Causes of Dog Seizures

Epilepsy

This is probably the most well-known cause of seizures, both in dogs and in humans.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that involves frequent, sudden seizure attacks.
This can involve malfunction in a dog's sensory or muscular functions. Epileptic seizures may or may not be accompanied by complete loss of consciousness.

Epileptic seizures have been speculated by researchers to be caused by a locus of abnormal brain nerve tissue, which begins to send out signals via nerve impulses. Since this area of the brain is abnormal, these impulses result in a chain reaction which may cause the voluntary muscles in a dog's body to become active. This is how the characteristic convulsions and "twitching" which accompany epileptic seizures occur.

Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is a viral disease that is very common in young dogs. Distemper is a very serious condition, since it has a relatively high likelihood of being fatal to your dog. The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is also very contagious, being able to spread by mere non-contact association with an infected dog. When Canine Distemper progresses to the nervous system, it can cause muscle weakness, loss of basic motor skills, and seizures. Seizures may or may not occur in dogs with advanced stages of Canine Distemper.

Genetics

There is currently some evidence that being prone to seizures may be a hereditary trait (However, hereditary epilepsy has already been confirmed). Also, there are many dog breeds that are known to be succeptible to having seizures. These breeds include the German Shepherd, the Dachshund, the Collie, the Beagle, the Keeshond, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.

Brain Tumor

If your dog has a brain tumor, this may cause certain types of seizures. A brain tumor is characterized by an abnormal growth in the brain, which usually causes disruption in brain functions. The reason why a brain tumor may cause seizures in your dog, is because a tumor may be putting pressure on your dog's brain tissue. This can cause seizures, and may also be accompanied by other problems such as loss of coordination and deteriorating vision.

Head Injury

If your dog has had a recent accident involving significant head injury, this may be contributing to the occurrence of seizures. An impact to the head can damage or crack the cranium, which may also cause damage to brain tissue. In addition to this, a displaced or damaged skull may put pressure on the brain, which also causes seizures in dogs.

Environmental Toxins

We generally assume that common household products are safe for both people and pets. However, this is not the case. There are many household products that can cause seizures in your dog. A good example of potentially seizure-causing chemicals are Organochlorines. Organochlorines are commonly found in some brands of flea powders, and in products designed to control parasite infection in dogs. Other potential chemicals that may cause seizures are Lead (in some rat poisons and paints), Methylxanthines (commonly found in chocolate and chocolate products), and Zinc Phosphate (a substance found in some rat poisons).

Lyme Disease

It's possible for your dog to become infected with Lyme Disease by being bitten by the "Ixodes Genus" tick (also known as the "Deer Tick"). The most common sign of a dog being affected by Lyme Disease is arthritis. However, in severe cases of Lyme Disease, symptoms involving the central nervous system may result, such as seizures.