Anaphylactic shock in dogs is a veterinary emergency that will require rapid action to prevent it from having fatal consequences for our companion. In this article on our site we are going to explain how this shock can occur, what symptoms should alert us and what treatment our dog will need to recover. It is very important that we always have the nearest veterinary emergency number to be able to react quickly in situations like this.
Keep reading to find out everything about anaphylactic shock in dogs, its symptoms and treatment.
What is anaphylactic shock in dogs?
Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction that occurs immediately and severely as soon as the dog comes into contact with theallergen , that is, the substance to which you are allergic. The dog has had to be sensitized previously, that is, for the anaphylactic shock to be triggered, it must be the second time that our dog comes into contact with that substance.
Causes of anaphylactic shock in dogs
There are various substances that are capable of causing a dog to go into anaphylactic shock. Among these we can highlight a drug as well known and used as penicillin, but other substances that are more difficult to control are also common, such as the poison that is transmitted in bee or wasp stingsSome dogs can suffer this shock after the administration of a vaccine, although, fortunately, it is not a very frequent reaction.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock in dogs
An anaphylactic shock may initially present as a local reaction at the point where the allergen has come into contact with the dog. We will notice that in that area you will feel pain or itching and we will see it swollen and red. But when anaphylactic shock occurs acutely, the reaction generalizes throughout the body immediately or in just a few hours.
The signs of anaphylactic shock in dogs are:
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Finally, it should be noted that it can also present difficulty breathing and even noises such as stridor, which is a sound that we will identify as very sharp and that is due to the swelling of the larynx. If the dog is not treated immediatelyhe will go into a coma and die
Treatment of anaphylactic shock in dogs
As we have said, it is a veterinary emergency that must be attended by a professional in a clinic, since to control it you will need drugs such as adrenaline , the antihistamines or the corticosteroids, as well as procedures such as fluid therapy or the administration of oxygen that will involve the channeling of a line and materials that we cannot have in our home medicine cabinet.
Therefore, if we suspect that our dog may be suffering from anaphylactic shock, we must immediately transfer it to a veterinary center Yes during the transfer stops breathing we will have to assess the option of starting artificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if he doesn't have a heartbeat either.
Precautions against anaphylactic shock in dogs
If our dog is suffering from anaphylactic shock, we must, first of all, remain calm and always approach him slowly to avoid increasing his nervousness and thus further compromising the dog's breathing. the. Any manipulation to which we subject it must be carried out with extreme care. We must allow him to adopt the position in which he is most comfortable In this way you will choose the one that makes it easier for you to breathe. We will quickly take him to the vet and we will only have to intervene if we observe that he stops breathing.
Tips to avoid anaphylactic shock in dogs
A priori it is not easy to know what substance is capable of causing anaphylactic shock in our dog, but we can avoid some situations in which it can be triggered. Thus, we should never administer any vaccine or medication to our dog on our own.
In addition, if our dog has shown an allergic reaction to any drug, it should be noted in his medical history and it should not be administered again, also requesting allergy tests for dogs if necessary. Likewise, we should not allow our dog to play with bees or wasps, as stings could occur.
Finally, we should always have the phone number of an emergency clinic handy, even when traveling with our dog.
