Can Your Dog Actually Faint From Happiness? Here's What We Know

Have you seen those heartwarming videos in which a dog reunites with their owner after an extended time apart and either smiled, cried happy tears, or both? One woman's reunion in 2014 with her schnauzer, captured by Roots & Wings, went viral because the dog fainted briefly after seeing her owner for the first time in two years.

The reaction left many viewers wondering: Can a dog actually faint from happiness? The short answer is yes. Dogs compare to humans in a number of ways. They can feel anger, sadness, fear, joy, and yes, even an abundance of excitement that makes them want to jump up and down and spin in circles. You might see and welcome this latter reaction every time you come home from work. After all, who doesn't like having a dog that is so ridiculously happy to see you?

When a human experiences this same high level of excitement, or any other overwhelming emotion — positive or negative — it can cause them to pass out. Maybe it's happened to you or someone you know, or you've seen it plenty of times in movies. The same thing can happen to a dog for the same reasons involving blood pressure and the brain.

Various health reasons can cause a dog to pass out, but when they faint as a direct response to a moment of extreme happiness, it's referred to as vasovagal syncope. In such a moment of overwhelming joy, the nervous system can trigger the heart to beat rapidly for a few seconds. This can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure followed by a heart rate drop and reduced flow of blood to the brain. As a result, the dog loses consciousness and faints.

A vasovagal syncope episode, such as the one that the aforementioned schnauzer likely experienced, typically lasts only a few seconds, but it can span up to two minutes. If your dog ever faints from elation, make sure to stay by their side and ensure that they're safe until they come to. Seeing your dog pass out from joy may be concerning, but as long as they get up again and resume their normal behavior, there's no reason for concern. Just think of it as one of the adorable ways a dog says "I love you."

On the other hand, if the fainting occurs with no known cause or happens often, this is a symptom you shouldn't ignore in your dog. Contact your veterinarian to determine if they recommend a visit for an examination. Hopefully, it's just your pup getting very, very excited to see you come home.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.