Electric shock

Electric shock happens when a pet's body becomes part of an electrical circuit, most often because a curious dog or cat has bitten through a live cord, a phone charger, a fan, holiday lights, or damaged appliance wiring. Less commonly it happens from touching a downed power line or, especially in larger animals spending time outdoors, from a lightning strike. Wherever the current enters the body it turns into heat at the point of contact, so a burn on the tongue, lips, or gums is often the first visible clue. The real danger, though, is what's happening inside: the current can pass through the body and disrupt the heart's rhythm and normal breathing, and that damage isn't always obvious right away.

Puppies and kittens are the animals most often affected, simply because they explore the world by chewing, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that cord-chewing is the leading cause of electrical injury in small animals, typically in young dogs and cats. A mouth burn might look like the whole story, but the electrical current travelling through the body can trigger a build-up of fluid in the lungs called non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and this can take up to a day or more to show up. Because of that delay, a pet who seems fine straight after chewing a cord can still deteriorate later, which is why any suspected shock warrants a same-day vet check even if your pet looks completely normal.

Watch for these signs after any suspected shock, either right away or over the following day or two:

• Mouth changes: pale yellow, tan, or grey burns on the tongue, lips, or gums, or reluctance to eat
• Breathing trouble: coughing, laboured or rapid breathing, or pink or white froth from the nose or mouth
• Circulation signs: pale or grey gums, weakness, collapse, or an inability to settle
• Neurological signs: muscle spasms, seizures, or loss of consciousness

If you find your pet in contact with a live cord or wire, switch off the power at the source before you touch them, since electricity can travel through your pet and shock you too. If you can't reach the switch, use a dry wooden object like a broom handle to move your pet away rather than anything metal, and be extra cautious if the area is wet. Once it's safe, check that your pet is breathing and clear their nose and mouth of any fluid, keep them warm, and get to a vet straightaway. Even a pet who seems bright and normal needs to be examined, because the internal effects of shock can lag well behind the visible burn.