How to recognize a dogin shock or going to

When a dog is in shock, it is a medical emergency. This means that the body is not getting enough blood (and therefore oxygen) to the organs. This can be life-threatening and must be addressed immediately.

What can cause shock?

  • Heavy blood loss (external or internal)
  • Serious injuries or trauma (e.g. being hit by a car)
  • Poisoning
  • Anaphylactic reaction (allergy)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Heat stroke
Key components of a shock circle in dogs:
A shock circle (or shock circle in dogs) is a medical term that refers to the clinical signs that veterinarians use to assess whether a dog is in shock.
The shock cycle usually consists of checking the following parameters:

  1. Capillary refill time (CVT)
    • Normal: less the 2 seconds.
    • In case of shock: extended (more than 2 seconds) or too short (in vasodilation).
  2. Mucous membranes (gum color)
    • Normal: pink.
    • In case of shock: pale, blue-gray or dark red.
  3. Heart rate/pulse
    • Normal: regularly, strongly.
    • In case of shock: often fast and weak, sometimes irregular.
  4. Wrist quality
    • Normal: firm.
    • In case of shock: weak and thin.
  5. Temperature of the extremities (feet/ears tips)
    • Normal: warm.
    • In case of shock: cold (due to poor blood circulation).
  6. Consciousness / Awareness
    • Normal: alert.
    • In case of shock: sluggish, slow to respond, or unconscious.
Shock Circle

What should you do if a dog is in shock?

✅ 1. Stay calm & call a vet immediately, report what happened and what you see.
✅ 2. Keep the dog calm (prefer in the shade) and let him move as little as possible. When you lift him up, put him on a sturdy blanket, bath towel or bed sheet to let him laydown. That way you can smoothly transport him to the vet with.
✅ 3. Have the dog lie down with its legs slightly elevated this promotes blood flow to the vital organs (unless there are injuries to the legs/paws).
✅ 4. Check breathing and heart rate - if not present → start resuscitation (CPR).

What not to do with a dog in shock:

✅ 1. Do not give any food or drink. In case of a shock, the stomach cannot process properly and in the case of surgery or internal injuries, this is even dangerous.
✅ 2. Do not use ice cold or hot towels (unless specifically for heat or cold problems).
✅ 3. Do not let it walk, jump or drag it outside.
✅ 4. Do not administer your own medication.

Note: in shock, the body will switch off parts of the blood supply to supply the vital organs with blood and oxygen. When the dog eats or drinks, the body sends the little blood there is in the body back to the stomach to process and digest the contents.