How a Family Dog Saved a Baby with Racing Heartbeat

Doberman Alerts Mom to Racing Heartbeat

Kim Reynolds, a 41-year-old first-time mom and former canine hydro-therapist living in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, noticed unusual behavior from her un-registered pet Doberman, Saraya, one morning in September. The dog refused to leave six-month-old Alexander’s side and cried repeatedly whenever the baby was moved away from her. Reynolds stated that the animal’s behavior acted like “a noise playing in my mind” that pushed her to seek medical attention, according to Discover SWNS.

When Reynolds arrived at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s A&E department, she initially feared she was wasting medical staff’s time because Alexander had stopped crying. However, triage checks revealed the infant’s heart rate had surged to 280 beats per minute. Doctors attempted to normalize the rhythm by submerging the baby’s head in a large bucket filled with cold water and ice for 10 seconds. After two unsuccessful attempts and a distressing reaction from the infant, Reynolds requested intravenous medication. Three doses successfully brought the heart rate down.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Poole Hospital

Following the emergency intervention at Bournemouth, the family was transferred by ambulance to Poole Hospital, where Reynolds stayed for two nights. Physicians diagnosed Alexander with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition Reynolds described as an extra piece of tissue in the heart that allows electrical pulses to pass through abnormally, preventing the infant from naturally calming his heart rate.

To manage the condition, Alexander takes the beta blocker propranolol three times a day through a syringe. Reynolds noted that the baby readily drinks the medication himself without a fuss.

Second Dog Alert Leads to Tonsillitis Diagnosis

Saraya repeated her obsessive behavior around Alexander while he sat in his bouncer, licking his hands and staring at Reynolds. Remembering the previous medical emergency, Reynolds immediately checked the baby’s pulse and inspected his throat, noticing redness. She took him back to A&E, where medical professionals diagnosed him with bacterial tonsillitis and prescribed a course of penicillin.

“I 100% trust Saraya,” Reynolds said, noting that while the Doberman lacks formal training as an assistance dog, she intends to keep the pet by her child’s side at every opportunity.

Fundraising Partnership with Tiny Tickers

Following the diagnosis, Reynolds’ sister Francine introduced her to Tiny Tickers, a charity that focuses on the early detection and care of babies with serious heart conditions while supporting affected families. To aid the organization, Reynolds and her sister committed to participating in a 100-mile challenge in October.