What happens when dogs blood pressure drops? A Complete Guide

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Causes of Shock Due to Decrease in Circulation in Dogs

There are many causes of hypovolemic shock and while some are obvious, such as extreme bleeding, there are many that are not so obvious. Some of the most common causes of hypovolemic shock are:

  • Loss of blood
  • Excessive vomiting and diarrhea
  • Major burns over a large part of your dog’s body
  • Ingestion of blood thinning medication (i.e. heparin, warfarin)
  • Exposure to extreme cold for a prolonged period
  • Bloat (causes a buildup of high pressure in the abdomen)
  • Septicemia from internal injury or infection
  • Hemorrhage or bleeding ulcer

    • Symptoms of Shock Due to Decrease in Circulation in Dogs

    If the initial injury or illness is not obvious, such as with internal injury and illness, the first signs you may see are:

  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Severe weakness
  • Excessive thirst
  • Decreased urination
  • Panting
  • Pale skin and gums
  • Cold ears and extremities
  • Cool and clammy skin
  • Very weak pulse
  • Inactivity and confusion
  • Breathing erratically
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Vomiting or trying to vomit
  • Respiratory failure
  • Fainting
  • Collapse leading to coma

    • Treatment of Shock Due to Decrease in Circulation in Dogs

    The treatment for your dog will depend on the underlying cause of the hypovolemic shock. If the IV fluid therapy needs to continue, your dog will be admitted to the hospital as long as the fluids are necessary to restore your dog’s blood volume and circulation rate. The veterinarian will continue to monitor your dog’s vital signs and possibly administer medications or blood transfusions if needed. Your dog’s urine output will be carefully monitored to be sure his kidneys are working properly. It is best to continue the treatment at the hospital as long as you can for your dog’s best chance of survival and recovery.

    If the veterinarian finds an illness or medical condition that needs to be treated, that will be treated as soon as your dog’s vitals are back to normal because if the underlying problem is not resolved, the hypovolemic shock will return.

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    10 Critical Signs that Indicates Your Dog is Dying

    Various health problems may also lead to low blood pressure, including heart, liver or kidney issues, anemia or a low red blood cell count. Long-term neglect, malnutrition, and dehydration can also contribute to hypotension

    One of the most common effects of low blood pressure is that the major organs don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, causing them to weaken, become damaged and, in rare cases, fail.

    Since hypotension is usually as a result of a critical injury or trauma, immediate emergency care is needed.

    Diagnosing the cause of hypotension is relatively simple, and treating the underlying cause helps bring their blood pressure levels back to normal. Generally speaking, it’s unusual for a vet to provide medication or treatment for low blood pressure as a standalone issue.