If your dog develops a severe allergic reaction following an insect bite or ingestion of a harmful substance, he could have anaphylactic shock. This means that he may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, not breathe well, and lose consciousness. Anaphylaxis in dogs is extremely serious, just like in humans, and the chances of survival are linked to immediate intervention by a veterinarian. This article tells you what you should do.
Steps
Step 1. Pay attention to the symptoms of anaphylactic shock
Dogs react differently than other animals and humans, as anaphylactic shock affects the liver rather than the lungs. This results in gastrointestinal symptoms, which usually include:
- Diarrhea and fecal and urinary incontinence
- He retched
- Itching and hives
- Excessive salivation
- Weakness
- Difficulty in breathing (shallow, rapid), shrill breathing
- Bruised gums
- Excitement or lethargy
- High heart rate (tachycardia) and no pulse
- Cold limbs
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness and finally coma and death if no action is taken promptly.
Step 2. Call your vet or another vet immediately
Tell him what happened and follow all the instructions he gives you by phone.
Step 3. Take your dog to the vet immediately
You have little time available - the dog needs immediate care, including an intravenous injection of adrenaline to neutralize the reaction. You most likely won't have what you need at home to treat anaphylactic shock.
Step 4. Get someone to help you, if possible (one person has to drive while the other takes care of the dog)
Call a neighbor if there is no one else at home. On your way to the vet, try to do this:
- Reassure the dog. Don't listen to loud music. Speak calmly and do whatever it takes to avoid spreading your panic.
- If the dog can move, let him find the most comfortable position - he will likely position himself in the position that allows him to breathe better.
- Cover it with something warm, like a blanket. Do not wrap it around your body and do not annoy it by playing, continually moving it, or disturbing it.
- Keep your airways clear. This is especially important if you have lost consciousness.
Step 5. The vet may intervene in the following ways:
- By administering a high-dose catheter to neutralize low blood pressure.
- By administering adrenaline to increase the heart rate.
- By giving other drugs, at his discretion.
- By giving antibiotics, after the dog has recovered from anaphylactic shock, to avoid the onset of a secondary bacterial infection.
Step 6. Your dog will likely need to remain under observation for another 24-48 hours, if the vet deems it appropriate, to monitor his progress through blood tests
He will only go home when he can urinate without difficulty.
Advice
- Swelling is usually not a sign of anaphylaxis in dogs, unless it results from a bite or sting. Don't limit yourself to swelling to assess the severity of the problem.
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Causes of anaphylactic shock in dogs can be:
- Insect bite (ie bee, wasp, etc.);
- Allergic reaction to vaccinations (occasionally) and drugs, especially penicillin;
- Ingestion of a foreign body, including poisonous substances.
- The reaction to an allergen can be immediate, or it can occur after several hours.
Warnings
- Anaphylactic shock, if not treated promptly, can have fatal consequences in dogs.
- Do not wait. As soon as you notice symptoms appear, take your dog to the vet.
