What Triggers Syncope In Dogs?

Did you know that dogs, just like humans, can interpret facial expressions, display empathy, watch television and also faint? To find out what triggers syncope (fainting or passing out) episodes in dogs and whether or not syncope is manageable in dogs, then please read on.

What is syncope?

Syncope is the medical term used to describe a brief temporary loss of consciousness that lasts for around 30 seconds due to a temporary disruption of adequate blood supply or oxygen to the brain.

What triggers syncope in dogs?

1. Anxiety and stress

Anxiety and stress are common triggers of syncope in dogs. Dogs may experience anxiety or stress due to being left alone, meeting strangers, being adopted into a new home, or due to an underlying medical condition. Its always important that you seek expert assistance in case you notice that your dog has started developing signs and symptoms of stress, which are;

2. Heartworms

Dirofilaria immitis are the parasitic worms responsible for heartworm disease in dogs. During a blood meal, the mosquitos spread these worms to dogs, who are the definitive hosts. Definitive hosts are hosts that harbor the mature form of a parasite and also its sexually reproductive stage. When your dog gets infected by heartworms, chances are high that it might start experiencing fainting spells (syncope).

Signs that a dog has heartworms:

3. Increased heart rate

An increase in the heart may cause a dog to experience syncope. An increase in heart rate, medically known as tachycardia, is a condition in which a dog's heart rate goes above the normal rate. Which is above or greater than;

4. Decreased heart rate

Bradycardia is the medical term used to denote a decrease in heart rate. Dogs with reduced heart rates tend to experience syncope more often than dogs with regular heart rates.

The most common cause of bradycardia in dogs is a cardiac condition known as sick sinus syndrome. This syndrome causes a dog’s sinus node to fail to function normally. The cause of this syndrome is unknown.

5. Medications

Medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart diseases in dogs are also a significant trigger for syncope in dogs.

6. Low blood sugars

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) is another cause of syncope in dogs of all ages. Pregnancy, engaging in strenuous activities such as swimming, and tumors of the pancreas and liver are some of the reasons that may cause a dog to become hypoglycemic, which may consequentially lead to an episode(s) of a fainting spell.

Is syncope in dogs manageable?

Yes. Syncope in dogs is manageable. Vets manage or treat syncope in dogs by eliminating or treating the underlying cause or trigger.

Key takeaway

Anxiety and stress, Heartworms, Tachycardia, Bradycardia, certain medications, and low blood sugars are the common triggers of syncope in dogs. Always have your dog checked by a certified vet if it has episodes of syncope. This not only improves its life quality but also ensures that any developing underlying disease causing it to pass out is halted before it progresses further.