3 of the Most Common Dog Injuries Explained

Are you a loving pet owner? When owning a dog, it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything that could go wrong. If you want to learn more about some of the most common dog injuries, and what you should do when they arise, continue reading this guide. 

1. Dog Fight or Attack 

When dogs get into a fight or suffer from an attack, it usually results in injuries to the skin and soft tissues. These injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the brutality of the fight or the attack. 

Another dog’s teeth can cause puncture wounds and lacerations to the skin. Deep wounds should be taken seriously, as they can have negative effects on the dog’s muscles and bones. After your dog is in a fight or is attacked, bring them in to the vet to make sure their wounds do not become infected. 

If you have a small dog that is attacked by a larger dog, there could be internal or neurological damage. This is especially true if your dog was picked up and shaken, so make sure you bring this dog in the vet to make sure it doesn’t suffer from long term damages. 

2. Spinal Injuries 

Spinal injuries can occur from both minor and major trauma as well as genetic predisposition. Spinal issues can also range from minor to severe. 

Intervertebral disc disease is a common disease among dogs that causes pain and paralysis. This is caused when one or more discs in between the vertebrate rupture or herniate, putting pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms may be gradual, but something to look out for is a drunken gait, or trouble walking. 

This can be treated with either surgery or medication. In some cases, this can be treated with surgery, in others, your dog may need a wheelchair. To find the best wheelchair option, check out these dog wheelchair reviews

3. Injuries to Limbs 

Most limb related injuries can be detected by limping. This may be caused by a fracture in your dog’s leg or paw. While major fractures or dislocations will be fairly obvious, a hairline fracture usually is less so.

A hairline fracture usually affects small bones or those that don’t support a lot of weight. Using a cast or splint may help to cure the fracture. A more severe fracture may require surgery, where a plate or pin placement may be necessary. 

Dogs can also have a sprained or strained muscle, which is an injury in the soft tissue area of the leg. This may require medicine and rest, or in more severe cases, surgery. 

Common Dog Injuries 

As a pet owner, it’s a good idea to know more about the most common dog injuries so that you can do what you can to avoid them, as well as prepare for them. Keep your furry friend happy and healthy by knowing the signs and symptoms of these common dog injuries. 

For more on this subject, head to the “pet health” section of the site!