- VEG
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Do you know how to tell if your dog is dealing with shock? Shock can occur for many different reasons. Shock commonly occurs following a traumatic injury and blood loss; however, it is important to understand that shock can also be caused by things such as heart failure, anaphylaxis, and several other disease processes. Therefore, recognizing the signs of shock, although tricky, is important as a pet owner.
In the article below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common signs of shock in dogs. With the help of this information, you can learn how to tell if your dog is in shock and when to seek veterinary attention.
Signs of a dog in shock
Listed below are some of the main signs you can look for at home:
Discolored mucous membranes are a sign of shock in dogs
Discolored mucous membranes may tell you that your dog’s body is in shock. Mucous membranes are almost always pink or red on a dog, but they may become extremely red, very pale, white, blue, or gray when your dog is in shock. It is important to know what your dog’s mucous membranes look like normally so you can tell if something is wrong with them.
The best and easiest place to check this symptom is by looking at your dog’s gums. You can see if your dog is dealing with shock by checking the color of his gums against their normal color. Some dogs have black or pigmented gums, which can be normal for your pet. If this is the case, you can evaluate your dog’s mucous membranes by looking at the inner portion of the eyelids or even your dog’s vulva or prepuce.
Weakness and disorientation may be due to shock
Weakness is yet another common sign of shock in dogs. If your dog is too weak to stand up or hold his head up unassisted, this means they need to see an emergency vet immediately. When that weakness is accompanied by disorientation or an inability to remain alert for very long, there is significant concern that your pet may be in shock.
Weakness and disorientation may occur in dogs who are very sick or who are suffering from certain conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or have just suffered a traumatic injury. In any case, if you notice these clinical signs, your pet should seek veterinary attention immediately.
Rapid breathing can be a sign of shock in dogs
Rapid, shallow breathing can be an indicator of shock in dogs. This symptom is often seen along with others on this list, and it is sometimes one of the first symptoms of shock pet owners may notice.
Rapid, shallow breathing may be caused by other issues as well, including respiratory or cardiac illness, pain, and more. If your dog’s rapid breathing continues for more than a couple of minutes, or is coupled with any of the other signs mentioned on this list, go to the emergency vet, as the underlying problem could be serious and may require treatment.
A dog in shock may have a faint heartbeat
A faint heartbeat may signify shock, especially immediately following an injury. This symptom is often seen along with rapid breathing, but not always at the same time. If your dog has been injured or is very sick and has a faint heartbeat, go to the emergency vet right away for treatment.
Without other symptoms on this list, there is a chance that a faint heartbeat could be related to illness instead of shock. However, regardless of the underlying cause, this is a serious symptom that can be quite dangerous if left untreated, so your dog needs medical attention as soon as possible.
Shock can make a dog cold to the touch
If your pet is cold to the touch, this likely means his body temperature has dropped. A lowered body temperature, especially following an injury, is a common symptom of shock. You do not have to take your pet’s temperature to notice this, most of the time; however, checking his temperature can help you confirm this symptom.
Your dog’s temperature should fall somewhere around 100-102.5 F. If your pet’s body temperature is low, this is a sign that you need to take him to the emergency vet right away. This is a serious symptom that could lead to significant problems.
Vomiting is sometimes a symptom of shock in dogs
Pets in shock do not always vomit. However, if your pet is exhibiting any of the other signs on this list, accompanied by vomiting, they should be seen immediately.
Vomiting is also a sign of a wide range of other health problems in pets. Your dog could be vomiting due to anything from a stomach virus to a serious internal injury. If vomiting is the only symptom, talk to your primary care vet to figure out if your pet needs to be seen right away.
What causes dogs to go into shock?
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen due to inadequate blood circulation. Since there are several types of shock, and the term is often used to describe any of these underlying causes.
Here are some main causes of what we call shock. Because a pet may experience more than one type of shock at the same time, immediate veterinary evaluation is critical. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, shock can quickly become fatal.
Various causes for shock in dogs
Traumatic injury
One of the most common causes of shock is traumatic injury, such as accidents, falls, burns, or broken bones. These injuries often result in significant blood loss, which disrupts normal circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Heart failure
Heart failure prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to inadequate circulation. When blood flow is compromised, a dog can quickly develop shock.
Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions can cause shock, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis otherwise known as anaphylactic shock. This type of shock develops rapidly and requires immediate veterinary care.
Other Diseases
Certain medical conditions can also lead to shock, including sepsis and severe dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog is affected by another illness and shows signs of shock, call an emergency vet immediately.
Contact VEG emergency animal hospital if your dog is in shock
We hope, with the help of this guide, you will be able to recognize signs of shock in your pet and when to seek medical attention. If you know or suspect your pet is in shock, or if you know your pet has just experienced a traumatic injury, don’t wait to take him to the emergency vet. The sooner your pet is seen by a vet, the easier it will be for the vet to resolve the problem and help your dog feel better fast.
VEG ER for Pets has emergency dog hospital locations all over the country, with most of them being open 24 hours a day and all of them being open 24 hours on weekends and holidays. All of our hospitals are staffed with compassionate, caring emergency vets, vet nurses, and vet staff who always put the wellbeing and comfort of your pet first.
