Shock in any form is a medical emergency. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you think your dog is showing signs of shock. Dogs in shock may have a history of trauma, surgery, weakness, collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased water intake. The signs of shock continuously change and progress quickly.

Dogs can also go into shock from excessive fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea, or airway obstructions caused by choking or an illness like pneumonia. However, no matter what the underlying cause may be, it’s important to remember that any shock is a life-threatening emergency requiring veterinary intervention.