What is the emergency treatment for a dog's stroke?

During the days when we are with dogs, they are like the warmest little sun in the home, always emitting vitality and enthusiasm, bringing endless joy to life. However, when the terrible shadow of "stroke" suddenly shrouds the dog, every owner's heart will be instantly filled with fear and worry. Stroke in dogs is not uncommon. Knowing the emergency treatment measures may save the life of our beloved companion at a critical moment and give it the opportunity to run and laugh again. ​

When a dog is suspected of having a stroke, the owner must first remain calm. Although the heart is anxious, calmness at this moment is crucial because dogs can keenly perceive the owner's emotions. Panic will only make the dog more uneasy and increase its pain. The owner should quickly move the dog to a quiet, warm and safe place, away from noise and objects that may cause secondary injuries, such as sharp furniture corners, high-temperature electrical appliances, etc., to create a stable environment for the dog so that it can have a moment of peace in the chaos. ​

Closely observing the dog's symptoms is a key step. Dogs who have had a stroke may lose balance, walk unsteadily, turn in circles, or even be unable to stand, as if the world under their feet has suddenly turned upside down, leaving them at a loss. Some dogs may have symptoms such as facial crookedness, drooling from the corners of their mouths, eyes that cannot close normally, or nystagmus, and their originally lively facial features have lost coordination. They may also become unconscious, unresponsive to their owner's calls and touches, and their bright eyes that used to be bright become empty and lifeless. Paying close attention to these symptoms can provide important clues for subsequent doctor's diagnosis, just like guiding the direction of treatment in the fog. ​

While waiting for medical treatment, try to minimize the movement of the dog. Large movements may aggravate brain damage, and gentle protection is the best companionship at this time. If the dog needs to be moved, be sure to use a soft blanket or towel, carefully lift it up, keep the body stable, and avoid bumps, as if you are protecting an extremely precious and fragile item. At the same time, talk to it in a gentle voice. Although you are not sure whether it can hear you, the owner's voice may be a ray of comfort in the darkness, allowing it to feel familiar warmth in fear.​

Once you decide to send your dog to a hospital, choose the nearest hospital with professional pet emergency capabilities. Call the hospital in advance to inform them of your dog's general condition so that the hospital can prepare accordingly and race against time, because every second is crucial for dogs with stroke. On the way to the hospital, make sure your dog can breathe smoothly. If your dog has difficulty breathing, raise its head slightly to keep its airway open. If necessary, you can gently wipe its mouth and nose with a wet towel to keep the respiratory area moist and facilitate breathing.

After arriving at the hospital, the doctor usually conducts a series of examinations. Common ones include neurological examinations, which evaluate the degree of damage to the nervous system by observing the dog's response to stimulation; blood tests may also be performed to check whether there are other potential diseases that cause stroke, such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, etc.; brain imaging examinations, such as CT or MRI, can intuitively see the lesions in the brain, providing a strong basis for accurate diagnosis. The owner should actively cooperate with the doctor and tell the doctor in detail about the dog's condition before and after the onset of the disease, including diet, behavior, whether there are abnormal symptoms, etc. This information is like puzzle pieces, helping the doctor to piece together a complete picture of the condition and formulate an accurate treatment plan.​

In terms of treatment, the doctor will take corresponding measures according to the specific condition of the dog. If the dog has cerebral edema, drugs may be used to reduce brain swelling, reduce intracranial pressure, and relieve pressure on the nerves. For dogs with blood clots, thrombolytic drugs may be used, but such drugs should be used with caution, and the dosage and timing should be strictly controlled to avoid causing other risks. At the same time, the doctor may give some nerve nutrition drugs to help the damaged nerves gradually recover, just like reconnecting the repaired parts to the injured wires so that the signal can be transmitted again. ​

During the dog's treatment, the owner's company and care are indispensable. Feed the dog on time every day to ensure that the medicine can work. Carefully prepare nutritious and easy-to-digest food, such as special prescription canned food or nutritional paste, to ensure that the dog can get enough energy when it is weak. Talk to the dog more and stroke it gently. Although it may not respond immediately, the owner's care can give it psychological support and make it feel warm and safe in pain. ​

When the dog gradually recovers and can wag its tail again and look at the owner with bright eyes, the joy and relief are indescribable. Recalling the critical moment when the dog had a stroke, every owner knows the importance of understanding emergency treatment measures. We used love and knowledge to pull our dear friend back from the brink of life and death. In the days to come, let us take better care of the dog, take it for regular checkups, pay attention to its health, and spend more happy time with it.