Electrocution – Dogs

Electrocution in dogs: Symptoms, immediate actions, and when to seek help

Electrocution in dogs occurs when they come into contact with electrical sources, leading to potential injuries ranging from burns to life-threatening conditions. Recognising the signs and knowing the appropriate first aid steps are crucial to safeguarding your dog’s health.
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Symptoms of electrocution in dogs

Dogs that have been electrocuted may exhibit the following signs:​

• External indicators:

  • Surface burns at the point of contact with the electrical source (usually around the lips and mouth)​
  • Singed or misshapen whiskers
  • Muscle spasms or rigidity​
  • Facial swelling​

• Respiratory signs:

  • Difficulty breathing​
  • Rapid breathing rate​
  • Coughing due to pooling of fluid in the lungs 

• Neurological symptoms:

  • Loss of consciousness​
  • Fits or seizures​

• Cardiac issues:

  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) leading to heart attack​.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea following electrocution​.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, immediate action is necessary to prevent severe complications or death.

 

Immediate first aid steps

1. Ensure safety:

   • Do not touch your dog until the source of electricity has been removed to prevent electrical injury to yourself. This may involve disconnecting the power supply to the building. ​

2. Avoid conductive materials:

   • Avoid touching water that has contact with an electrical device or power source, as water conducts electricity.

3. Check vital signs:

   • If your dog is not breathing or does not have a heartbeat you can feel, commence CPR. ​

4. Seek immediate help from a vet:

   • Contact your vet immediately, even if your pet appears normal after the episode. Electrical burns tend to cause more deep and less superficial lesions. ​

Important: Always prioritise your safety first. Do not attempt to rescue your pet until you are certain the electrical source has been disconnected.

Treatment options for electrocution

The level of veterinary care depends on the state of the animal.

• Severe cases:

  • Animals may need resuscitation with oxygen, fluids, and medication to facilitate heart function and stabilise blood pressure.

• Mild cases:

  • Animals may require pain relief (this can be topical or systemic).

• Burn care:

  • Electrical burns can take days to declare themselves and may require surgery.

Regardless of the severity, prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial to assess and address any internal injuries or complications.
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Worried your dog may have been electrocuted? Contact Lort Smith for help

If your dog has experienced electrocution, please take your dog to the nearest vet for help. Our emergency hospital in North Melbourne is open seven days a week, including public holidays.​

You can also call or book an appointment online for our North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics.