Contact voltage is a very real danger for pets. In 2011, a puppy was electrocuted on an energized sidewalk in Providence, Rhode Island and died as a result. Contact voltage has killed both pets and people in the past, though it is normally pets that are most at risk. This is because there are times that owners will tie their animals to a metal post or fence when running into a store or restaurant. This can lead to a lethal or terrifying contact voltage encounter.

Contact voltage is defined as a condition that is caused by the deterioration of insulation on a cable that is under the ground. These underground power lines have about 30 years of life but there are times that the protective coating will start to disappear, leaving the lines exposed. This can result in uncontrolled electrical power that will surge all through a city. Because the power will react with metals, it can cause damage to anyone who steps on a storm drain, is near a metal handrail or stands under a metal bus shelter. It can also be dangerous for dogs that are tied to light poles or are near metal fences. If you live in a location where the electricity is typically distributed through underground cables, then you should be aware of this serious risk.

The energized surfaces that are affected by the contact voltage can deliver a lethal shock to both humans and pets that come in contact When humans are wearing rubber-soled shoes, this acts as a protection against a serious injury because of the shock. Because pets have no shoes and often have all four paws on the ground, they are particularly vulnerable to contact voltage. There are a variety of different preventative steps you can take to protect your pet from contact voltage. First of all, an important way to prevent your pet from contact voltage is to avoid using metal leashes or putting metal collars on your dog. You should also keep your dog from standing on manhole covers when possible and you should retrain your dog from urinating on any objects that have conductive surfaces.

If you are going to tie your dog up outside while you run into a restaurant or store, you should make sure to tie your animal up to post that is not metal. Better yet, find a willing man or woman who can hold your dog for a moment while you run your errands. It is always best to have someone supervise your animal, rather than to leave your dog outside alone. In addition to trying to prevent these horrible accidents, it’s important that you understand what contact voltage electrocution looks like. A dog that gets a school may yelp or may even appear to be burned. As well, electric shock can cause involuntary muscle contractions of the dog’s jaw, may cause the dog to cough, or may result in an irregular heartbeat. There are also times that this will cause the doc to have irregular breathing or to drool more than normal.

If you believe that you dog may have been electrocuted, then you will want carefully use a non-conductive surface in order to separate the pet from the source of the electrocution. After the pet has been separated from the dangerous item, you should take your animal to the vet immediately. This also goes for electrocution situations that may happen when a cat chews on a wire or an electrical plug. Whenever your pet shows signs of potential electrocution, you need to have a vet on call so that you can head to the hospital in short order and make sure that your pet gets the medical attention necessary for a healthy and swift recovery.