8 Common Pet Injuries

Pets behave like kids in so many ways and are a unique part of our family. They are fun-loving creatures who enjoy playing, running, and jumping. However, our furry friends, just like us, sometimes get hurt, and it’s good to know how to differentiate between something serious and one that’s not.

Here are some of the most common dog injuries that you should always keep in mind:

1. Abscesses, Bites, and Punctures

Puncture and bite wounds can both lead to abscesses in cats and dogs. Puncture wounds can be caused by running into a broken stick or branch, stepping on sharp objects like a nail, and fights with other animals. If, for whichever reason, there’s a puncture penetrating deeply into your pet’s abdomen or chest, consider it as a medical emergency for immediate attention.

Your pet can also suffer a significant injury on the mouth, eyes, blood vessels, and carotid artery due to such accidents.

2. Insect Stings or Bites

Bites on pets like ticks and bee stings are some of the common causes of bite reactions in pets. Bites range in severity from a mild to serious condition.
Always see your veterinary for treatment if your furry friend develops any of the severe symptoms of insect stings.

3. Fractures

Fractures usually happen in pets due to trauma. This can happen by being struck by a vehicle or jumping from a height. The impact, age, and location of the injury determine the severity of the fracture. It’s always important to take your pet to a veterinarian if you suspect a fracture on your pet.

4. Torn Nails

A broken toenail can be quite painful and potentially expensive for our pets. It’s also one of the most common injuries that pets suffer. Accidents happen in the oddest places. If your furry friend has a torn nail, here’s what you can do before visiting the veterinary:

Special dog clothes may be required in case of torn nails as the pain of it is very intense.
In case the nail has completely torn off, wait until the bleeding stops. Ensure that you soak the foot in Epsom salts twice daily to aid in the healing process.
You will need to book an appointment if the nail is still attached for further assessment.
If the nail is not attached, you must keep a close watch for any infection. In case you notice some discharge or foul smell, do not hesitate to take your pet to the veterinarian.

5. Foreign Object Ingestion

The ingestion of foreign objects (pretty much anything that isn’t food) is another common occurrence by pets. This can be potentially life-threatening, especially because some of the objects can remain in the stomach for longer periods, even months.

If the foreign body has successfully managed to move down the colon, it might pass easily. However, defecating a sharp object may be difficult and painful. This will require the assistance of the veterinary to avert any severe damages to the internal tissues.

6. Drug Overdose or Toxicity

As a pet owner, you dread seeing your furry friend suffer pain. Naturally, you’ll want to lessen your pet’s pain if it’s experiencing discomfort or pain. But before swinging into action, keep in mind that common medications used for kids or adults can be toxic or fatal to your pet.

While some over-the-counter medicines are used to treat pets, some can be deadly, even in small doses. Always store away medications out of reach of pets, and if you suspect your dog has swallowed any medications, reach out for medical assistance immediately.

7. Plant Toxicity

If you’re fond of keeping houseplants around, it’s time to seriously check what’s growing inside and around your home. Many common garden and houseplants can be toxic, even deadly, to pets like cats and dogs.

Always take into consideration the kind of plant you should buy when planning a garden or decorating your home. Taking this step will prevent toxicity dangers and create a healthy and safe environment for your pet to live in.

8. Fractured Tooth or Oral Trauma

Did you know your pets can fracture their teeth? Your pet will often damage the carnassial tooth, back molars, or the larger upper premolar when they chew on hard objects like wire kennels.

The animal may also experience blunt trauma by fetching a stick or getting hit by a car.

Here are symptoms of a tooth fracture:

Chewing on one side of the mouth
Drooling
A swollen lump under the eye that may indicate an oral abscess
Lack of appetite

If you suspect your pet has a tooth fracture, seek medical help immediately.

Final Thoughts

Always call your veterinarian immediately when you notice these common injuries on your pet. Pets can’t say what’s wrong, so as a pet owner, it’s essential to know what’s normal for your dog.