Hobbies And Interests
Seizures
Brain cells use chemical and electrical signals to communicate. The signal may either shut off the adjacent neuron or activate it. Seizures in dogs occur when too many cells in the brain become overexcited and the balance is disturbed. A seizure can be described as an electrical storm inside the brain that instigates changes in the movement and behavior of the dog.
A seizure may begin with the muscles becoming stiff and the dog falling over to its side, head back and limbs outstretched. During a seizure, the eyes may be open, but the dog is not conscious. The seizure may involve facial twitching, drooling, and loss of control over bladder and bowel functions.
Plants to Avoid
Of the several plants that cause seizures, some are so deadly they can kill a dog that has ingested only a small amount. Plants that cause seizures include castor bean, chinaberry, water hemlock, coriaria, jimsonweed, cherry, nux vomica and mushrooms.
Water hemlock is one of the most poisonous plants in the United States and has a root system made up of tubers and a hollow stem with white flowers. The poison is most concentrated in the roots; an ounce can kill a fully grown horse.
All types of cherry are highly toxic to dogs. While all parts are toxic, damaged or broken leaves are most dangerous because they release deadly cyanide. The seeds of jimsonweed, also known as thorn apple or moon weed, and the castor bean plant are the most toxic part of the plants. Both can be deadly.
Treatments
Treatments vary according to what plant the dog has ingested. By the time a dog is having seizures, the effects of the poison have taken hold. Take care in handling poisoned dogs as they are stressed and in pain and can be dangerous.
If you see your dog eating a castor bean plant, call a veterinarian immediately. If you don't find out until later that your dog has eaten this plant, a vet can treat the dog for shock, but it's possible it will still die.
For the cyanide contained in cherry leaves, there is an intravenous antidote that must be given minutes after the dog starts to show symptoms. Often there is not enough time to get the dog help.
If your dog eats a mushroom, always assume it is toxic and call your veterinarian, who may instruct you on how to empty its stomach.
Prevention
Preventing your dog from ingesting poisonous plants is the best way to avoid the seizures and possible death. If you can, don't let deadly plants, such as castor beans, grow in places accessible to the animal.
Otherwise, cut the flower heads off the castor bean plant before the seeds are formed to lower the risk of poisoning. Always inspect your yard for mushrooms, which can sometimes grow overnight, before letting your dog out. Be aware that while dogs will naturally avoid jimsonweed, the use of herbicides improves the taste and, as a result, dogs might eat it.