WILD- Topic 51: Electrocution

Electrocution can be a very life threatening emergency. It is a condition that is caused by an electric shock that can cause significant damage to the pet’s body including death. Electricity can be a serious hazard in a salon. It can expose employees and animals to burns, fires, electric shock, electrocution and explosions. All of these occurrences can cause serious harm, injury and even death.

Causes

Some of the things that can cause electrical shock are frayed cords, broken plugs, broken outlet covers, open circuit breaker panels, light fixtures, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, cord connectors and plug-connected equipment. Flexible cords are more vulnerable to damage than fixed wiring. A flexible cord can be damaged by daily activity in the salon, doors or drawer edges, rubbing against other materials close by, and ageing.

Prevention

There are many things you can do to prevent electrical injuries. You need to inspect all cords and plugs frequently, and you can keep a maintenance log for all electrical equipment. Make sure to have sturdy sockets at all locations, do not overload sockets, avoid the use of adaptors, and replace damaged outlet covers immediately. Make sure any spills are cleaned up immediately, unplug machinery and appliances before cleaning or repairing, and move flammable materials away from electric sources. Know the locations of fire extinguishers and circuit breakers, and make sure all hot and cold water pipes are bonded correctly.

What happens if an animals is electrocuted?

Symptoms of electrocution may include the following:

Vomiting
Crying
Respiratory distress
Excessive drooling
Burns on tongue, mouth, or face
Singed fur/ burning smell
Irritation at the site of contact
Involuntary muscle spasms
Seizures
Unconsciousness

If a pet has been electrocuted, turn off the electrical supply via the circuit breaker. Do not touch the cord coming from the outlet. You want to make sure there is no longer an electrical current running through the animal’s body. Do not to touch the pet until you have confirmed there is no longer an electrical current. If they cannot turn off the electricity at its source, then tell them to use a wooden broom handle or similar object to move the pet away from the electrical cord or source they are touching.

Now have them check the animal for consciousness. You can go through how to check breathing and circulation. If the animal is not breathing and does not have a heart rate, then they are in cardiac arrest. The owner will need to begin CPR and can continue doing so until they reach your hospital. If the pet is standing and moving around it does not mean they haven’t been injured. The owner should be told they still need to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as damage from electrocution can be internal as well as external.