Symptoms and treatments for shock in dogs

By Jerry Welsh


Shock can be the cause of death of your dog. Shock in dogs is a very different condition from the "shock" in humans which is a term that refers to the state of astonishment or of being stunned. In dogs, shock is a life threatening condition that occurs because of insufficient blood circulation. Sufficient blood supply is needed to keep blood vessels open, to maintain blood pressure and most importantly to ensure that the effective pumping of the heart is not disrupted. But once blood flow is compromised, all the vital organs of the body will not receive the normal amount of oxygen it needs thus the organs will not be able to function normally. First aid for a dog that is in shock is very necessary as prolonged shock can result to the death of the dog.

Poisoning, heat stroke, severe bleeding and dehydration that is associated with prolonged vomiting and diarrhea are some of the reasons why a dog can go into shock. The trauma sustained after being hit by a car or severe infection make the dog go into a state of shock.

The body temperature of a dog that is in a state of shock will drop down drastically so that the cold animal will shiver uncontrollably. The lips, eyelids and gums of a dog in a state of shock will turn pale or bluish in color. Weak but rapid pulse, rapid breathing and dilated pupils are other signs of shock. The weak dog can collapse and lose consciousness. Shock is a fatal condition because it deprives the brain of oxygen.

First aid treatment for shock is very necessary. An injured dog can die not from the injury itself but from shock that was not given urgent treatment. A dog owner has to be ready to deal with any unexpected injuries sustained by the pet. Intravenous fluids are often required in the management of a dog that is in shock thus the pet must be rushed to a veterinary facility at once. However, to stabilize the pet's condition, first aid treatments must be administered before the pet is taken to the hospital.

Cover the dog with a blanket to conserve body heat. The dog must be positioned in such a way that the head is lower than the body. Artificial respiration can be administered if the pet is not breathing. Heart massage is another first aid method but this can only be applied is the pet has no heartbeat and started only when the owner has made sure that the airway is not blocked. Dogs form strong ties with their owners and taking softly can calm the pet.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment