Collapse in Dogs: Rufus’ Collapse. What Would You Do if It Was Your Dog?

Watching your dog suddenly collapse is one of the scariest things to experience. What can cause a collapse in dogs?

The causes behind your dog’s sudden collapse include anything from an electric shock, poisoning, to endocrine disease and everything in between. Your dog might collapse if any of the following fails to function:

  • nervous system
  • musculoskeletal system
  • respiratory system
  • blood circulation

Source: Vetsnow

I remember when our neighbors got Rufus. He was one of the happiest puppies I’ve ever seen. The sweet puppy grew up to be a big boy, still just as happy and friendly. He loved everybody and loved life. Jasmine liked him and everybody had a soft spot in their heart for Rufus.

Collapse in Dogs: Rufus' Collapse. What Would You Do if It Was Your Dog?

Lifeless Rufus on the front lawn

That day I came into the kitchen and happened to look outside.

I saw Rufus was there. But he wasn’t playing and having a good time. He was lying on the lawn, unresponsive, breathing in a sort of a spasm pattern, while being hosed down with water by his dad.

What happened?

I ran out to learn that Rufus had collapsed during his walk. They brought him here, figuring he had a heat stroke.

It is true that it was a hot day. It was also obvious that whatever was wrong with Rufus couldn’t be fixed by a stream of cold water. Whatever was wrong, Rufus needed immediate medical attention.

I explained that he is in serious trouble and they need to go to a vet right away. They listened,  wrapped Rufus in a wet towel, loaded him in the car and left for the nearest veterinary hospital.

What do you think was wrong with Rufus? What would you do if it was your dog?

Read Rufus’ story here.

Further reading:
Why Is My Dog Collapsing? | Treatment For Dog Fainting or Collapse

Categories: Collapse • Conditions • Dog health advocacy • Real-life Stories • Symptoms

Tags: : • • • •

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer, dog health advocate, writer, and author. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Countless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care in my own hands. I learned the hard way that merely seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people how to recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to save others the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way as I did. That is the mission behind my blog and behind my writing. That is why I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog, which has turned out being an award-winning guide to dog owners. What I'm trying to share encompasses 20 years of experience.

Share your thoughts