Canine Seizures & Diarrhea

According to Roy Dvorak from the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center, the most common causes of seizures and diarrhea in a dog are canine distemper virus and poisoning. Both can be fatal if left untreated. While diarrhea is not always a serious symptom, seizures suggest that the dog's nervous system is affected.

  1. Types

    • Distemper is a contagious disease that can affect all dogs, although puppies and young dogs are at higher risk. Types of poisoning that cause seizures and diarrhea in a dog include chocolate, antifreeze, alcohol, house or garden plants and medication. Dogs commonly ingest these things by accident.

    Identification

    • The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that symptoms of distemper include fever, coughing, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. If the disease affects the nervous system it can cause seizures, twitching or paralysis. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of poisoning in a dog include diarrhea, vomiting, disorientation, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, pale gums, fatigue, seizures, coma or even death.

    Considerations

    • According to the ASPCA, many items that cause poisoning in dogs only require the dog to ingest a small amount for poisoning to occur. To a 10-pound dog, one small square of chocolate could be fatal. Antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs. One drop of alcohol can cause a dog to become intoxicated. A dog can also get alcohol poisoning from vanilla extract and raw bread dough.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The AVMA states that yearly vaccinations prevent distemper. Unvaccinated dogs or puppies should not be in contact with any dogs that could have distemper, as is it extremely contagious. The AVMA recommends that owners keep unvaccinated puppies away from pet shops, dog parks, obedience classes, grooming establishments and doggy daycare to prevent the spread of disease.

    Warning

    • According to Dvorak, seizures are often a late-onset sign of disease. Many illnesses can be managed through early detection. Any dog showing signs of illness should see a vet for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.