First Aid:
Anaphylactic,
SHOCK
Joanne Bibby – Fursafe®
Depending on the substance, a dog may experience only a mild reaction, such as itching, however there are dogs, just as with some humans, who are susceptible to a more severe response. Symptoms may compromise lung function and impact other organs such as the liver, thereby threatening their lives. Anaphylactic shock is an emergency and is to be treated by a Vet urgently. We as dog owners do not treat this condition, rather we arm ourselves with the knowledge of the signs and symptoms so we can identify it quickly and get to the Vet without delay. It may be necessary to treat various symptoms if or when they arise, for example, if the dog stops breathing, we would administer CPR without delay.
CAUSES OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
The following substances may cause an allergic reaction within your dog: • Insect sting or bite (e.g., bees, wasps, ants); • Drugs/medications; • Human foods; • Chemicals; • Dust; • Flora such as plants, nettles and seeded grasses; and/or
Shutterstock
Anaphylactic Shock is when a dog reacts negatively to a substance, for example, chemicals or medications, a substance which is either inhaled, absorbed or ingested, and that which triggers an allergic reaction or severe inflammation.
• Keep medications locked away and/or out of reach; • Be careful when you take medication that you don’t drop it on the floor – lean over a counter or bench or pick it up the moment it falls; • Keep chemicals out of reach; • Vacuum, dust and wash bedding regularly; • Identify the plants in and around your home and remove if they are toxic; • Check out where your dog is walking or what they are standing on to reduce the risk of being stung or bitten; • Talk to your Vet about other potential allergies; • Vaccinate as scheduled by your Vet.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Your dog may show some or all of the following: • Excessive itching – hives come up out of nowhere (raised welts on skin), red, inflamed skin. • Face, ears, eyes, mouth swelling.
• Your dog may have a flea allergy.
• Vomiting.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Abnormal drooling.
If your dog is susceptible to anaphylaxis then the best strategy is to avoid exposing your dog to triggers, such as:
28
DOG WORLD September 2021
• Weakness when moving. • Uncontrolled bowel movements.
