Print

Treatment

If you are a witness to the electrocution, make sure you turn off the electricity before moving uour dog. If your dog has lost consciousness, clear its airway as best as you can, and if necessary, provide breathing assistance and/or oxygen.

If your dog is suffering from a decreased blood or platelet supply, it will need to be treated intravenously with special fluids (crystalloids or colloids). Fluid in the lungs can be treated with diuretics (furosemide). Therapy for irregular heart rhythm may be necessary as well. Your doctor will perform various tests prior to releasing your dog into home care. Sufficient medical care can normally be performed within a day, but it may take longer if complications occur. In the case of burns, your veterinarian will consult with you on the best course of action.

Living And Management

If your dog has been injured, it will need to be closely monitored until its condition stabilizes. Your dog may not feel comfortable eating its regular food because of the pain associated with wounds in the mouth. Using soft foods, or liquefying foods for your dog to eat until the wounds have healed will ensure that your dog does not become malnourished. Your veterinarian can help you to make a diet plan until your dog can comfortably eat regular food again.

At home, monitor the burn wounds for infection. Another possible complication of a mouth injury is the development of an opening between the inside of your dog's mouth and nose, requiring surgical repair.

Prevention

The most important step in preventing electrical injury is to keep your dog away from electrical cords and outlets. Additionally, inspect all cords in your home and throw out any that are damaged, since even minimal contact with a bare wire can cause serious harm to your dog (making contact with the feet, nose, or tongue, for example). Using baby-proofing measures in the home is one way that many pet owners find also works for protecting their pets against injury. Most hardware and full service department stores carry household child-protection tools.