When a dog suddenly passes out, it usually indicates a potentially serious underlying medical condition. Here, our Phoenix emergency vets talk about why your dog may have collapsed or passed out and what to do when they fall unconscious.
Your Dog Has Collapsed Unexpectedly
Collapse is a sudden loss of strength that causes your dog to fall to the ground, possibly unconscious. Dogs who collapse but remain conscious may express confusion or anxiety.
Fainting, also known as passing out or syncope is a collapse with loss of consciousness that may be accompanied by defecation or urination. It can follow other symptoms such as staggering, disorientation, diarrhea, or general weakness and is considered a veterinary emergency.
Depending on the cause of the dog's collapse, they may recover quickly, jumping up and appearing perfectly normal. In other cases, they may stay in a lying position until assisted.
What should you do if your dog has suddenly passed out?
If your dog has passed out but recovers quickly, contact your vet to let them know what has happened. Your veterinarian can then tell you whether an examination is called for.
What to Do if a Dog is Unconscious
Remain calm and evaluate the situation.
Make sure that your pup is in a safe space away from danger. Use a calm voice to reassure your pet, and if necessary, use a blanket to move your dog.
Examine your dog for any clinical signs that may help your vet determine the cause of their collapse.
- Was your dog behaving normally before the collapse?
- Is your dog struggling to breathe?
- Are they bleeding?
- Is your dog's abdomen swollen?
If this occurs, contact our 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Note: An unconscious dog may wake up feeling confused or anxious. This can lead to uncharacteristic behavior, including aggression. Use extra caution when transporting your pup to the vet for care.
Possible Causes of Collapse in Dogs
There are many reasons why a dog may collapse, although most are either cardiovascular or neurological:
Cardiovascular Conditions
- Arrhythmias
- Heart Failure
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Mitral valve disease
- Pericardial effusion
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Congenital heart defects
- Bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat)
- Tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat)
- Low cardiac output
Neurological Conditions
- Vascular disease
- Narcolepsy
- Vestibular disease
- Brain tumor
Other Conditions
- Heartworm disease
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Acute blood loss or hemorrhage
- Low blood sugar
- Drug side effects
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Seizure
- Heatstroke
Treated a Dog Who Has Collapsed or Passed Out
Before treatment can begin, your veterinarian must determine the cause of your dog's collapse. Once a diagnosis has been received, your dog's treatment will address the underlying cause. In many cases, medications to regulate heart rate are prescribed.
How can you prevent a dog from collapsing or passing out?
To prevent your dog from collapsing or passing out, it is important to ensure they are not overheated or dehydrated. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times and avoid exercising them in extreme heat. Additionally, be mindful of their breed and age, as certain dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion.
Monitoring your dog's activity level is another important factor in preventing it from collapsing or passing out. Avoid overexerting your dog during exercise, and be aware of any signs of fatigue or distress. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, such as excessive panting, drooling, or weakness, it is important to stop the activity immediately and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.