Shock can be the cause of death of your dog. Shock in humans refers to a state of astonishment or surprise but shock in dogs connotes a different thing. 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. Severe infection and the trauma suffered by a dog hit by a speeding car can make a dog go into shock.
Shivering is one of the signs that the dog is in a state of shock because this life threatening condition causes body temperature to plummet drastically. The dog will have pale or bluish gums and lips and eyelids. Other signs of shock are rapid breathing, weak but rapid pulse and dilated pupils. These conditions will weaken a dog so that it can lose consciousness. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for a prolonged period brain cells that are affected can die in minutes.
First aid treatment for shock is very necessary. As mentioned, shock is a life threatening condition as many dogs have died because no urgent treatment that will stabilize the pet's condition was administered. 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.
Blankets or towels must be used to cover the body of the dog so that body heat will be conserved. Position the dog's head lower than the body if it is unconscious. Artificial respiration can be administered if the pet is not breathing. If the dog has not heartbeat, heart massage can be administered but before this method is done the airway must be checked for blockage. While on the way to a veterinary facility, it would be best to talk soothingly to the pet as the voice of the owner can help calm 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. Severe infection and the trauma suffered by a dog hit by a speeding car can make a dog go into shock.
Shivering is one of the signs that the dog is in a state of shock because this life threatening condition causes body temperature to plummet drastically. The dog will have pale or bluish gums and lips and eyelids. Other signs of shock are rapid breathing, weak but rapid pulse and dilated pupils. These conditions will weaken a dog so that it can lose consciousness. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for a prolonged period brain cells that are affected can die in minutes.
First aid treatment for shock is very necessary. As mentioned, shock is a life threatening condition as many dogs have died because no urgent treatment that will stabilize the pet's condition was administered. 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.
Blankets or towels must be used to cover the body of the dog so that body heat will be conserved. Position the dog's head lower than the body if it is unconscious. Artificial respiration can be administered if the pet is not breathing. If the dog has not heartbeat, heart massage can be administered but before this method is done the airway must be checked for blockage. While on the way to a veterinary facility, it would be best to talk soothingly to the pet as the voice of the owner can help calm the dog.
No comments:
Post a Comment