If your dog has bitten an electrical cord, you need to closely evaluate the situation to determine what your next steps should be. In all cases, you need to bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Electrocution can result in very serious injuries, many of which are life-threatening.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to safely handle a dog that has been electrocuted and we’ll outline several different injuries that electrocution can cause.
What to do if Your Dog Chewed an Extension Cord?
If your dog chewed an extension cord, take it away immediately. Next, you should observe your dog for any signs of electrocution.
First Step: Take away cord
If you are present when your dog bites the electrical cord, quickly remove it from the situation as quickly as possible. Turn off the electricity before touching your dog. Do this at the main source of the power like the breaker rather than unplugging the cord.
This is critical as the electrical currents could shock you through your dog if it is still active. Once the cord is no longer emitting an electrical current, you need to evaluate your dog’s current condition.
Electrocution can present itself in many ways and may not be apparent at first. Even a dog that is walking around and behaving normally after encountering an electric source is still very much at risk. Electrocution can cause severe internal injuries even if there are no external injuries present.
Types of Electrocution Injuries in Dogs
The two most dangerous injuries that can be inflicted on your dog following electrocution are respiratory distress and cardiac distress.
These occur when the electrocution interferes with the functionality of either your dog’s lungs or heart. In this section, we will outline common symptoms associated with respiratory or cardiac damage following electrocution.
Respiratory Distress Symptoms
There are many different ways in which a dog’s body may be affected by electrocution. One of the most common is respiratory distress which is caused by a fluid build-up in the lungs due to electrocution. Some symptoms of electrocution causing respiratory distress in dogs include:
- Heavy or rapid breathing
- Open-mouth breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Salivating or drooling excessively
- Discolored gums
- Coughing and gagging
- Fluid and foam in the mouth and/or nose
If your dog is presenting any of these symptoms after they have been in contact with an electrical source, they are likely experiencing respiratory distress. This is a very serious effect of electrocution and needs to be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.
These symptoms are also possible if your dog ate a battery.
Cardiac Distress Symptoms
Electrocution could also affect your dog’s heart by weakening the muscles in the heart, leading to an irregular heartbeat. Like with respiratory distress, electrocution-induced cardiac distress needs to be addressed immediately as it is life-threatening. A dog experiencing cardiac distress may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or slow, shallow breathing
- Difficulty walking
- Collapse
- Restlessness and agitation
- Pale gums
If your dog has been electrocuted, take them to the veterinarian immediately, even if you can’t find any external injuries. Electrocution symptoms may also not present themselves until up to 36 hours after the incident, at which point they may be fatal. So, it is in your and your dog’s best interest to visit the veterinarian immediately.
Prevention
Electrocution is very dangerous and can be fatal for dogs. The best way to prevent your dog from being electrocuted is to remove any electric sources from its reach.
You should make your extension cords as inaccessible as possible. This can be done with cord covers, cord tape, and simply placing your cords higher than your dog can reach. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of other outlets for them to get out their energy.
Chew toys are a great way to redirect your dog’s chewing away from potentially dangerous things like extension cords.
Final Thoughts
If your dog has been electrocuted, take them to the veterinarian immediately. Electrocution injuries are not always apparent and may take some time to develop. But, they can be extremely dangerous and fatal.
As discussed in this article, electrocution can wreak havoc on your dog’s body including its heart and lungs. So, the veterinarian should always be your first stop if your dog has been chewing on an active extension cord.
For your dog’s safety, keep extension cords where it cannot access them. Prevention is the best way to protect your dog.
