There’s nothing more frightening for a dog owner than finding their dog unresponsive. It’s the panic that sets us in complete havoc, but in these moments, the first step is to calm down and compose yourself. It’s important that every dog owner is aware of the important steps they should take before taking them to the veterinary clinic. With that being said, we’ve put together 10 ways to determine whether your dog is dead or unconscious.
10. Check for Pulse
Pulse is the most important indicator of life, so if you see your dog unresponsive, you check their pulse first. Simply place your finger on your dog’s rear leg or mid-thigh. You should feel the femoral artery pulsing. After, count the number of beats in a 15-second period, then multiply by four so you can get the beats per minute.
If you can feel a pulse, it doesn’t mean that your dog is entirely safe. An unusually fast or slow pulse may indicate that there’s something wrong. Fast may equate to blood loss, heat stroke, or dehydration. While slow rate, on the other hand, may indicate shock or a heart disease.
9. Muscle Twitching
As a first-time dog owner, seeing muscle twitches or spasms in dogs might make you think that they’re unconscious, but that’s not actually the case. Still, it’s a sign your dog might be in serious pain due to physical injury or a neurological problem. It usually occurs when your dog is sleeping, so it’s best to check them out whenever they’re moving.
As a first aid, gently massage the affected muscles and give them lots of fluids. It is important that they get enough fluids and that your dog doesn’t overexert themselves. Heat or cold compress may also ease the muscle spasms to relieve your dog’s pain and discomfort.
8. Responsiveness
If you see that your dog is having a hard time, gently call their name and softly nudge them. Note that an unconscious dog may respond to you by moving their head or responding to your touch. But if your dog doesn’t respond, then they’re in a much more serious state. Nevertheless, bring them to the veterinary clinic for further assessment.
7. Bladder Control
It is a known fact that when your dog loses bladder control, they are nearing their time. Now, if your dog is showing signs that they’re unable to control their bladder, something is wrong. Try to check whether your dog has lost consciousness or is awake. If they’re unconscious, then bladder movements are a sign of reflexive responses. Immediately take them to the veterinary clinic for further analysis.
6. Body Temperature
Body temperature is an important indicator of death or unconsciousness. Gently touch your dog’s body, particularly the abdomen and paws. If it’s warm, then your dog might likely be unconscious, but when it’s cold, it’s an indicator of death.
If you feel that your dog is very cold, you can try to apply a hot compress as a first aid. On the other hand, if you feel that it’s very hot, it has something to do with the hot weather, so better give them cool water to drink and apply a soaked towel at the back of their neck, armpits, and groin area.
5. Eye Movement
Look for any eye movements in your dog’s eyes. An unconscious dog’s eyes can move slightly in any direction. A deceased dog, on the other hand, is unresponsive and may focus on one direction only. What you need to do is to gently call their name to see the state of their eyes.
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4. Breathing
Breathing is considered as one of the important vital signs checks. Observe the movement of your dog’s body. If you’re a dog owner, you’ll know how your dog breathes in an up-and-down motion. Also, place your hand in front of the nose and mouth of the dog to check if you can feel some air. Lack of air indicates that your dog might have passed away.
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3. Check if your dog can still respond to stimuli
Responding to stimuli meant actions to do if your dog remains unresponsive. Gently shake and startle your dog to see if they will respond to you. If it still doesn’t work, then you’d have to pinch the skin found in between your dog’s toes with moderate force. This should immediately wake the dog up if they’re alive and well.
2. Examine the Tongue
Look at the position of the tongue. In an unconscious dog, the tongue will often be hanging out of the mouth or lying very loosely. It won’t show normal reflexive movements. Lightly tap or touch the tongue. In an unconscious dog, the tongue will not react to this stimulus. A responsive dog would usually move or retract its tongue when touched.
1. Look for Signs of Circulatory Failure
Place your fingers on the inner thigh or wrist of your dog to feel for a pulse. If your dog is healthy, you should be able to detect a steady, rhythmic pulse. The absence of a pulse indicates serious circulatory failure and unconsciousness.
Also, look at the color of your dog’s gums by gently lifting their lips. Healthy gums are pink and moist. Pale, bluish, or grayish gums suggest poor circulation and possible unconsciousness.