Dogs and cats are naturally mischievous and curious. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many news stories of injuries or deaths caused by their mischievousness. And one of them is about pets.They like to bite and snap electric wires until they get electrocuted. Some, if lucky, only get burns on their skin or mouth wounds. But if they come across high-voltage electricity without their owners being careful, it can be life-threatening. Let's see what we can do to help them if our pets get electrocuted.
Symptoms found when dogs and cats are electrocuted
When owners find that their dog or cat has been electrocuted, they should first assess their pet's symptoms by checking if the animal's skin that was exposed to the electric current is burned. The burn could be superficial, with congested skin, or it could burn down to the dermis. They should also check the mouth, including the lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, and gums, for blisters or bad breath. Animals that like to bite or nibble on electric wires can get electrocuted in this area without the owner noticing. They will also start to lose weight and refuse to eat because of mouth ulcers.
In severe cases, dogs and cats may tense up, have seizures, go into shock and lose consciousness, or other conditions may occur, such as:
- Dyspnea This is a common symptom. Dogs and cats will have rapid breathing, can't sleep, and cough. If the symptoms are severe, they may stop breathing.
- Arrhythmia or cardiac arrest The severity of this condition depends on the amount of electricity the animal receives. Direct electrical current can cause severe muscle contractions, causing an irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and even immediate death.
First Aid
- Do not touch the animal until the electrical appliance is turned off.
- Turn off the power as soon as possible, such as by unplugging the plug from the socket or turning off the power circuit breaker, to prevent the rescuer from getting electrocuted.
- Check breathing. Check if the animal is still breathing. If the animal stops breathing or has a cardiac arrest, perform CPR and take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Performing CPR
Start by removing all foreign objects from the mouth of the electrocuted animal. Then open the animal's mouth wide, pull out the tongue, and use your fingers to sweep the entire mouth. Grasp the animal's mouth and chin and blow air into its nose about 5-6 times. If it still can't breathe on its own, continue. (elec-megaboy, oknation)
Another way is Using both hands, press over the pet's heart, placing your hands on top of each other and placing them over the pet's heart. The shoulders should be perpendicular to the hands and the elbows straight. Lean forward so that your arms are perpendicular as you perform chest compressions. For medium-sized animals, gently press down on the animal's heart (about an inch) and press harder on larger animals.
Veterinary treatment
When you rush your dog or cat to see a veterinarian, the veterinarian will check the heart rate, take an x-ray, and examine the animal's external body for severe wounds or burns. Then they will start treating the wound. If the animal has a wound in its mouth that makes it unable to eat on its own, the veterinarian will give it liquid food by inserting a tube through its nose or esophagus.
If the animal is having difficulty breathing, the veterinarian will put on an oxygen mask, insert a tube into the nose, and provide further treatment.
References
Dr. Sasiphat Kittisarthamma (Dr. Muk), Talingchan Animal Hospital
Mann FA.,2015. Electrical and Lighting Injuries, Small Animal Critical Care Medicine (2nd edition) (Editor:Silverstein and Hopper) p.799-802
OK Nation, what to do when a cat gets electrocuted, https://bit.ly/3Pf84Ki
Home and Garden, CPR for Pets, https://www.baanlaesuan.com/215373/pets/health/cpr-pets
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