Dog Collapse & Fainting
Collapse is a sudden loss of strength that causes your dog to fall to the ground, either conscious or unconscious. Dogs that collapse but remain conscious may exhibit confusion or anxiety.
Fainting, passing out, or syncope is a collapse that causes a loss of consciousness and may be accompanied by defecation or urination. Fainting can occur after other symptoms such as staggering, disorientation, diarrhea, or general weakness and is considered a veterinary emergency.
Depending on the cause of the dog's collapse they may recover very quickly, jumping up and appearing perfectly normal. In other cases, they may stay in a lying position until assisted.
What To Do If Your Dog Collapses
If your dog has passed out but recovers quickly contact your vet to let them know what has happened. Your veterinarian can let you know whether an examination is called for.
What to Do if a Dog is Unconscious
Remain calm and evaluate the situation. Make sure that your pup is in a safe space, away from danger. Use a calm voice to reassure your pet and use a blanket to move your dog if necessary.
Examine your dog for any clinical signs that may help your vet determine a cause for your dog's collapse.
- Was your dog behaving normally before the collapse?
- Is your dog struggling to breathe?
- Are they bleeding?
- Is your dog's abdomen swollen?
During regular hours call your vet right away, explain the situation and arrange an emergency appointment. If your usual veterinary clinic is closed, contact your nearest animal emergency hospital or head straight over.
Note: An unconscious dog may wake up feeling confused or anxious. This can lead to uncharacteristic behavior including aggression. Use extra caution when transporting your pup to the vet for care.
Possible Causes of Collapse in Dogs
There are many reasons why a dog may collapse although most are either cardiovascular or neurological in nature:
Cardiovascular Conditions
- Arrhythmias
- Heart Failure
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Mitral valve disease
- Pericardial effusion
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Congenital heart defects
- Bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat)
- Tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat)
- Low cardiac output
Neurological Conditions
- Vascular disease
- Narcolepsy
- Vestibular disease
- Brain tumor
Other Conditions
- Heartworm disease
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Acute blood loss or hemorrhage
- Low blood sugar
- Drug side effects
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Seizure
- Heatstroke
Treatment for Collapsing in Dogs
Before treatment can begin, your veterinarian must determine the cause of your dog's collapse. Once a diagnosis has been made, your dog's treatment plan will be centered on addressing the underlying cause. Many times, medications to regulate heart rate are prescribed.
Is there a way to prevent a dog from collapsing?
One way to prevent a dog from collapsing is to ensure they are not overexerted during physical activity, especially in hot weather. It's important to provide plenty of water and shade for them to cool down and rest when needed. Additionally, regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any underlying health issues that may contribute to collapsing episodes.
Creating a safer environment for a dog may also entail removing any potential hazards from their living space, such as toxic plants or small objects they could choke on. Creating a comfortable and stress-free environment can help reduce the likelihood of collapsing from anxiety or fear. Overall, being aware of their needs and surroundings can significantly reduce the likelihood of a dog collapsing.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.