What happens when an animal is deprived of oxygen?

When an animal is deprived of oxygen, their body will be unable to produce energy through aerobic respiration, leading to cell damage and potentially death if oxygen deprivation lasts for too long. Without oxygen, the brain is particularly vulnerable, and lack of oxygen can result in irreversible brain damage within minutes. The body will try to compensate by increasing heart rate and trying to take in more oxygen, but prolonged deprivation will eventually lead to organ failure.