If your dog sees you panicking it will likely also panic, increasing its pain and stress levels.
Yelping is a clear sign that your dog is in pain. Check your dog for any surface injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or protruding bones. Look at the dog’s front and back legs. If a limb is broken, it may appear disfigured, being bent or held at an odd angle. Some broken bones might not be visible. If your dog is limping for more than five minutes, take it to your veterinarian. Injured dogs will breathe faster than normal. Look for a sustained increase in the rate of breathing in your dog. Not all injuries will be external or visible. Only a veterinarian will be able to verify internal injuries. Look at the dog’s gums. Pale or white colored gums may mean that the dog is in shock or is bleeding internally. This is an emergency and the dog will need immediate veterinary attention.
If your dog is unable to move, do not pick it up until it has a stable and solid surface underneath it such as a board. Never treat any serious wounds yourself. Leave severe injuries for your veterinarian to treat. Clean any superficial cuts or wounds by applying saltwater to the affected area. Apply pressure using a clean piece of gauze to any areas that are heavily bleeding.
If your dog has severe injuries, take it to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible, even if injuries are not immediately life threatening. Even if your dog doesn’t have apparent or obvious injuries, your veterinarian can detect issues that may be internal or unclear.
Tell your veterinarian exactly how and when your dog fell. Inform your veterinarian about any signs of injury that you have noticed. Let your veterinarian know about any first aid you have administered. Tell your veterinarian about any past injuries or surgeries that your dog may have had. Be ready to provide basic information about your dog including age, current medications, or other health issues.
A basic physical exam will let your veterinarian learn of any surface injuries as well as the overall condition of your dog. Orthopedic examinations will check for any injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, or affected range of movement in your dog. This examination may include an x-ray. Neurological examinations will be ordered if your dog has hit its head during the fall. If your dog is walking oddly or seemingly unaware, this test can help determine if your dog’s nervous system was damaged.
If your dog is given medications, keep up with the schedule. Make sure your dog is consuming them completely if administered orally. Keep up with changing any bandages that your dog may need. You may need to apply ice or heat packs to your dog’s injuries. Make sure your dog rests and keep activities to a minimum while injuries heal.
You might also wish to purchase a seatbelt designed specifically for your dog, to keep it as safe as can be during any road trips. Consider locking power windows as dogs may accidentally be able to roll them down. Do not leave your dog alone in the car on a hot day with the windows rolled up. This can raise temperatures to a deadly degree for your dog. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Steep stair cases, lofts without a railing, and balconies are some examples of places in your home that your dog may fall from. Make sure to leave doors to these areas closed. You can buy pet-gates to block off staircases or doorways in your home. Never bring your dog into an area of the house that presents a fall hazard.
Inner ear issues or ear infections can cause your dog fall down. Brain tumors, which are more common in older dogs, can also be responsible for your dog falling.
