Symptoms and Treatments of Shock in Dogs Shock is a condition when the body gets into the survival mode and inhibits the blood flow to other parts of the body and pools it into the vital organs for supplying adequate oxygen for survival. It happens when the blood volume drops drastically and there is not enough pressure to supply oxygen to the nerves leading to external tissues. Thus, in order to keep up the pressure from falling, the body increases heart rate and goes into the starvation mode which can be life-threatening. Major Causes Of Shock In Dogs Dogs can go into shock due to extreme blood loss or low blood pressure but what causes this loss or drop in pressure? Well, there are several reasons that lead to low blood pressure or low blood volume. •
Loss of body fluids due to diarrhea, burns, major cuts that bleed profusely and, or vomiting.
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Insufficient amount of blood pumped by heart due to functional or physical deformity.
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Reaction of the body towards an allergen that leads to higher production of histamine.
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Extreme Temperatures
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Spinal or Brain Injury
Symptoms of Shock In Dogs Initial stage • The dog may seem uneasy or may become quite anxious. •
Pulse will be rapid.
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His gums may become flushed with blood, appearing stark red in color.
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Shallow breathing