"Shock" is a layman's term that is used to describe symptoms that result from poor circulation and low blood pressure. It requires immediate veterinary attention and can be fatal if left untreated. Once you have determined that your dog is or might be experiencing shock, call a veterinarian.
Things You'll Need
- Watch or stopwatch
- Rectal thermometer
Instructions
Assess the dog's recent past. Shock usually occurs after a dog has sustained a traumatic injury such as an electric shock, poisoning, accident or blood loss.
Observe the dog's behavior. Shock can cause a dog to become listless and depressed. He may also seem confused, restless, anxious or lapse into unconsciousness.
Feel the dog's skin. Shock causes the body temperature to drop, so the skin, legs, feet and inside of the mouth will feel cool to the touch. You might also take the dog's rectal temperature. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the dog's capillary refill time by pressing on the dog's gums with your finger (not with your fingernail) for a second. Normally when you release, the blood should immediately refill the capillaries. In cases of shock, the capillary refill time is greater than two seconds.
Listen to the dog's breathing. Breathing may be rapid (over 25 breaths per minute) or shallow and labored.
Check the dog's pulse. A dog's pulse can be found inside the thigh on the groin or behind the left elbow. The pulse is usually rapid but weak. "Rapid" means over 160 to 180 beats per minute for small dogs and over 140 beats per minute for medium to large dogs.
Look for other observable signs of shock, which include shivering, weakness, dry lips and gums or excessive drooling (in cases of poisoning), and fixated stare with dilated pupils.