What happens if my dog breaks his back?

Your dog is a part of your family, and you don’t want anything to ever happen to her. Unfortunately, illness and injury can occur in dogs just like it can in humans, even when you are very careful with your furry friend.

Broken bones are just one of the many problems that can afflict dogs, and they are sadly more common than you might think.

Dogs are most likely to suffer a broken bone due to an impact (such as being struck by a vehicle) or a fall. However, puppies, older dogs, and those with other health conditions may be more prone to breaking bones due to mundane causes as well. Very small dogs can even suffer a broken bone if they’re stepped or tripped on by a human.

In this article, you’ll learn the basics of what to do when your dog breaks a bone. Read through this information to prepare yourself so you’ll know how to respond if this ever occurs.

Remain Calm

Your dog is scared and in pain, and you’re likely scared, too. However, you need to stay calm enough to handle the situation until your dog has been seen and treated by the vet.

Most broken bones are obvious. They will fracture through the skin and may be a very bloody mess. If you see this, you’ll know your dog has a broken bone.

It Might Be An Internal Break

However, some broken bones occur internally and never break the skin. If you notice your dog whining or yelping when part of her body is touched, if there is unexplained swelling in your dog’s body, or if she refuses to walk on a certain leg no matter what, she may have a broken bone.

Try to Move Your Dog to a Safe Location Indoors

Move your dog to a safe, indoor location. Understand that she is in pain and is very likely to bite. She may also be in shock, depending on the severity of the injury. Be careful when trying to move her.

Call The Emergency Vet Right Away

If you think your dog has broken a bone, she’ll need to be assessed and treated by a professional right away. Your vet will likely schedule an emergency visit for you, but understand that you may need to wait a while to be seen if the vet is booked up for the day already.

Write down as much information as you can remember about the cause of the broken bone. Was it a fall? Was your dog struck by something? Is there a possibility of other injuries, or is this the only one?

Don’t Play Veterinarian

Do not try to set the bone, and do not try to put any creams, ointments, or sprays on the injury. Your vet will handle all of this. If you try to do it, your dog may become more agitated and could bite you.

If your dog is bleeding significantly, you may need to wrap the injury carefully with a clean towel or old shirt and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Many dogs will need to be muzzled in order for you to do this, as the pain will cause them to bite.

Get Help in Transporting Your Dog

If at all possible, bring someone with you who can help you on the way to the vet. Your dog should be kept warm on the way, and the broken bone should be elevated as much as it can be.

What The Emergency Vet Will Do

The vet will assess your dog and the extent of her injuries. Based on many factors, the vet will suggest either having the bone repaired, setting the bone, or in very severe cases, amputating the limb.

Very likely, your dog will need x-rays of the injured area to assess the type and extent of the fracture. They may also need to be sedated and/or given pain control to have this done.

Your dog will need a series of medications, including anti-inflammatory medication, pain control, antibiotics, and more. This will help the wound heal and will also prevent infections throughout the process.

Recovery Time for a Broken Dog Bone

After your dog’s bone has been repaired, she will need a lot of time to recover. She will be fitted for a cast and will potentially need physical therapy to get back to normal.

Your dog should not be allowed to run, jump, or play until she has healed. However, she should be walked and exercised gently according to the vet or physical therapist’s recommendations.

Your vet may also instruct you to place cold packs on the dog’s injury or regularly offer a gentle massage. If your vet tells you to do these things, be sure to keep up with them. However, if you aren’t told to try these treatments by your vet, then it’s best to just let the bone heal on its own without intervention.

It will likely take a couple of months for your dog’s bone to heal. Depending on the severity of the injury, she may be able to have the cast removed sooner than this, or she may need to leave it on longer.

With the cast on, your dog will likely also need a cone (e-collar) to prevent her from licking or chewing on the cast. While this may make her unhappy, it is critical to prevent damage to the cast or having her eat something that she should not.

Your dog will not be happy about wearing a cast when she starts to feel better, so spend extra time loving on her to help her feel as comfortable as possible.

Veterinary Emergency Group Can Help

When your dog breaks a bone, it can be very difficult to stay calm and stop panicking. However, if the broken bone is the only issue, keep in mind that your dog is very likely to make a full recovery with the help of an emergency vet like VEG.

You will need to carefully follow all of the guidelines your vet gives you to help your dog recover, and you may need to give her medication for some time to help her manage the pain. Your vet may also instruct you to keep an eye out for symptoms of arthritis in the broken bone after it heals.

Broken bones are not the most common dog injury, but they still occur frequently. Armed with the information above, you’ll be prepared to help your dog through the healing process if she ever breaks a bone.

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The only thing better than a trip to the beach is a trip to the beach with your pup! If you’re planning an excursion with your four-legged family member, check out our 7 dog beach tips to increase their safety (without taking away the fun). While it might seem silly to expect any dangers at the beach of all places, there are a few things that could put your dog’s health at risk.

We’ll discuss those risks below, and provide some helpful dog beach tips to minimize those risks. Read on to make your dog’s day at the beach the best one ever!

Common Hazards for Dogs at the Beach

Before discussing the best dog beach tips to help keep them safe, it’s important that you’re made aware of some of the dangers that can be present at the beach. The following beach hazards can be easily taken for granted. Keep them in mind when you’re planning a beach trip with your canine!

Hot Sun

A hot, sunny day is the best kind of day for the beach, but it also puts your pet at risk for heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. Dogs that are overweight and dogs with flat noses (like English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies) are especially prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Hot Sand

Hot sand can severely burn your pet’s paw pads. Walking on hot sand can also raise your pet’s body temperature and put them at risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Sharp Objects in the Sand

Depending on the beach you go to, the sand might be concealing some sharp objects, such as stones, shells, glass, and/or twigs.

Eating Sand

Some dogs just like to eat everything. If your pup often acts like a furry vacuum cleaner, they might try to eat the sand, which can become impacted in their intestines.  

Dehydration

Unless your pet has fresh water available to them while they’re at the beach, they could be at risk for dehydration. Hot sun, hot sand, and no water to drink can quickly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Strong Currents

Your dog might be a champion swimmer, but even they could be at risk for drowning if they encounter a strong current. Rip currents are especially dangerous, for animals and humans alike.

7 Dog Beach Tips to Protect Your Pup

You know the risks. Now, here’s what you can do to make your pet’s day at the beach as safe and enjoyable as possible! Review these dog beach tips and plan your excursion accordingly!

7 dog beach tips to keep in mind include:

1. Bring Along Plenty of Fresh Water

Think about how long you and your pet will be hanging out at the beach, and bring enough fresh water to sustain you both for the duration (and then some, if you decide to stay longer). Your dog needs to stay hydrated—and ocean or lake water is unsafe for their consumption.

2. Invest in Pet-Friendly Sunscreen

That’s right—dogs benefit from sunscreen, too, especially if they have light, fine fur and pinkish skin. Sunburn can affect your pup’s nose, ears, and other areas where hair is sparse.

3. Have a Source of Shade Available for Your Pup

Another dog beach tip to consider is to make sure that there are areas of shade for your dog to go into in order to help escape the sun.

Dogs can overheat quickly on a warm day, and at the beach, the sun’s heat is amplified. Help your pup stay cool by bringing along a large umbrella, or make sure to find a place under an awning or tree where your pet can get a break from the sun.

4. Keep Your Dog Leashed (If Required)

Does your beach have leash rules? Make sure to follow them. Unleashed pets can cause trouble, especially if there are lots of people and other dogs around. Plus, being leashed can prevent your dog from potentially being attacked by another dog or stealing sweets from someone’s picnic.

Also, keeping your pet leashed can prevent them from running into the water and possibly swimming out into strong currents.

5. Bring a Life Jacket for Your Pet

If the beach you’re visiting allows dogs in the water, one of the most important dog beach tips is to make sure your pet has a lifejacket (in their size). Even natural swimmers like Labradors can be at risk of drowning, so be sure to suit up your pup before they dive in, and stick with them to keep them safe.  

6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can affect dogs even under conditions milder than a typical summer’s day. Overexertion and insufficient water intake can quickly overwhelm your pet.

If you see any of these signs, your pup might be in danger of dog heatstroke and they should see a vet or emergency vet as soon as possible:

• Drooling (and saliva is thick and heavy)
• Panting heavily (a sign your pet is trying hard to cool off)
• Acting disoriented and confused
• Lethargic, weak
• Collapsing, unable to stand
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate

7. Protect Your Pet’s Feet with Booties

And now for our last (but no less important) dog beach tip! If your pup is likely to encounter hot sand or sharp objects at the beach, get dog booties in their size to protect their paws from cuts and burns. Consider trying them out before your beach excursion to make sure they fit, and to help your dog get comfortable with them.

Need More Dog Beach Tips? 

Veterinary Emergency Group is always happy to answer questions and help pet parents be amazing caregivers to their canines. We hope our dog beach tips come in handy when you start making your summer plans, but if you need more information, feel free to contact the VEG location nearest you! Our locations are open 24/7 for your convenience, and an emergency vet will always be there to answer your call and your questions.

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As wintertime rolls around, it’s important to learn how to keep your pet safe and protected during the colder months of the year. Winter can pose its own set of hazards for pets, so take time to brush up on the basics of pet safety at this time and learn about some winter pet safety tips to help prevent these hazards.

In the article below, you’ll find a few simple tips to help you protect your pets this winter. Take time to read through them all, and be sure to ask your vet if you have any more questions or concerns. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, or you’re unsure if emergency care is needed, you should always contact an emergency vet to make sure your pet gets the care they need.

Important Pet Safety Tips to Keep in Mind During the Winter Months

Below are 5 pet safety tips pet owners should know for the winter months:

Learn How to Recognize the Signs of Frostbite

If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors during the colder months, you should know how to recognize frostbite before it gets out of hand. When you bring your pet in from outdoors, wipe down her paws to remove any ice or snow, then check the paw pads and any other exposed skin on her body thoroughly for signs of frostbite.

Signs of frostbite include the skin turning gray, blue, or very pale as well as noticeable coldness to the touch. Your pet may show signs that she is in pain from the frostbite, and there may be visible blisters in more severe cases. In extreme cases, the skin may turn black and may be dying off.

You should take your pet to the emergency vet if you suspect frostbite so you can prevent the loss of skin tissue.

Keep Your Pet Away from Holiday Food

During the winter months, it is common for families to get together and celebrate a wide variety of holidays. However, it’s important for you to protect your pet by keeping her away from the holiday food. Household pets are sure to be interested in the food you’re cooking, but they do not need to share in it.

If you want your pet to be part of the holiday meal, consider buying a premade pet food blend designed to mimic holiday foods. You may also be able to feed your pet some plain, unseasoned, cooked protein and a couple of plain, cooked vegetables from your meal—but do your research first, based on the type of pet you have.

Be Mindful of Your Pet with Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations can be very enticing to some pets. Dogs, cats, and even pets like ferrets or rabbits may become interested in the décor and may try to play with it or eat it. When your pet is out in the house, supervise the way she interacts with the holiday decorations to make sure she remains safe.

Ingesting part of a holiday decoration can be extremely dangerous and even potentially fatal to your pet. If you think there is any chance your pet might have swallowed an item like this, don’t wait—take her to the emergency vet right away.

Do Not Force Your Pet to Walk on Ice or Snow Other Than for Quick Potty Breaks

If it is below freezing outside and there is a lot of snow or ice on the ground, do not make your pet walk on this cold surface more than she absolutely must for a potty break. If you do need to take your pet on a walk—for example, if you have a very energetic dog who needs to blow off some steam—consider pet booties to help protect her feet.

An important pet safety tip to keep in mind is to not keep your pet outside for too long in below-freezing temperatures, even if she does have on booties.

Have Backup Blankets in Case the Power Goes Out

If the power goes out in your home, you and your pets alike will need a way to stay warm. It’s a good idea to keep backup blankets for your pet so she can snuggle up in a comfortable, warm place in your house while she waits for the power to come back on again.

If you live in a very cold climate, you should also try to have a backup heat source, for your pet’s safety as well as for your own. If you cannot, however, lots of blankets and cuddling with each other can be useful as well.

Contact Us for Additional Winter Pet Safety Tips

As you can see, there are a lot of tips you should keep in mind when the weather turns cold. However, by taking time to prepare and paying close attention to your pet throughout the winter, you can make sure she remains healthy, happy, and safe all year long.

Be sure you keep information about your pet’s emergency vet handy, not just in the winter months. This way, if anything does happen to go wrong, you don’t have to panic trying to find contact information for the emergency vet in the middle of a crisis. Having this information handy can help you protect your pet even better than ever before.

For additional winter pet safety tips, or if you have a question regarding your pet’s health, contact our team at VEG. We have locations all over the country, with the majority of them being open 24/7 and all being open 24 hours on weekends and holidays. We care about your pet’s health as much as you do, so don’t wait. Call and speak to our experienced and caring emergency veterinarians now.