11 Common Dog Injuries and Accidents & What to Do

Summary:

"Chances are that your dog will get injured at least once or twice during their lifetime. As dogs are often adventurous, they are rarely scared to explore the world. Unfortunately, age has little to do with your pet’s ability to get hurt, meaning that your dog is vulnerable at any stage of life. Although you may do your best to prevent your dog from getting into accidents, injuries are inevitable in a dog’s life. It can be terrifying to see your beloved companion get hurt, so it’s crucial to know what to do in these situations. Within this guide, you will find eleven common dog injuries and accidents, along with some steps you can take if they occur."

Cuts and Scratches

Active dogs often get cuts and scratches, which can occur in different ways. For example, your dog may be running past a sharp object, such as a nail, and this can quickly result in an injury. The same thing can happen if your pet steps on glass or sharp rocks. As a result, the material might become embedded between the toes. In this case, if your dog is bleeding, a thorough cleaning is essential to flush out as much bacteria as possible. Stitches might also be necessary, if the wound is large. Your dog may also need antibiotics to prevent infection.

Mouth Injury

Dogs often have mouth injuries due to something they were eating or chewing on. However, an object can get lodged in their throat, leading to foreign body ingestion. Encountering this unexpected pet emergency means that you may want to consider urgent vet care from a reputable veterinary practice, such as Furdunkin. Their emergency-trained veterinarians will be there to give your pet the diagnosis and treatment they need to recover from all types of injuries. Emergency pet visits can be stressful, but thanks to Furdunkin, your dog will receive the best health care experience possible.

Spinal Injury

Back pain is common in humans as well as in dogs. Your pet may experience mild to severe back pain, which can either be temporary or chronic. Sometimes, this can occur when a disk in the spinal cord gets ruptured, especially if your dog likes to jump from furniture or ledges. Moreover, as your dog ages, their bones tend to get weaker, which may also lead to back pain. If your pet is showing signs of back pain, it’s crucial to contact your vet straightaway. Symptoms you may notice include a stiff or crouched back, as well as yelping when touched.

Eye Trauma

Eye injuries can be both irritating and painful, ranging in severity. However, even if an eye injury appears to be minor, it may quickly develop into a more serious infection. This can lead to permanent scarring and even blindness, if the right care isn’t provided. Your vet will examine your dog’s eyes to determine the cause of their eye injury. For example, your pet might be experiencing a corneal ulcer, which results from debris, chemicals or rubbing. Otherwise, this might also be a wound caused by a foreign object. Look out for general discomfort, twitching of the eyelids, squinting, and blinking rapidly.

Broken Nail

Even a tiny tear on a nail can be extremely painful for your dog, regardless of their breed. This may lead to your dog limping around and whining in discomfort. Therefore, if you notice that your dog is holding their paw up, you should check if they have cracked, broken or torn a nail. In this case, it is important to safely restrain your dog, preferably by giving them a hug, which immobilizes the pet. As a result, you can tend to the nail and control bleeding by wrapping the foot in gauze. Then you can remove the damaged part of the nail with clippers at home or take your pet to the vet.

Tail Injury

Tail injuries may also occur from time to time. For example, your pet might accidentally get their tail caught in a door or it may be stepped on by someone. If your dog has a large and heavy tail, this might result in abrasions and bruising. As a result, this type of injury might be difficult to treat. This is because when a dog starts wagging again, this can actually re-injure the tail. Healing may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Heat Stroke

The most obvious symptom of heat stroke you may notice in your dog is excessive panting. Heat stroke can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly, so it’s vital to take steps to prevent it. Firstly, you should avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. It may be better to go out in the early morning or late evening. Be sure to bring water on walks and take regular breaks. Also, you should never leave your dog unattended in a car, even if the windows are open.

Poisoning

It is common for dogs to explore new surroundings and try new things. However, this can sometimes lead them to toxic substances. To ensure your pet is safe, keep dangerous items out of their reach, including human food, cleaning products, and toxic plants. It’s recommended to look for pet-friendly houseplants and familiarize yourself with the dangerous items in your home. Some common signs that your dog might have been poisoned include convulsions, agitation, seizures, and diarrhea.

Dog Attack

If your dog is ever in a fight with another dog, this is likely going to result in serious injuries for both dogs. Dog attacks can often cause wounds to the skin that might range from minor to severe. Moreover, the deeper the wound is, the higher the chance of affecting the underlying tissue, including the muscles and bones. Bites can also happen on any part of the body, even if they start on the neck. As a result, injuries can be caused on the head, limbs, chest, abdomen, and more. In addition, small dogs may sustain neurological damage, if they have been attacked by a large dog.

Insect Sting

Your pet may also experience stings from different insects. This can cause a lot of pain, along with allergic reactions. It is crucial to get your dog to an emergency clinic as soon as possible, if you suspect that they have been stung by an insect and they are showing concerning symptoms. These might involve swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Keep in mind that your pet might become agitated and irritated by the sting, so you will need to calm them down and keep them cool.

Ear Injury

Ear injuries may be caused by objects stuck in the ear of your dog. Also, when dogs try to dislodge objects from their ears, they often shake their heads very fast, which can also cause an ear injury. Therefore, you should look out for ears that appear swollen. Your dog might have also burst a blood vessel, resulting in bleeding. If a small object is visible, such as a pebble or a seed, you can possibly remove it with your fingers or tweezers. However, if you can’t seem to get the object out, you should bandage the ear and take your dog to the vet.