How to determine if a dog is alive? - briefly
To determine if a dog is alive, check for breath by placing your hand near its nose or watch for chest movements. Additionally, feel for a pulse on the inside of the thigh; a strong, regular heartbeat indicates life.
How to determine if a dog is alive? - in detail
To determine if a dog is alive, several key indicators can be observed and assessed. Firstly, check for respiration by closely watching the dog's chest or abdomen for any rise and fall movements. This indicates that the dog is breathing, which is a crucial sign of life. Additionally, place your hand near the dog's nostrils to feel for warm air being exhaled.
Next, examine the dog's gums for color. In live dogs, the gums should be pink and moist, not pale or blue. To check capillary refill time, press a finger gently on the gum and release. The gum should return to its normal pink color within two seconds if the dog is alive.
Feel for a pulse by placing your fingers on the inside of the dog's thigh, where the femoral artery is located. A steady heartbeat indicates that the dog is alive. Alternatively, you can check for a pulse at the base of the dog's ear flap.
Check the dog's eyes for responsiveness and pupil size. In a live dog, the pupils should be equal in size and react to light by constricting. If the dog does not respond to your voice or touch, it could indicate a lack of consciousness.
Finally, observe the dog's overall body temperature. A live dog should feel warm to the touch, whereas a deceased dog will quickly cool down and feel cold.