Even though dog owners do their best to keep their pets safe, accidents can still happen; a fortuitous injury can for example be caused by a fall. Although dogs seem like nimble creatures, they can actually harm themselves just like everyone else when they fall; they can get excited and jump from a close-up window or car window while it is in motion. Knowing what to look for and what to tell your vet can go a long way in ensuring your faithful friend gets the care he or she needs after a fall.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examining the Dog after the Fall
Step 1. Stay calm
While watching him suffer can be a terrible experience for you, you need to stay calm. Peace of mind and clarity allow you to better assess its condition, as well as keep the animal calm, thus preventing it from getting injured or further agitated.
If he notices that you've panicked, he probably freaks out too, increasing pain and stress levels
Step 2. Check if he's injured
After the fall, observe him for signs of injury; however, avoid touching it and only use your eyes. By examining the severity of the damage it has suffered, you can better assess how to proceed. Pay particular attention to the following clues:
- The yelps are synonymous with suffering.
- Scan your body for skin lesions, such as cuts, scrapes, or protruding bones.
- Look at the front and hind legs; if a limb is broken it appears deformed, bent or at an unnatural angle.
- It is not always possible to visually notice a broken bone; if the dog limps for more than 5 minutes, take him to the vet.
- An injured dog breathes faster than usual; pay attention if the respiratory rate continues to be accelerated.
- Not all injuries are external or visible; only the veterinarian is able to verify if he has suffered any internal damage.
Step 3. Implement first aid measures
If you have noticed any obvious lesions on the animal you must proceed with an emergency dressing to prevent the wound from getting worse, while waiting to be examined by the veterinarian. Proceed with first aid measures only if the dog feels comfortable with you; if he is stressed or in pain he may growl or even bite you, so move carefully and watch his reactions.
- If he can't move, don't lift him until you've found a solid surface to put under his body, such as a plank of wood.
- Don't treat never alone with serious injuries, let the vet take care of them when the situation is serious.
- Clean any superficial cuts or wounds by pouring hydrogen peroxide on the injured area.
- If you are bleeding profusely, apply pressure to your skin using a piece of gauze.
Step 4. Call your vet and go to his clinic
Once you have examined the type of injury and put the first aid measures into practice, you need to call the doctor, who is able to better understand and treat any type of injury that the animal has suffered as a result of the fall.
- If the dog has severe injuries, take him to the veterinary emergency room immediately.
- Get him to the vet as soon as possible, even if the wounds don't seem life-threatening.
- Even if your furry friend shows no obvious injuries, your doctor can assess whether there are internal or non-visible injuries.
Part 2 of 3: Take the Dog to the Vet
Step 1. Tell your vet what happened
During the visit you must provide him with an accurate description of the dynamics of the accident and injuries, so that he has as much information as possible to start treatment faster and more effectively.
- Describe how and when the dog fell.
- Show him any signs of injury you have noticed on the animal's body.
- Tell him about the first aid measures you have put in place.
- Also report any injuries or surgery the dog has had in the past.
- Be prepared to give him basic information about the dog, such as age, any medications he is currently taking or other health conditions.
Step 2. Be aware that your vet may request diagnostic tests or procedures
He may perform some tests or have him undergo certain medical techniques to treat the injuries. Consider some of the following tests or treatments he might perform.
- A basic physical exam allows the doctor to examine any possible superficial lesions, as well as assess the general condition of the dog.
- With an orthopedic observation, any bone, joint or muscle lesions are ascertained or whether the range of movements of the animal is limited; this procedure can be done through an x-ray.
- A neurological analysis allows us to understand if the dog hit his head during the fall; if he walks strangely or seems unaware, this test will help determine if the nervous system has been damaged.
Step 3. Follow any instructions your vet gives you
Once the dog has received the first treatment and you are authorized to bring him home, the doctor will give you all the indications to treat him; you must strictly adhere to what he tells you, so that the animal can heal quickly and without consequences.
- If your faithful friend has to take medications, respect the dosage carefully; make sure he takes all the medicine you give him by mouth.
- Arrange to change the bandages as needed.
- It may be necessary to apply ice or a hot pack to the injured area.
- Make sure your dog rests and is as active as possible while recovering.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid the Falls
Step 1. Keep your car windows closed
If your dog likes to drive with you, this simple precaution keeps him safe. While most people wouldn't dare jump out of a moving car, dogs may not be so cautious - so keep the windows raised enough to prevent your four-legged friend from jumping out while you're behind the wheel.
- You can also consider purchasing a dog-specific seat belt so that it stays safe on car journeys.
- Consider locking the power windows as well, as your dog may be able to accidentally open them.
- Don't leave it in your car alone with the windows closed on a hot day; core temperature can rise to fatal levels.
Step 2. Always leave your house windows closed
The open ones represent a very common risk of falling among dogs, because the animals can reach them and jump over them. Your four-legged friend can always try to escape, even if mosquito nets are installed, with the risk of some dangerous falls; all windows that it can potentially reach must be closed properly.
Step 3. Keep it away from areas where it could fall
If there are dangerous environments in your home, you must prevent them from entering so that they remain safe.
- Steep stairways, open lofts without railings, and balconies are some examples of places in the house where the dog could fall off.
- Make sure the doors to these areas remain closed.
- You can purchase a pet gate to block access to stairs or exiting doors.
- Never keep your little friend in an area of the house where there is a risk of falls.
Step 4. Take him to the vet if he falls for no reason
If you see him stumbling and falling for no apparent cause, you must have him examined as soon as possible; it could be an indication of potential diseases that your doctor is able to diagnose and for which he can offer you various treatments.
- Inner ear disease or ear infection can cause him to lose his balance.
- Brain tumors, which are more common in older dogs, can also be the cause of some falls.
Advice
- Keep calm and examine your dog carefully after a fall.
- Tell your vet any details about the dynamics of the accident and if you have noticed any injuries.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when your dog is ready to go home with you.
Warnings
- If he wags his tail after a fall, don't assume he's not injured - these animals don't always show pain or injury openly.
- When in pain, the animal can be made to bite more easily, even if you are its owner; move with caution when near an injured dog.
- After an injury, don't waste time and take him to the vet right away.
