Veterinarian-written / veterinarian-approved articles for your dog.

Syncope: Fainting in Dogs

Syncope is when a dog has fainting episodes.

Syncope is when a dog loses consciousness for a short time. It happens when the brain doesn't get enough blood and, hence, oxygen.

What Causes Syncope?

Syncope in dogs occurs when the dog loses motor ability and consciousness for a few minutes. Several different things can cause it, including:

  • Heart conditions that cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rates), either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). For instance, boxer cardiomyopathy, caused by an arrhythmia, is often associated with syncope.
  • Sick sinus syndrome, in which the sinoatrial node in the heart (where the electrical impulse governing heart beats are triggered) doesn't work properly, can occur in cocker spaniels, mini Schnauzers, pugs, and dachshunds.
  • A vasovagal event, which is triggered by over-excitement or stress that causes the sympathetic nervous system to increase the heart rate and blood pressure temporarily.
  • Occasionally, a dog may suffer from situational syncope. That means the dog faints while doing a particular thing such as defecating, coughing, or swallowing.
  • Pulling on the collar too hard and interfering with the carotid artery in the neck can cause it.
  • Some medications that affect blood pressure may cause syncope.
  • Syncope can occur because of low blood sugar, calcium, or sodium.
  • Conditions that allow the blood to get too "thick," with a high red blood cell count, can cause fainting.

Diagnosis of Syncope in Dogs

When a dog is having fainting episodes, the veterinarian will take a thorough history from the owner. Sometimes, that can help narrow down the cause. For instance, the syncope may be situational if it always happens when the dog is defecating. It may be vasovagal if it seems excitement-triggered or related to heart disease if it's associated with exercise.

Then, the veterinarian will do a thorough physical exam to look for more clues. Blood work will reveal a low blood sugar or electrolyte level. A heartworm test may be done as well as x-rays or an echocardiogram to evaluate heart size, shape, and function. An ECG can evaluate heart rhythm.

Treatment of Syncope in Dogs

The treatment of syncope depends on the underlying cause. Medications for heart arrhythmias or other heart problems could be necessary. Dogs with sick sinus syndrome may require a pacemaker.

You May Also Like These Articles:

Congestive Heart Failure: CHF in Dogs

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Boxer Cardiomyopathy: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

ECG: Electrocardiogram in Dogs

Echocardiography in Dogs


Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.

Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Then, you will be transferred to a human. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of DogHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian.