I am sure you have been trying to rack your brain on what could possibly be causing the seizures in my dog. It is extremely hard and almost impossible to identify what causes seizures. It can be a lot of trial and error. I will list some possible triggers that you may want to think about that your vet probably didn’t mention to you. These might not be a trigger for your dog but I want to make you aware of possible environmental triggers to look out for when you have a dog with seizures.
Candles/Plug-Ins/Air Fresheners
I know everyone wants their house to smell good. This can be somewhat of a challenge when owning a dog or multiple dogs. I don’t believe this is talked about very often but with so many products like candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners that have artificial fragrances this could be a trigger for your dog’s seizures. These artificial fragrances emit Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which your dog is inhaling.
If you feel like you have to have candles in the home maybe try looking at candles made of beeswax or beef tallow that use essential oils. I can’t personally recommend any brands at this time because I have stopped using candles. You can also look up recipes that cook on the stove top. I know I am going to start sounding like a broken record but I will say this again and again, The Forever Dog Life book is a great resource when looking for safe products to use around your dog. It contains several different simmer pot recipes that are safe for dogs and will keep your house smelling wonderful.
The Forever Dog Life: 120+ Recipes, Longevity Tips, and New Science for Better Bowls and Healthier Homes (This is a paid link)
Facebook video listed below of Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib explaining artificial fragrances:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/JyYw5TZ3WMpNEwTe
Flea and Tick Medication
This is a pretty well known trigger at this point but still worth mentioning because on almost all flea and tick medication whether it is a topical product or a pill you will find a warning label that it may cause neurological issues. Some vets may argue that it can’t possibly be the cause of your dog’s seizures. However, just look for the warning label because if you are using any type of chemical product I would bet there is some sort of statement about neurological issues.
If you are using any type of chemical or pill form of flea and tick medication you are essentially giving your dog poison. I understand people want to prevent Lyme disease and don’t want to deal with fleas in their house. There are some alternative products you can try like garlic supplements, essential oils, and coconut oil. I would be very careful about using any type of chemical flea and tick product on a dog with seizures.
Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Karen Becker are great resources when looking for alternative options that don’t include strong chemicals. I have a link below to a couple of their books but their Facebook pages also have some great info that is worth looking into.
If you have used any of these chemical products I suggest you look up Dr. Judy Morgan’s detox protocol on her website to help rid your dog of the toxins in their system. https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/side-effects-from-common-flea-and-tick-products?_pos=12&_sid=80ffdb717&_ss=r
Protecting Your Pets from Parasites: A Holistic Guide to Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms (This is a paid link)
Facebook Links
Dr. Judy Morgan – https://www.facebook.com/JudyMorganDVM
Dr. Karen Becker – https://www.facebook.com/doctor.karen.becker
Rodney Habib – https://www.facebook.com/rodneyhabib
Forever Dog Life – https://www.facebook.com/ForeverDogLife
Lawn Care/Cleaning Supplies
I understand that people need to clean their homes and a lot of individuals want to have green grass in their yard. What most people don’t realize is when you are using these cleaning products on the floor or chemical products in the yard your dog is walking on them and laying on them. If your dog then licks its feet at all it is then ingesting those harmful products. If your dog is laying on those chemical products it is inhaling those artificial fragrances and chemicals. Personally I love my steam mop for tile floors. No chemicals needed just water.
Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib have a lot of excellent recommendations for alternative cleaning supplies that can be used in your home that will provide a similar result but without all the chemicals and additives.
The Forever Dog Life: 120+ Recipes, Longevity Tips, and New Science for Better Bowls and Healthier Homes(This is a paid link)
Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener
Very similar to the candles, air fresheners, and plug-ins so many detergents and fabric softeners have artificial fragrances added to them. As someone who has suffered with eczema for many years I find it incredibly frustrating that they have started adding fragrance to absolutely everything we use today. If you are washing blankets, towels, sheets, dog beds, rugs, and your dog lays on them they are then exposed and inhaling those artificial scents. Try looking for detergents that have no fragrance.
Yet again this should come as no surprise I would recommend alternative options that Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib provide in their most recent book, the Forever Dog Life. There is a recipe for laundry detergent and dryer sheets that you can use instead of the artificial fragrances found in most products today.
The Forever Dog Life: 120+ Recipes, Longevity Tips, and New Science for Better Bowls and Healthier Homes(This is a paid link)
Mold/Lead
This might not be commonly thought of but if you have a house that has mold or an older home that could have lead paint this could be a potential trigger for seizures. Probably not an issue for most people. I can just speak from personal experience when I worked in a building that was infected with mold. It was the sickest I have ever been in my life. It took me months to detox even after l left that employer and building.
Dr. Judy Morgan has a protocol for mold exposure on her website that I recommend reading if you believe this may be a concern for your dog. https://drjudymorgan.com/products/mold-exposure-protocol?_pos=23&_sid=80ffdb717&_ss=r
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