Accidents happen every day. Even the best pet owners can make a mistake, or a set of circumstances can lead to an injury to your dog.
In most cases you will probably want to take your dog to the vet immediately rather than taking a “wait-and-see” approach. Even though the dog may appear to be okay, there can be inside trauma that requires diagnosis by your local vet.
Dog fights can be super scary and can result in bite wounds, punctures, torn flesh, and worse. Although there are some fights that sound way worse than they really are, many are serious. If your dog does not appear too traumatized, you may wish to carefully check him for wounds. With more serious injuries, contact your vet for instructions — and getting your dog there as soon as possible is important. Remember, even the most mild-mannered and loving pet may bite if he is in pain, so be extra cautious.
If the unthinkable happens and your pet gets hit by a car, even though your dog may get up shakily or continue to lie where they are, it’s important to get to the vet as soon as you can. Even if your dog gets up and is able to walk, he may have internal injuries or bleeding that needs treatment. Try to minimize movement by placing your dog on a firm surface, such as a sheet of plywood. If that’s not available use a blanket. Your goal is to transport your dog to the vet with as little motion as possible.
Eye injuries can happen at any time: Snub-nosed breeds such as pugs and Pekingese are particularly susceptible because their eyes protrude slightly. Signs to look for are squinting, watery eyes, unequal pupils, excessive blinking, or severely bloodshot eyes. Dogs absolutely love riding with their heads outside open car window, but injuries can result if bits of debris enter the dog’s eye. Not all eye injuries are serious, but play it safe and always check with your vet.
Most dogs love to jump and romp around all the time. In all the fun and excitement, a wrong step could result in a sprain or pulled muscle. Watch for signs of continued lameness. If it doesn’t show signs of improvement, contact your vet.
If you notice your dog limping, the first thing to do is carefully check his paws, including in between the toes. Gently remove burrs, seeds, dried mud, or other substances that could be causing him discomfort, and gently wash and bandage any cut that your dog may have. Call your vet if it’s a large or deep cut that may require stitches.
And remember, during the cold weather months, be mindful of ice melt or ice chunks that can become embedded in your pet’s paw pads.
Stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check out our Facebook page for all the latest happenings.
Please be a responsible pet owner: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary for the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
