Dogs may experience shock as a result of dehydration, heart failure, allergic reactions, sepsis, heat stroke, toxic shock, poisoning and hemorrhage. Shock may result from a lack of blood flow and oxygen to meet the needs of the dog's body. Any condition that has a negative effect on the circulatory system and the respiratory system can cause shock in dogs.
-
Early Warning Signs
-
There are some signs that may indicate a dog is going into shock. However, many dog owner's miss these signs and may feel that the dog has just overexerted itself. Some early warning signs that may indicate shock in dogs include panting, rapid heart rate and a forceful pulse that quickly disappears. In the early stages of shock, dogs may have bright red gums, lips and tongue.
Danger Signs
-
As a dog slips deeper into shock, the cardiovascular system tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen and blood flow throughout the body. The body will respond to this by increasing the dog's heart rate, constricting the blood vessels of the skin and increase respiratory rates. The dog also will have a decrease in the output of urine in order to maintain fluid in the body. This puts great stress on the dog's body, at a time when vital organs are not getting enough oxygen. This is when the dog's owner may become concerned about the dogs condition.
Late-Stage Shock
-
During the later stages of shock, the dog experiences a drop in normal body temperature, causing cold limbs and extremely pale mucous membranes such as the tongue, gums and lips. The dog's respiratory rate begins to slow dramatically, leading to apathy and depression. Dogs may lose consciousness at this point and have a very weak or absent pulse Dogs that do not receive emergency medical treatment often die from shock.
-