| The state of shock in your dog can be caused by | | | | stimulants such as warm coffee, bourbon or |
| pain, toxin or injury. Unfortunately there is no | | | | brandy. |
| clear understanding or agreement between the | | | | Note: There has been considerable controversy |
| various veterinarians as to the term "treatment | | | | among veterinarians about the stimulant type that |
| for shock." | | | | should be used on the dog; this issue will be |
| One group of people is of the opinion that the | | | | debated later. |
| treatment of the shock in the canine must include | | | | If you are administering warm coffee it is |
| the administration of intravenous fluids, oxygen | | | | advisable to add some sugar and cream or honey |
| and if possible blood transfusions; the layman | | | | which the dog will not find as bitter; otherwise he |
| cannot understand such medical procedures. | | | | will resist administration of this stimulant. In the |
| The above procedure is acceptable; however | | | | opinion of some veterinarians brandy or whiskey, |
| there are other veterinarians who believe that the | | | | when mixed with equal parts of honey or syrup |
| dog owner should be able to follow a few | | | | become more effective. |
| emergency procedures thereby preventing the | | | | Never Force a Stimulant |
| shock from happening; in case the shock has | | | | If any of these stimulants are administered in the |
| already occurred he can minimize the effects by | | | | corner of your dog's mouth it will keep your dog |
| implementing such procedures. | | | | alive until it reaches your veterinarian. Do not |
| Basic Procedures You Can Do | | | | continue administering the stimulant if your dog |
| It may not be possible for a layman to execute | | | | opposes it; you should remember that the first |
| the whole lot of procedures for treating for | | | | step is to keep your dog calm and warm; the |
| shock; in spite of this we are still using the term | | | | purpose of giving the stimulant is lost if the dog |
| "treat for shock" for explaining those procedures | | | | fights the stimulant because the excitement and |
| which could be implemented by anyone on the | | | | distress are more under the current |
| street. | | | | circumstances. |
| The first and foremost step in the emergency | | | | You should not administer any liquid supplement if |
| first aid procedures for treating or preventing of | | | | the dog is either unconscious or semi-conscious. |
| shock is to ensure that the dog remains calm and | | | | Doing this may result in the strangulation of the |
| warm. This can be done using blankets, hot water | | | | dog. It is also possible that these liquids might |
| bottles, your own coat etc. All these will ensure | | | | enter the lungs thereby resulting in inhalation |
| that the dog remains warm and prevent falling of | | | | pneumonia. Once you have completed all |
| temperature. | | | | procedures for treating the shock of your dog |
| The second step in the procedure is dependent | | | | you should take the dog to a veterinarian as |
| on whether the dog has consciousness or not. In | | | | quickly as possible for additional treatment as well |
| case the dog has consciousness you must give | | | | as administering the necessary intravenous fluids. |