First Aid and Emergency Care for Dogs and Cats by Cats Are People Too - HTML preview

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Electrocution

In order to avoid injury to yourself, it is imperative that you do not touch the pet until the electrical source has been turned off or moved.

What to Do

**     Unplug the electrical cord or shut off the electricity.

**     If this is not possible, use a dry wooden broom or other non-conductive object to move the pet away from the source of the electricity.

**     Check for breathing and pulse. Begin CPR if necessary.

**     If the pet is breathing, check its mouth for burns. Apply cool compresses to burns.

**     Cover the pet with a blanket to prevent heat loss.

**     Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

What NOT to Do

**     *Do not fail to get the pet examined even though she seems perfectly normal after being separated from the source of electricity.

**     Do not give any medications or liquids unless instructed to by a veterinarian.

Any animal that has suffered electrocution should be taken to a veterinarian, even if there are no apparent complications. Electrocution is a life-threatening emergency. It may cause abnormal electrical activity of the heart or a build-up of fluid in the lungs which could be fatal hours after the shock.