Our pug, Spartacus
Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. He brings us countless moments of joy and with proper care will live a long, happy and healthy life. But dogs can get hurt when playing or performing everyday activities. Here are some common injuries that occur and what the best treatment options are.
Trauma
Trauma refers to things like a fall, a fights with other animals, household accidents, or even something more catastrophic like a car accident. Such incidents can cause minor injuries or bruises or can cause organ damage or internal bleeding in serious cases.
If your dog has experienced trauma, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your dog is limping, bleeding, having difficulty breathing, or showing any changes in behavior, chances are that it’s experiencing trauma. In extreme cases, your dog can lose consciousness.
Trauma can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. So, take your dog to the vet as soon as you spot one or more of these symptoms.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains in dogs occur when their muscles or ligaments stretch or tear. Your dog can get sprains or strains from running, jumping, playing, or even stepping on something the wrong way. If your dog is limping or having difficulty walking, check for swelling or signs of pain.
Don’t try to treat it at home as it can worsen the situation. A vet can accurately diagnose the condition, the severity of the injury, and the best treatment. They usually prescribe pain medication, physical therapy, and full rest. Dog leg wraps are also recommended to support the sprain and accelerate the healing process. Always follow your vet’s instructions while using a dog leg wrap because using it in the wrong way can impede the healing process and affect your dog adversely.
Eye Injury
Your dog can injure its eye while playing or running. It can get a foreign object into the eye or run into something and poke its eye. If it’s the case of a minor scratch, it can cause irritation and watering. However, serious conditions can lead to corneal ulcers and even loss of eyesight.
If your dog’s eyes are red, swollen, or leaking discharge, it probably has an eye injury. Take your dog to the vet to prevent damage and ensure proper treatment as soon as possible. The vet will likely prescribe eye drops or ointments to reduce the swelling and infection. In serious cases, your dog might need surgery.
Broken Bones or Tail
Broken bones or a tail is perhaps the most painful injury your dog can get. It can occur due to falling from a height, accidents, or getting hit by a car. This type of injury is easier to detect. If your dog is limping or not moving properly, check its body for signs of pain, scratches or tears, or even bleeding. Your dog will likely have a bent tail if it breaks. A quick visit to the veterinary hospital will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for broken bones or a tail.
The usual treatment for broken bones or a tail is pain medication, casting or splinting, or even surgery to repair the tail or put the bone back in its position. The healing process for this type of injury is much longer. and you need to take complete care of your dog if you want it to get well fast.
Toenail Injury
If your dog is a fan of scratching and running too fast, it has more chance of getting toenail injuries. If the overgrown nails catch in something, it can also lead to toenail injuries. If your dog is limping, bleeding, and constantly licking the affected paw, you should immediately check for injured toenails and take it to the veterinary hospital for further treatment.
The vet might clip the nail, apply medication, and bandage the affected toes. In severe cases, they might need to remove the nail. The healing might be a painful process for your dog. Keep its nails trimmed and well-maintained to prevent further damage.
Oral Wounds
Your dog can get oral wounds by biting or chewing something hard or playing roughly with other animals. If your dog is drooling, not eating or drinking properly, and bleeding in the mouth, it probably has oral wounds.
A quick visit to the vet will help identify the type and severity of the wounds. The vet usually prescribes antibiotics to prevent infection and heal wounds. They may also suggest a temporary change in the diet to aid the healing process. The mouth is a wet area, so you need to be more careful while the cuts are healing. Pay close attention to what your dog is chewing and maintain proper dental hygiene.
Dogs are playful animals and it’s normal for them to get tears and cuts easily. While these can easily be treated at home, some severe injuries need immediate medical attention by a professional. You can ensure good health for your pet through regular checkups, a nutritious diet, and plenty of affection. Always look for abnormalities in its behavior and movement to detect any hidden injuries.