There are some dog breeds among which epilepsy is more prevalent than in the general population.

These include:

• Belgian Shepherds
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Miniature Schnauzers

But the breed most likely to suffer from the affliction is the Beagle. It is estimated that 2-5 out of every 100 beagles will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives.

Lafora Disease

Why this should be so, is not clearly understood. In 2022, a study was published on the clinical symptoms of twenty-eight beagles with Lafora disease, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes epilepsy. The conclusion was that Lafora disease is relatively common in beagles, with a prevalence of 2.5% in the study population.

The most common clinical signs of Lafora disease in beagles are

• Seizures
• Myoclonus (a type of movement disorder that is characterised by sudden, involuntary muscle twitches. It can affect any muscle in the body, but most commonly the legs and muzzle).
• Ataxia (a type of movement disorder that is characterised by loss of balance and coordination).

It is caused by Lafora bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits in the brain that can damage nerve cells and disrupt normal brain functions.

Early diagnosis of Lafora disease is important for providing optimal care for affected dogs because it is a progressive disease, with a mean survival time of 2.5 years after the onset of clinical signs.

The study’s authors also recommend that beagles with epilepsy undergo genetic testing for Lafora disease, as this can help to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of epilepsy.

Signs of Epilepsy

If you have a beagle, it is important to be aware of the signs of epilepsy so that you can seek veterinary attention if your dog experiences a seizure.

Here are some of the signs of epilepsy in dogs:

• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle twitching or jerking
• Drooling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Chewing
• Biting
• Urinating or defecating involuntarily
• Staring
• R paddling – a rhythmic, paddling motion of the hind legs

If you see your dog experiencing any of these signs, it is important to stay calm and keep your dog safe. Clear away any objects that could injure your dog during the seizure. Do not try to hold your dog down or put anything in their mouth. Once the seizure has passed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The most common treatment is anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), also known as anticonvulsants. AEDs work by changing the electrical activity in the brain to prevent seizures. There are many different types of AEDs available, and your veterinarian will work with you to find the one that is most effective and has the fewest side effects for your dog.

Other treatments for epilepsy in dogs include:

Diet: Start a special diet that is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat.

Surgery: Surgery may be an option for dogs with epilepsy that is not well-controlled with AEDs.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): A device that helps control seizures is implanted.

Other actions to help manage your dog’s epilepsy

Keep a seizure diary. This will help you to track the frequency and severity of your dog’s seizures, and it can help your veterinarian to adjust your dog’s treatment plan as needed.

Identify and avoid your dog’s triggers. Some dogs with epilepsy have specific triggers that can cause them to have seizures. Common triggers include stress, excitement, and fatigue. If you can identify your dog’s triggers, you can try to avoid them to help reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures.

Be prepared for seizures. If your dog has a seizure, stay calm and try to keep them safe. Clear away any objects that could injure your dog during the seizure. Do not try to hold your dog down or put anything in their mouth. Once the seizure has passed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

With proper treatment, most dogs with epilepsy can live longer and happier lives.

Most garden and houseplants are harmless to humans but can be toxic to dogs who aren’t instinctively aware of how dangerous some can be.

It’s common for owners to remove hazardous substances or objects from an inquisitive pet’s mouth. But what about the times you aren’t around to monitor what your dog ingests? To save your beloved pup from the ill effects of chewing and swallowing unsafe material one should be aware of flowers and shrubs that are easily accessed and harmful. In this article, we focus on some of the plants that are toxic for your dog and how to prevent ingestion. Keep in mind that some are indoor decorative features with others found in well-tended gardens. Others occur in the wild, beyond the sight and control of even the most careful pet owner. Thanks to fur, dogs have good protection against plants, however, the muzzle and eyes are far more vulnerable.

SOME PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC FOR DOGS

Sago palm – indoors and outside

These miniature cycads present a variety of hazards. The bark and spikey leaves are only part of the problem as the seeds/nuts of the plant contain cycasins, which are highly toxic and may be ingested by curious pets. The symptoms which include seizures, diarrhoea, liver failure, and vomiting appear between fifteen minutes and several hours after ingestion. The survival rate in such cases is as low as fifty percent.

Tulip – indoors and outside

This vibrantly coloured flower is a household favourite. Unfortunately, if ingested by your pup the tuliposide (a chemical), will inhibit protein synthesis in the cells which, in mild cases, could lead to an upset stomach, loss of appetite and depression. Just as with other cut plants the risk comes from a dog chewing the stems, ingesting fallen petals or drinking the vase water. Treatments include induced vomiting and doses of activated charcoal.

Lily of the Valley – indoors and outside

These sweetly perfumed lilies are all but pleasing when it comes to your dog’s health. They contain convallarin that in even tiny amounts can cause cardiovascular complications, low blood pressure, seizures, vomiting, disorientation, and coma. The treatments include induced vomiting, gastric lavage, and activated charcoal, which absorbs the poison on a molecular scale.

Oleander – outside

With toxins similar to the Lily, but flourishing outside, this plant can also cause cardiovascular problems as it contains cardiac glycosides. Symptoms of ingestion include stomach irritation, drooling, diarrhoea. This plant can also cause fatality.

Philodendron and Dieffenbachia – indoors and outside

Although of different genera, together they represent over five hundred species, many of which are favoured house plants. With huge and impressive leaves, this group includes the delicious monster known so because its ripe fruits are so tasty. Its green fruits are a different matter. These along with the leaves and stems contain microscopic crystalline spikes of calcium oxalate. On contact, they penetrate the dermis and cause immediate irritation to your pet’s delicate mouth and nose area. Once ingested, they collect in the kidneys and heart causing cell damage. Reactions to exposure will vary depending on the amount your dog has eaten. Common symptoms are drooling, pawing at the mouth, and retching.

Cyclamen – indoors

This popular house plant has an unfortunate twist to its beauty. When consumed by your dog it can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and heart rate fluctuations that could lead to death.

Autumn Crocus – indoors and outside

The reactions to consuming this are caused by the toxin colchicine. In the short term this autumn bloom can cause vomiting and diarrhoea with suppressed bone marrow and liver damage as longer-lasting effects. These could occur even when small amounts of the flowers, bulbs, or leaves are consumed.

Giant Hogweed – outside

Originating from the Caucasus, this now invasive plant is spreading throughout the northern hemisphere. Countries in the higher latitudes such as Canada and the U.K. are particularly affected. Although it has been found in South Africa and Australia it has thankfully not naturalised. It is not likely to be eaten but simply running through a patch will transfer enough sap from its fragile leaves and stems to cause harm. While seldom fatal, the symptoms include rashes and sensitive lesions that can last for years.

Our list of toxic plants is not exhaustive since we cannot include them all, but the ones below all deserve dishonourable mentions.

• Azalea – Inside outside
• Poison Hemlock – outside
• Poison Ivy – outside
• Castor bean – outside

PREVENTING EXPOSURE TO DANGEROUS PLANTS

Because dogs very rarely chomp on greenery the risks are low even if the effects can be severe. Having such plants in the garden or home may be acceptable to you and require no action. The most notable exceptions are those that infest areas where your dog plays or explores. Among these, the giant hogweed is the greatest villain because it is widespread and contaminates through its sap. Check your local regulations because municipal assistance may be available to eradicate this serious pest. Do not tackle it without the necessary expertise because the consequences can be dire.

Training your pets is another option. With some effort and suitable methods, they can be schooled to accept only certain foods under certain circumstances. Learning how to do this is a great pet-keeping skill and will stand you in good stead as an owner.

For the rest, common sense is the best approach and over millennia, has kept billions of beloved pets from harm.

The symptoms of a poisoned pet depend on the type of poison he or she was exposed to.

Occasionally symptoms of poisoning show up right away, but sometimes the damage can take months to appear. The average time it takes for symptoms of poisoning to show up, however, is three to four days.

SIGNS OF PET POISONING MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive salivation
• Bloating
• Vacant eyes
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Blood in the stool
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Bruising
• Nosebleeds
• Irregular heartbeat
• Inability to urinate

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has been exposed to anything that could be poisonous – do not wait until it’s too late!

POISON HELPLINE: 0800 869 738

Dogs are inquisitive and can get their snouts into just about anything, from a bar of abandoned chocolate, to plants and house cleaning products. Hopefully, you’ll never have to go through this, but on the off chance that your dog does eat or is exposed to something poisonous, it’s important that you know what to do.

The majority of poisoning cases are unintentional, but unfortunately many everyday substances are harmful to dogs and pose a poisoning risk in canines. Pet owners should know how to spot the signs of poisoning in dogs and know what to do if it gets worse.

THE MOST COMMON POISONOUS SUBSTANCES IN THE HOME AND GARDEN:

• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Alcohol
• Caffeinated drinks
• Xylitol (a sweetener used in low-calorie products)
• Oven cleaner
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Household cleaners (especially those containing bleach, ammonia, phthalates and benzalkonium chloride)
• Formaldehyde
• Mothballs
• Antidepressants
• Paracetamol/Tylenol
• Rodent, snail or slug poisons
• Flea control chemicals
• Lawn fertilisers
• Garden herbicides and insecticides
• De-icing salts
• Antifreeze
• Fungi
• Yew trees
• Acorns
• Spring bulbs

If you know your dog has ingested a potentially poisonous substance, seek veterinary advice immediately and forget everything you think you know about what to do in this scenario – this is not the time for any DIY first aid. If your dog has eaten something poisonous without your knowledge, it’s important to recognise the symptoms of poisoning.

SYMPTOMS OF POISONING IN DOGS:

• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Vacant eyes
• Bloating
• Loss of coordination
• Lethargy
• Twitching
• Tremors
• Seizures

Note: Occasionally symptoms of poisoning show up right away, but sometimes the damage can take months to manifest. The average time it takes for symptoms to appear, however, is three to four days.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Get your dog away from the poison.
2. Seek veterinary advice immediately. Never take a “wait and see” approach if you suspect poisoning, because the longer you wait, the more damage the poison can cause.
3. If you know what your pet ingested, your veterinarian should be able to tell you whether it’s toxic and what the next steps should be.
4. If you don’t know if the ingested substance is poisonous, call your veterinarian anyway to make sure.
5. If possible, bring the packaging of the ingested item when you take your pet to the clinic. If you don’t know and your dog is vomiting, take a sample of the vomit as that could be helpful.

HOW TO PREVENT POISONING:

Prevention is always better than cure. You can largely reduce the chances of your dog being exposed to something poisonous by being vigilant and aware of the contents of your home. Also keep an eye on your pup to keep them out of mischief.

• You can never be too careful, even if you think your dog won’t eat it.
• It’s critical to lock cabinets containing detergents, bleaches and other cleaning products.
• Do not leave anything that’s tasty but toxic lying around – like chocolate.
• Do not keep poisonous plants in or around your home.
• Check and identify existing plants in your garden as well.
• Be careful what you feed your dog – some human foods are not safe for dogs.
• If you make use of a dog sitter while you’re away, make sure they also know what foods your dog can and cannot eat.

Important: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog ingested something poisonous – do not wait to see what happens as it could be too late!

Related Article

Summer is great for walks, but have you ever thought about the pavement temperature when hitting the road? Asphalt and cement can get crazy hot, sometimes even too hot to touch! So, just imagine what it can do to your pup’s precious paws!

The last thing you want is for your dog to get nasty burns. Luckily we’ve found ten useful tips that will help you protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces.

Here’s how you can protect those precious paws:

Be Cool

Plan walks during cooler hours. Mornings and late evenings are ideal. The pavement should be cool and safe for your dog’s paws. Midday walks should be avoided if you live in a high temperature region.

Play Tough

When you walk your dog during cooler hours, spend some time on pavements to toughen those paws. Now they won’t burn, but gradually strengthen instead.

Keen on Green

If you can only fit in a walk when the weather is on the balmy side, choose a park or space covered in grass, preferably offering shade.

Moisture Matters

If you’re worried about cuts, cracks or peeling, consider moisturising your dog’s paws regularly. Little injuries can make potential burns worse or lead to other issues.

The Wonders of Wax

Ask your veterinarian or local pet shop about paw wax. This product offers protection against hot surfaces and even harmful chemicals (for example road salts). If you’re unsure which product to try, read reviews online. Until you find paw wax, use Vaseline as a temporary solution.

(Blue Suede) Shoes

Although it may seem silly or unnecessary, dog shoes exist and can offer protection. The question is: can you get (and keep) them on your dog. First try socks to see your dog’s reaction. If your dog tolerates it, you can invest in quality shoes, preferably with rubber soles. There will be an adjusting period and keep in mind that your dog may never get used to shoes (or he might struggle to walk in them).

Fleeting Footies

An affordable, short-term solution comes in the form of disposable dog booties. They’re just right for those sultry seasons when you need them most.

Pad it Up

Find out if you can track down ‘peel and stick’ pads for your pup’s paws. If not, just go for the traditional felt pads for sale at home improvement stores. This quick, simple solution can help take the edge off hot surfaces (simply cut to size and paste). They can even reduce the risk of slipping. Silicone scar pads are also great, except in terms of grip on slippery surfaces.

Put a Sock On It

This last-minute solution is not terrible at all. You can use old human socks, inexpensive baby socks or even look for dog socks (they do exist, even though they are usually for indoors). Not all dogs will tolerate socks and they may even try to chew them.

Check and Clean

When you wash and groom your dog, take time to check his paw pads. If there’s any damage, you’ll want to know about it as soon as possible. When you’re not sure if a condition is serious, rather be safe and consult your veterinarian.

Here’s to having happy, healthy paws!