Anaphylaxis in Pets – What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

When Seconds Matter

Imagine this: you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon when your dog suddenly collapses, begins to vomit, or has sudden, severe diarrhea. These frightening signs can all point to anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance (called an allergen). In pets, the reaction can develop within minutes and can quickly become fatal if not treated.

Common Triggers in Pets:

• Insect bites or stings (bees, wasps, ants)
  

• Certain medications or vaccines
  

• Foods or treats (less common, but possible)
  

• Environmental allergens (plants, chemicals, toxins)

Signs of Anaphylaxis in Dogs & Cats

Why Anaphylaxis is So Dangerous

The biggest danger of anaphylaxis is shock — when blood pressure plummets, oxygen delivery to vital organs fails, and organs begin to shut down. Pets can die within minutes if not stabilized.

Even if your pet seems to improve after the initial episode, delayed reactions can still occur. That’s why it is critical to seek veterinary care right away.

How Anaphylaxis is Diagnosed at EPIC Vets

Quick diagnosis saves lives. At EPIC Vets, we have two important tools to rapidly identify anaphylaxis:

• Ultrasound of the gall bladder wall – This is a rapid, non-invasive test that allows us to detect gall bladder wall thickening, which is a hallmark finding of anaphylaxis.
  

• Blood test – While this test may take longer to show changes and is not as definitive as ultrasound, it serves as a valuable supplemental diagnostic tool to confirm what’s happening inside your pet’s body.
  
  

By combining physical examination, clinical signs, and these diagnostic tests, our emergency team can act quickly to deliver the best possible care.

What Happens at EPIC Vets if Your Pet Has Anaphylaxis

Triage & Immediate Stabilization

• Pets with suspected anaphylaxis are taken directly to the treatment area.
  

• Oxygen therapy, IV access, and emergency medications are started immediately.
  
  

Medications

• Epinephrine is the most critical drug — it can rapidly reverse life-threatening reactions.
  

• Antihistamines and steroids may be given to reduce swelling and prevent recurrence.
  

• IV fluids are used to support blood pressure and hydration.
  
  

Monitoring

• Even after stabilization, pets are monitored closely in our ICU for several hours.
  

Real Life Story: A Pug’s Close Call

A 2-year-old female Pug was rushed to EPIC Vets after collapsing suddenly outdoors. She was also vomiting and extremely lethargic.

On arrival, our team discovered her blood pressure was critically low. Diagnostic testing confirmed anaphylaxis:

• Blood work revealed markers consistent with an allergic crisis.
  

• Ultrasound showed gall bladder edema, a complication sometimes seen with severe allergic reactions.
  

She was stabilized with epinephrine, IV fluids, and intensive monitoring in our ICU. Thanks to her owner’s quick action and our emergency team’s care, she made a full recovery and was discharged the next day.

✨ This case highlights how quickly allergic reactions can escalate — and why seeking emergency care immediately can save your pet’s life.

What to Do if You Suspect Anaphylaxis at Home

• Stay calm but act quickly. Panic wastes valuable time.
  

• Head to EPIC Vets immediately. Call us on your way so our team can prepare.
  

• Do not attempt to treat at home. Over-the-counter medications (like Benadryl) are not fast or reliable enough for true anaphylaxis.
  

Can Anaphylaxis Be Prevented?

• If your pet has a known allergy, avoid exposure to triggers whenever possible.
  

• Talk to your veterinarian about placing a medical alert note in your pet’s records.
  

• After one episode, always be prepared. Pets who have had one anaphylactic reaction may be more likely to experience another.