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Seizures in Shelties

Seizures are not a common problem in Shelties, however, things that can CAUSE seizures in Shelties can be.

Many things can cause your sheltie to have a seizure.

        - Sudden high fever
        - Certain illnesses
        - The ingredient in some Heartworm Medications


If you own a Sheltie, you probably know by now that this is a very sensitive breed.   Things will affect a Sheltie before many other breeds.   Ivermectin, the ingredient in Heartguard is one of those things that MAY cause seizures in a Sheltie.

We see it when a Sheltie is surrendered to us, and the owners tell us the Sheltie has seizures "once per month".

Heartguard is a wonderful and very effective product that has saved countless dogs from getting Heartworm.  However some Shelties and Collies react very adversely to Heartguard.    If you are using Heartguard every month, and you notice your Sheltie having seizure(s) every month, this may be the culprit.

IF your Sheltie's seizures are caused by the Ivermectin in Heartguard......most often switching to a different Heartworm Preventative will solve the problem.....   Intercepter or Sentinal are both good alternatives.

Heartworm Preventative is VITAL in protecting your Sheltie from a deadly heartworm infestation, and should not be discontinued under any circumstances.   If you suspect your Sheltie may be experiencing monthly seizures that coincide with your monthly heartworm pill, please talk to your vet and ask him/her to work with you on checking out this possibility. 

It is also important to note that several years ago, the formula in Heartguard was changed and relabeled as "now safe for Shelties and Collies".   And while the new formula did help matters considerably.......  we DO still see some Shelties react to it.

Heartguard in other breeds of dogs is still highly recommended, and very effective. 

The information on this page is solely intended to help Sheltie owners who are struggling with monthly seizures in their Shelties.  It is NOT intended in any way to discourage the use of Heartguard in other dog breeds, or in Shelties who are not having seizures.  If your Sheltie has been using Heartguard and has not had a problem with seizures, there is no reason to switch.    

IF your Sheltie DOES have a bad reaction to Heartgard or any other product with IVERMECTIN in it,  please research the MRD1 gene.     Only 15% of Shelties will carry this gene, but if your Sheltie does, you need to educate yourself on MDR1.