. Watching a loved pet have a seizure can send anyone into a panic, but your dog can sense this. Knowing that you are nervous or in state of panic can further agitate the dog. Try and remain calm through out the whole situation.
When your pet is experiencing a seizure, he will fall to one side. While the convulsions are happening he can be hurting his head on the floor. Because of this, its important to place something soft underneath his head. You can use a blanket or even a towel that can hold his head. Remove any hard objects such as toys away from your pet. If he is near a wall move him away from it. Removing him from hard surfaces can help him or her from further hurting themselves during the seizure.
Do not reach into your dogs mouth to hold its tongue. During this time your pet is not aware of what he or she is doing and can clench their jaws on your hand. This can be pretty painful and can cause severe damage to your hand. Do not worry about him choking on his tongue, he will not swallow it.
Once you have taken care of all these steps, you should sit down with your pet and talk to him in a soothing way. Let your dog feel that you are there and it is not alone. You should also encourage your pet to remain lying down even after the convulsions have stopped.
Try to keep track of when the seizure started as well as how long it lasted. This information is important to your vet when you take your dog in. If your dog has had seizures before then you should know that you do not need to take your pet in every time he has one. Your dog should be taken to the vet if he is having continuous seizures within 5 minutes.
One of the main causes of the seizures is low blood sugars. You should feed your pet one to two teaspoons of vanilla ice cream after the seizure has stopped. Do not give too much as this can also be bad. Follow it with some dog food so that your pet can maintain its sugar levels.
There are many causes for seizures in dogs, so it is important that you take your pet to the vet when it first happens. Take mental note of everything you feel is important during this time, so you can tell the veterinarian. Knowing these simple steps can help you remain calm and your pet get through the seizure.
As in any frightening situation, what you need to do is stay calm. Watching a loved pet have a seizure can send anyone into a panic, but your dog can sense this. Knowing that you are nervous or in state of panic can further agitate the dog. Try and remain calm through out the whole situation.
When your pet is experiencing a seizure, he will fall to one side. While the convulsions are happening he can be hurting his head on the floor. Because of this, its important to place something soft underneath his head. You can use a blanket or even a towel that can hold his head. Remove any hard objects such as toys away from your pet. If he is near a wall move him away from it. Removing him from hard surfaces can help him or her from further hurting themselves during the seizure.
Do not reach into your dogs mouth to hold its tongue. During this time your pet is not aware of what he or she is doing and can clench their jaws on your hand. This can be pretty painful and can cause severe damage to your hand. Do not worry about him choking on his tongue, he will not swallow it.
Once you have taken care of all these steps, you should sit down with your pet and talk to him in a soothing way. Let your dog feel that you are there and it is not alone. You should also encourage your pet to remain lying down even after the convulsions have stopped.
Try to keep track of when the seizure started as well as how long it lasted. This information is important to your vet when you take your dog in. If your dog has had seizures before then you should know that you do not need to take your pet in every time he has one. Your dog should be taken to the vet if he is having continuous seizures within 5 minutes.
One of the main causes of the seizures is low blood sugars. You should feed your pet one to two teaspoons of vanilla ice cream after the seizure has stopped. Do not give too much as this can also be bad. Follow it with some dog food so that your pet can maintain its sugar levels.
There are many causes for seizures in dogs, so it is important that you take your pet to the vet when it first happens. Take mental note of everything you feel is important during this time, so you can tell the veterinarian. Knowing these simple steps can help you remain calm and your pet get through the seizure.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Safety Home For Dog Epilepsy
Dog epilepsy can cause a series of seizures. If it is the first time it happens to your pet, it can be frightening and you may feel helpless. A dog who has epilepsy can have seizures at any time, which is why it is important to dog proof your home. Make it safe for your loved pet to be in even when you are not around.
One way you can keep your dog from hurting himself when you are away is to leave him in a crate. Make sure the crate is padded enough for a bed so he can be comfortable while you are away. Remove any dog collars or leashes while your dog is crating. Should he have a seizure during this time, he can choke with it on. Do not leave any toys or sharp objects in the crate, this can hurt your dog during the seizure.
If you do not feel comfortable leaving your dog in a crate for a long period of time while working, you can create a doggy room. Have a room just made for your dog with padded walls and soft flooring. When your dog has a seizure he will fall to his side, therefore you do not want him hurting his head on a hard floor. It is recommended that you do not put windows in the room where your dog will be in.
You want to make sure that there are no objects left in the room while you are away. If your pet lands on these hard or sharp objects he will not be able to move away from them. These objects can cause further harm to your pet while he is having a seizure.
If you own more than one dog, it is recommended that you keep the other dogs away from the pet who suffers from seizures. When your dog is having a seizure, your other dogs can trigger a pack attack instinct against the pup who is having a seizure. This should be done even if you feel all your dogs are close and loving of one another.
Placing baby gates on your stair well can also be very helpful. This can be helpful even when you are inside the house. These seizures can happen without warning. You do not want your pet to have a seizure while he is walking by the stairs and fall down.
A surveillance camera can also help when you are away from home. You can place this camera in the doggy room to keep an eye on your pup while you are away. There are special cameras that you can zoom in, change direction of the camera and even watch all from your cell phone. This would be ideal to keep complete track of your dog should he have a seizure. This video can also be shown to the veterinarian when you take your dog.
Dog epilepsy is something your dog will have to live with. You can help make it safer for your pup should he have a seizure. Making your home safe for your dog can prevent him from further hurting himself even when you are away.
One way you can keep your dog from hurting himself when you are away is to leave him in a crate. Make sure the crate is padded enough for a bed so he can be comfortable while you are away. Remove any dog collars or leashes while your dog is crating. Should he have a seizure during this time, he can choke with it on. Do not leave any toys or sharp objects in the crate, this can hurt your dog during the seizure.
If you do not feel comfortable leaving your dog in a crate for a long period of time while working, you can create a doggy room. Have a room just made for your dog with padded walls and soft flooring. When your dog has a seizure he will fall to his side, therefore you do not want him hurting his head on a hard floor. It is recommended that you do not put windows in the room where your dog will be in.
You want to make sure that there are no objects left in the room while you are away. If your pet lands on these hard or sharp objects he will not be able to move away from them. These objects can cause further harm to your pet while he is having a seizure.
If you own more than one dog, it is recommended that you keep the other dogs away from the pet who suffers from seizures. When your dog is having a seizure, your other dogs can trigger a pack attack instinct against the pup who is having a seizure. This should be done even if you feel all your dogs are close and loving of one another.
Placing baby gates on your stair well can also be very helpful. This can be helpful even when you are inside the house. These seizures can happen without warning. You do not want your pet to have a seizure while he is walking by the stairs and fall down.
A surveillance camera can also help when you are away from home. You can place this camera in the doggy room to keep an eye on your pup while you are away. There are special cameras that you can zoom in, change direction of the camera and even watch all from your cell phone. This would be ideal to keep complete track of your dog should he have a seizure. This video can also be shown to the veterinarian when you take your dog.
Dog epilepsy is something your dog will have to live with. You can help make it safer for your pup should he have a seizure. Making your home safe for your dog can prevent him from further hurting himself even when you are away.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Foods that Can Cause Seizures in Dogs
I believe that commercial dog food is a culprit for many illnesses in a dog, and that it contributed to or may even have caused my dog's seizures. Cory, my dog had seizures and they gradually lowered in occurrences once I ceased feeding him kibble and canned dog food; then, five years ago, they stopped completely and I never once put him on any anti- epileptic medications, that is why I have come to this conclusion. But, did you know that there are other foods that can harm your dog?s health, even causing seizures? A few of these foods were shocking to me!
*Chocolate is an absolute no-no. Almost everyone knows that chocolate can cause seizures and even death in a dog. One day Cory got into Jayson?s stash of Halloween chocolate. Before my son caught him, he had eaten a lot. Cory was very happy to have been eating chocolate as was evidenced by how hard his tail was wagging. Immediately, Jayson called poison control and followed their instructions to pour hydrogen peroxide down Cory's throat, which in turn, induced vomiting. Lucky for us, I had a bottle of the stuff in the first aid cupboard! Jayson took Cory outside for this messy task. Cory is fortunate that my son caught him eating the chocolate in order to get it out of him in time. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate and you are not sure when it happened, call your veterinarian immediately. If you do indeed, catch your dog in the act of eating chocolate, you should use the Hydrogen Peroxide treatment. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.
* Onions or Products Containing Onion Powder. Onions have disulfides and sulfoxides in them that can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, which makes dogs anemic.
* Raw Fish. Distinctly if you are located in the Pacific Northwest, you should know that, if eaten raw, salmon and other fish often carry a fluke and that fluke carries a bacteria that is known to cause seizures and even death in canines. Once you have cooked the fish first, the danger is eliminated, even though you need to be careful and make sure you remove all the bones before allowing your dog any of it. I am no scientist and don't have the specific formula, but I have heard it said that if you freeze the fish at a certain temperature, the extreme cold will kill off the fluke and destroy the bacteria, thus eliminating the problem, you'll have to do the research for length of time and the required temperature before you try this.
* Foods Containing Nutmeg Not that it ever occurred to me to sprinkle nutmeg on Cory?s chow, but apparently it can cause tremors, seizures and death. Be sure not to give your god pieces of a treat that might have nutmeg as an ingredient, and this one is easy to follow.
* Foods Containing Mushrooms There are mushrooms out there, especially the ones found in the wild, that contain toxins that have been shown to cause problems for canines. Because I have this knowledge, I know to keep Cory away from the mushrooms when we go on our walks. The "Leave It" command is among the first commands your dog should learn.
* Food Made for Cats Poor Cory, he loves to lick the plate clean after our kitty's done eating, and now that I found out about this one, he won't be able to anymore. Basically, cat food contains too much fat and protein for a dog's digestive needs. You might still let your dog eat the crumbs left over from your cat, but you should not replace your dog's food with cat food.
* Apple Seeds are specific no-no's. Apple seeds and other pits from fruit contain the poison cyanide, which can cause seizures.
* Raisins and Grapes When I first learned that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs it was at the same time I was reading a training book for dogs that actually advocated giving raisins as treats! I called the person who wrote the training manual to discuss this and she dismissed my issues because she said she has fed her dogs raisins for as long as she has been training them. All I can say is be aware of the risks and do more research before giving grapes or raisins to your dog.
* Egg whites. feeding your dog the entire egg is not a problem, the issue comes with the splitting of the whites and the yolk, the whites of an egg contain a protein named avidin, and it actually depletes your dog's body of the essential B vitamins. The good news is that the yolk contains the antidote to this protein, and so serving the egg in its entirety is nothing to concern yourself over.
*Chocolate is an absolute no-no. Almost everyone knows that chocolate can cause seizures and even death in a dog. One day Cory got into Jayson?s stash of Halloween chocolate. Before my son caught him, he had eaten a lot. Cory was very happy to have been eating chocolate as was evidenced by how hard his tail was wagging. Immediately, Jayson called poison control and followed their instructions to pour hydrogen peroxide down Cory's throat, which in turn, induced vomiting. Lucky for us, I had a bottle of the stuff in the first aid cupboard! Jayson took Cory outside for this messy task. Cory is fortunate that my son caught him eating the chocolate in order to get it out of him in time. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate and you are not sure when it happened, call your veterinarian immediately. If you do indeed, catch your dog in the act of eating chocolate, you should use the Hydrogen Peroxide treatment. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.
* Onions or Products Containing Onion Powder. Onions have disulfides and sulfoxides in them that can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, which makes dogs anemic.
* Raw Fish. Distinctly if you are located in the Pacific Northwest, you should know that, if eaten raw, salmon and other fish often carry a fluke and that fluke carries a bacteria that is known to cause seizures and even death in canines. Once you have cooked the fish first, the danger is eliminated, even though you need to be careful and make sure you remove all the bones before allowing your dog any of it. I am no scientist and don't have the specific formula, but I have heard it said that if you freeze the fish at a certain temperature, the extreme cold will kill off the fluke and destroy the bacteria, thus eliminating the problem, you'll have to do the research for length of time and the required temperature before you try this.
* Foods Containing Nutmeg Not that it ever occurred to me to sprinkle nutmeg on Cory?s chow, but apparently it can cause tremors, seizures and death. Be sure not to give your god pieces of a treat that might have nutmeg as an ingredient, and this one is easy to follow.
* Foods Containing Mushrooms There are mushrooms out there, especially the ones found in the wild, that contain toxins that have been shown to cause problems for canines. Because I have this knowledge, I know to keep Cory away from the mushrooms when we go on our walks. The "Leave It" command is among the first commands your dog should learn.
* Food Made for Cats Poor Cory, he loves to lick the plate clean after our kitty's done eating, and now that I found out about this one, he won't be able to anymore. Basically, cat food contains too much fat and protein for a dog's digestive needs. You might still let your dog eat the crumbs left over from your cat, but you should not replace your dog's food with cat food.
* Apple Seeds are specific no-no's. Apple seeds and other pits from fruit contain the poison cyanide, which can cause seizures.
* Raisins and Grapes When I first learned that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs it was at the same time I was reading a training book for dogs that actually advocated giving raisins as treats! I called the person who wrote the training manual to discuss this and she dismissed my issues because she said she has fed her dogs raisins for as long as she has been training them. All I can say is be aware of the risks and do more research before giving grapes or raisins to your dog.
* Egg whites. feeding your dog the entire egg is not a problem, the issue comes with the splitting of the whites and the yolk, the whites of an egg contain a protein named avidin, and it actually depletes your dog's body of the essential B vitamins. The good news is that the yolk contains the antidote to this protein, and so serving the egg in its entirety is nothing to concern yourself over.
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