Having dogs is not much different than having babies. Apart from feeding and playing with them, you have to care for their health. Dogs can become injured in many ways. Identifying the symptoms is the first step to ensure the injury doesn’t turn fatal.
It’s also important to do regular checkups so that you can identify an underlying disease. “In addition, physical examinations help your pet live longer and healthier lives, may uncover disease earlier through screening tests leading to improved treatment prognosis and enhanced quality of life,” says Phoenix Veterinary Center, an AAHA-accredited pet care facility.
Today, we will discuss some common dog injuries and how to identify them. Let’s begin.
Trauma
Traumatic incidents like falls, fights, or accidents can leave dogs with more than just physical wounds. These experiences can shake their sense of security and lead to lasting emotional distress. While some dogs may recover quickly with a little extra love and attention, others may need professional help to overcome their trauma. Signs of trauma can vary widely from withdrawal and fearfulness to aggression or destructive behavior. Physical symptoms include limping, bleeding, and difficulty in breathing. If you think your dog is in trauma, take it to a vet immediately to ensure proper treatment.
Common Sprains
Dogs often experience sprains or strains due to their active lifestyle. They can tear their ligament or muscle when playing roughly. If you notice your furry friend limping or struggling to walk, check for signs of swelling or discomfort. You might want to treat it at home. But there is no alternative to professional care and diagnosis that only a vet can offer. They’ll provide painkillers, recommend physical therapy, and advise you on supporting the injured area, possibly with a cast or leg wrap. Be mindful of the wrap or support because tying or managing it wrong can adversely affect your dog’s health.
Eye Injuries
Your dog can injure its eye when playing or exploring the outdoors. A foreign object can enter their eye and cause irritation and watering. They can also run into something and hurt their eyes. Minor scratches heal quickly, but serious injuries can lead to corneal ulcers.
If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge in their eyes, take your dog to a vet immediately. Don’t rub the eyes or try to wash it off at home. Don’t apply any eye drops that a vet didn’t prescribe. Proper diagnosis and treatment will prevent further damage to your pet’s eye.
Vets usually prescribe specialized eye drops or ointments to reduce discomfort and minimize the risk of infection. However, your dog might need surgery if the case is severe.
Oral Wounds
If your dog has an oral wound, it can prevent them from eating normally. Dogs usually get cuts in their mouth when they chew on hard objects, play roughly, or get bitten by another pet. If you find your dog drooling excessively, refusing food and drink, or bleeding in the mouth, visit the vet to identify any wounds and ways to treat them.
The vets will prescribe medicines based on the severity of the wounds. They can also recommend semi-solid or liquid food during the healing period because the mouth is a wet area, and solid food can further upset the wounds. Keep an eye on what your dog is chewing and keep their mouths clean for quicker recovery.
Broken Bones or Tails
Dealing with broken bones or a tail injury can be distressing for both you and your furry companion. These injuries are often caused by accidents or traumatic events, such as falling from a height or hitting a fast-moving object, and result in pain and discomfort for your dog. If you think your dog is limping or has difficulty moving, check for any visible signs of injury. A bent tail or visible swelling indicates a broken bone or tail, and in that case, you should take it to the vet immediately. The vet might suggest painkillers, casting or splinting, or even surgery to put the bone back in its place. The healing process for broken bones or a tail can be lengthy and requires consistent care, so you must remain patient at all costs.
Toenail Injuries
Toenail injuries are common in dogs who love to play rough and happen when they scratch hard or catch their nails on something. These wounds can be extremely painful for your dog and limit its movements. If you find your dog limping or licking its paw excessively, check for injured toenails or bleeding. Take your dog to a vet to ensure proper treatment. Don’t use homemade ointments or balms on the injury. The vet will clip the nail, apply medication, and bandage the affected toes. They can also remove the nail in severe cases. The healing process can be uncomfortable for your dog. Keep its nails trimmed and well-maintained to prevent further damage. Change the bandage as required.
Choosing the right dog breed and providing them with food and shelter are just the basics of keeping a dog. Their healthcare is important and can affect their longevity. Keep them in proper checkups, deworm and vaccinate them regularly, and take them to the vet if you find symptoms of these common injuries.