Dogs have a tough time bouncing back from a fall. And every day, another family pup gets a little too close to a moving vehicle on the street. It’s not much fun to think about, but if your favorite furry friend runs into such a hair-raising incident, you’ll need to know how to check for a dog injury, specifically, broken bones or fractures, and what to do if you find them.
Hit-and-Run Dog Injuries
If Rover has been hit by a car or has taken a pretty big spill, and you notice that he’s holding one limb at an odd angle, don’t waste a minute. Get him to the vet immediately for x-rays and treatment. (Don’t try to splint the limb yourself. If your dog has a broken leg, for example, an incorrect setting can cause even more damage.) If you can, carry the pooch to the car, supporting the dog, broken leg (especially) and other limbs so that they don’t dangle. If your pup is too large to carry or won’t allow you to carry him because the dog’s in pain, try to coax him to the car with a treat or favorite object.
A Dog Fracture Isn’t Always Obvious
After a major trauma, you’ll have to make sure you aren’t dealing with a broken dog pelvis. Unlike a person, a pooch is actually able to walk with a broken pelvis, so the only way you’ll know if he has a problem is to test the area itself. With your dog standing, gently press down on his rear end. If he collapses or reacts as if in pain, there could be a break (and there’s clearly some type of injury). Carry him gently to the car while supporting the pelvic area, and take him to the vet immediately for x-rays and treatment.
Accidents and falls can pose a significant risk to our canine companions, as they often have a challenging time recovering from such incidents. Instances such as a dog wandering too close to a moving vehicle or falling from a significant height are unfortunately all too common. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to understand how to assess your dog for injuries, especially in the case of broken bones or fractures, and know the appropriate steps to take should such a scenario arise.
Injuries From Vehicle Collisions
If your dog, perhaps Rover, has been involved in a collision with a vehicle, or has suffered from a significant fall, and you notice him holding a limb in an unusual manner, immediate action is necessary. Prioritize getting Rover to a veterinarian for a thorough examination, which likely includes x-rays and treatment. Refrain from attempting to splint the limb at home as an incorrect setting could exacerbate the injury, potentially causing further harm.
If feasible, carry your pet to the car, ensuring to provide support to the injured limb and other extremities, preventing them from hanging freely which could lead to additional strain or injury. If your dog is large or exhibits signs of pain when being handled, encourage him to move to the vehicle by using a treat or favourite toy as a lure.
Identifying Non-obvious Fractures
In the aftermath of a significant traumatic event, it’s vital to assess whether your dog may have sustained a fracture in less visible areas such as the pelvis. Unlike humans, dogs can remarkably walk even with a broken pelvis, which can make detection difficult. To identify potential pelvic fractures, with your dog standing, gently apply pressure to his rear end. If he collapses or exhibits signs of pain, this could indicate a break or another form of injury.
Transport your dog to the car with utmost care, particularly supporting the pelvic area, and take him to the vet immediately for further assessment and treatment. While it’s distressing to think about such events, being prepared and knowledgeable about how to handle them can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery process.