Injury or death from high-voltage electricity can be caused by lightning, fallen power lines, faulty wiring, or chewing on electrical cords.
Lightning strikes happen in storms and are seasonal. Be careful when investigating cases of electrocution, because live electrical sources could still be present and dangerous.
Some trees are more likely than others to be struck by lightning. Tall hardwood trees with wide root systems are especially vulnerable.
When tree roots are electrified, they can charge a wider ground area. Wet ground or puddles can become briefly electrified, and fallen power lines can electrify nearby areas. An animal can be electrically shocked by touching either electrified wet ground, puddles, or live wires directly.
Electric shocks range from mild to fatal. Lightning strikes often cause instant death. Sometimes an animal becomes unconscious after electrical injury and recovers in minutes or hours, but nerve damage such as paralysis or increased skin sensitivity might continue for days, weeks, or permanently. Death from electric shock is usually due to cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Young pets with unexplained labored breathing should be checked for burns in their mouths from cord chewing, which can also lead to fluid in the lungs.
Lightning strike and electrical injury are true emergencies. Call your vet right away. Even if the injury looks mild, complications or shock could develop later. Surviving animals might need supportive and symptom-based treatment.
