If your dog falls, it’s important to know if it’s an emergency or not so that you will see if you need to bring them to an urgent pet clinic.
In some cases, your pet seems fine after a fall but may have developed an injury that is not immediately apparent. So it’s always best to seek professional medical advice after your dog has fallen just to be on the safe side.
What Causes Dogs to Fall?
There are many reasons why dogs may fall, such as:
- A medical condition like seizures, vertigo, or vestibular disease.
- Because they were chasing after something and lost their balance.
- Older dogs may fall because of arthritis or muscle weakness.
- Dogs can also fall if they jump from a high place such as a window or off of a bed.
- Sometimes, they may even fall into the water too deep for them.
When Is a Dog Fall an Emergency?
There are a few warning signs that you should watch out for after your dog falls. If your dog is showing any of these signs, then you should take them immediately to the vet for a check-up:
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to stand up or walk
- Excessive bleeding
- Symptoms of pain such as whining or yelping
- Pale gums
If your dog doesn’t show any of these signs, you should still observe them for any changes in their behavior or appearance over the next few days. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your vet.
At the Vet Clinic or Hospital
When you bring your dog to the vet, they will likely do a full physical examination. They may also order X-rays or computed tomography to check for internal injuries or bleeding.
Once they have diagnosed your dog’s condition, the vet will let you know if they need to be hospitalized or can go home. If your dog has a severe injury, they may require surgery. Visit this link to learn more about soft tissue surgery.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Falling
There are some things that you can do to help prevent your dog from falling, such as:
- Making sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and routine check-ups so that any underlying health conditions can be detected and treated.
- Keeping them at a healthy weight to avoid joint problems and muscle weakness.
- Exercising them regularly to maintain their muscle strength and coordination.
- Avoiding giving them table scraps or food that may be harmful to them.
- If your dog is elderly, talk to your vet about ways to help them with any age-related issues such as arthritis.
- You should also create a safe environment for your dog by keeping things like toxic chemicals, electrical cords, and stairs out of their reach.
To Sum Up
If your dog falls, it’s important to assess the situation and see if it’s an emergency or not. In some cases, your dog may seem fine but have hidden injuries. If your dog displays any signs of pain, excessive bleeding, or inability to stand up, take them to the vet immediately.
Otherwise, observe them for changes in behavior or appearance over the next few days and call your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
