Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has seizures. Should I avoid vaccines and heartworm meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 8 months old | 13 lbs

My small poodle chi mix breed. Developed seizures after her vaccines. Now when I give her the heart guard meds, she has had several days of cluster seizures . Is it safe to not have her vaccines it the heart wirn needs?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on December 27th, 2017

I'm so sorry Pippi is dealing with this. Unfortunately for a small dog, heartworms can be life threatening, so I would certainly try to find a heartworm preventative medication that will work for her. I generally recommend Interceptor or Sentinel for seizure dogs because the medication does not cross the blood-brain barrier and cannot cause seizures. Vaccinations are a little trickier because the answer depends on Pippi's lifestyle and her risks of being exposed to different diseases. Here is one way to help decide what vaccines would be beneficial for her, then you can discuss with your veterinarian if the vaccinations are work the risk. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/vaccine_calculator.aspx Finally, Pippi is the right age for epilepsy to develop, so other stressors may also cause seizures, and you might need to put her on medication for the siezures if they continue. I have attached more information on seizures below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=560 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored