Can Dog Shampoo Really Cause Seizures in Your Furry Friend? Here’s What You Need to Know

As a loving pet parent, I’m always on the lookout for potential dangers that could harm my doggo. Recently, I’ve been seeing some alarming social media posts claiming that certain dog shampoos can trigger seizures in our furry friends. This got me seriously worried, so I decided to do some digging to separate fact from fiction. If you’ve been concerned about this too, you’re in the right place!

The Viral Claim That Started It All

You might have seen that Facebook post that went crazy viral – shared almost 50,000 times! It showed a distressed pet owner claiming that a popular flea and tick shampoo caused her dog to have a seizure. The post specifically pointed to an ingredient called Permethrin as the culprit. Pretty scary stuff, right?

But before we panic and throw out all our dog shampoos, let’s look at what the experts say and what science tells us about this issue.

What Exactly Are Dog Seizures?

Before diving into whether shampoos can cause seizures let’s understand what a seizure in dogs actually looks like

• Loss of consciousness
• Falling over
• Paddling of limbs or whole-body stiffness
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Seizures in dogs only affect about 5% of the canine population, and seizures caused by toxin ingestion are even less common. But they’re definitely scary to witness, and understanding potential triggers is important for prevention.

Can Dog Shampoos Really Cause Seizures?

According to veterinarian Dr Bob Hale, who was consulted on this issue, while it’s technically possible for pesticides in pet products to cause seizures, it’s “very unlikely”

“Anytime you put anything that’s a pesticide on a dog or cat, you could always run the risk of a seizure,” Dr Hale explained. “Very unlikely but you could have a seizure with a dog using some of these products.”

Interestingly, when the company Hartz (the brand mentioned in the viral post) was contacted, they stated that the product in question didn’t even contain Permethrin as an active ingredient. They also emphasized that “reports of seizures associated with this product are extremely rare.”

What Ingredients Should You Watch Out For?

While the viral claim about Permethrin might not hold water in that specific case, there are indeed some chemicals that could potentially be problematic in certain situations:

1. Permethrin – While widely used and generally considered safe for dogs, it can be toxic to cats and some dogs might be sensitive to it.

2. Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids – Natural or synthetic compounds used in some flea and tick products that could cause adverse reactions in sensitive animals.

3. Essential Oils – Some natural shampoos contain concentrated essential oils that can be problematic for certain pets.

4. Artificial Fragrances – These can cause skin irritation in sensitive dogs, which might indirectly trigger stress-related seizures in predisposed dogs.

Actual Toxins That ARE Known to Cause Seizures in Dogs

While we’re examining shampoo safety, it’s worth noting that there are well-documented substances that are known to cause seizures in dogs:

Foods

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine which dogs can’t metabolize effectively
• Caffeine – A stimulant that dogs are very sensitive to
• Xylitol – Found in sugar-free products, causes rapid blood sugar decline
• Alcohol – Found in drinks, sanitizers, and even some cosmetics
• High-salt homemade dough (like Play-Doh) – Causes sodium toxicity

Medications

• Ibuprofen
• Certain chemotherapy drugs
• Some human-dosage medications like metronidazole and ivermectin (which are safe in proper veterinary dosages)

Plants & Pesticides

• Sago Palms (especially the seeds)
• Amanita mushrooms
• Pesticides containing strychnine, bifenthrin, or metaldehyde

So What’s the Bottom Line on Dog Shampoos?

Based on expert opinions and research, standard dog shampoos from reputable brands are highly unlikely to cause seizures when used as directed. However, every dog is different, and some might have individual sensitivities.

Dr. Hale stated that he wouldn’t advise against using over-the-counter shampoos like the one mentioned in the viral post, saying “I think this is a very safe product.”

Tips for Safe Bathing Practices

To minimize any potential risks when bathing your furry friend:

1. Patch test new products – Apply a small amount to a patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for reactions.

2. Follow dilution instructions carefully – Using products at stronger concentrations than recommended can increase risk.

3. Rinse thoroughly – Leaving residue on your dog’s skin can lead to irritation or ingestion through licking.

4. Avoid the eyes, ears, and mouth – Many reactions occur when products get into these sensitive areas.

5. Use products designed specifically for dogs – Human shampoos have different pH levels and ingredients that might not be suitable.

6. Consider hypoallergenic options for sensitive dogs – Fragrance-free, dye-free options reduce irritation risk.

What to Do If You Suspect a Reaction

If your dog shows any unusual symptoms after using a new shampoo or grooming product:

1. Rinse immediately with clean water if the product is still on your dog

2. Watch for symptoms like excessive scratching, redness, or behavioral changes

3. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen

4. In case of seizure:

   • Stay calm
   • Keep your dog away from furniture or hard surfaces
   • Place something soft under their head
   • Time the seizure
   • Don’t put your fingers in their mouth
   • Call your vet immediately

5. For suspected toxicity, contact the Pet Poison Helpline and get to your vet ASAP

My Personal Experience

We had a scare with our Beagle mix, Cooper, last year when we switched shampoos and he developed an itchy rash. While he didn’t have a seizure, the experience taught me to be more careful about introducing new products. I now always do a patch test and research ingredients before trying anything new on him.

Recommendations for Safer Bathing Options

If you’re concerned about potential reactions, here are some gentler alternatives:

• Oatmeal-based shampoos – Soothing for sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free options – Reduce potential irritants
• Certified organic products – Often contain fewer harsh chemicals
• Consult your vet for recommendations specific to your dog’s skin type and health needs

Final Thoughts

While the viral claim about dog shampoo causing seizures appears to be an extremely rare occurrence if it happens at all, it’s always good to be cautious with what we put on our pets. Most commercial dog shampoos have been extensively tested and are safe for the vast majority of dogs.

Remember that seizures in dogs are more commonly caused by other factors like:

• Epilepsy
• Underlying health conditions
• Ingestion of toxic foods or substances
• Head trauma
• Heat stroke

If your dog has a seizure, don’t immediately blame the shampoo – get to a vet who can properly diagnose the cause through appropriate testing.

Have you ever experienced any reactions when bathing your dog? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about any health concerns regarding your pet.

The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy, an inherited disorder with an unknown cause that is diagnosed after ruling out other conditions. Other significant causes include brain tumors, liver and kidney disease, trauma, infections, and toxins from things like plants and household chemicals.