Introduction
This article will examine whether dogs can survive falls from two-story heights and what factors affect their chance of survival. We’ll look at the typical height of a two-story fall, the types of injuries dogs may sustain, mortality rates, first aid after a fall, veterinary care needed, the recovery process, and how to prevent falls. The goal is to provide dog owners with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect if their dog falls from an upper level.
Height of a Typical Two-Story Fall
The height of a typical two-story fall can vary, but generally ranges from 20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters) in height. According to sources, a typical two-story house is around this tall when measuring from the ground to the roof (Source 1, Source 2). This accounts for both stories, plus the roof above. Building codes usually restrict residential homes to around 38 feet tall. So with two stories and a roof, the average height ends up in the 20-25 foot range for a standard two-story fall.
Factors That Impact Fall Severity
There are several factors that influence how severe a two-story fall may be for a dog. Some of the main considerations include the dog’s weight, age, and body type, as well as the landing surface and how the dog lands.
Larger and heavier dogs will generally experience more traumatic injuries from a two-story fall compared to smaller, lighter dogs. Their greater mass and momentum creates more force upon impact with the ground. Older dogs tend to be more fragile and susceptible to broken bones and other orthopedic injuries. Certain body types like long-backed dogs may also be prone to back injuries from falls.
The surface the dog lands on is a major determinant of injury severity. Falling onto grass, soil, mulch or other soft surfaces provides more cushioning and dissipates impact compared to hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Landing on an angled surface can also direct some of the impact force rather than the full brunt hitting straight on.
How the dog lands and orients its body during the fall affects severity as well. Landing feet-first while upright allows the legs to absorb some shock as they bend. But landing on the side, back or head can transmit the full impact force through the body, increasing risk of traumatic injuries. An uncontrolled fall where the dog is flailing is more dangerous than if the dog can right itself and land in a more stable position.
Most Common Injuries
Dogs that fall from a two-story height are at risk for a variety of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Concussion or head trauma. Falls can result in head injuries that range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, and imbalance or dizziness.
- Fractures. Falls frequently lead to broken bones, especially in the legs, pelvis, or spine. Signs can include an inability to walk or use the limbs, obvious deformity, and swelling and bruising.
- Spinal Injuries. Falls can fracture vertebrae or even sever the spinal cord. This can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Chest and lung injuries. Hard impact from a fall may bruise lungs or even cause them to collapse. This leads to labored breathing.
- Abdominal trauma. Falls can bruise internal organs like the spleen and liver. There may be internal bleeding.
Injuries from high falls are often severe. Even if the injuries are not immediately life-threatening, they may lead to chronic pain or disability if not properly treated.
Mortality Rates
Dogs can suffer serious injuries from falls, but deaths from a typical two-story fall are relatively rare. According to one study published in PubMed, the mortality rate for dogs suffering a two-story fall is around 5-6% (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35650712/). The vast majority, around 90-95% of dogs, will survive a two-story fall when given proper emergency veterinary care. However, the injuries sustained may still be serious and require extensive treatment. Smaller dogs are more at risk of dying from a fall than larger, heavier breeds. Overall though, dogs are remarkably resilient animals and can survive falls from heights that would likely be fatal to humans.
First Aid After a Fall
If your dog falls from a height, it is crucial to provide immediate first aid care while you assess the severity of injuries. According to VCA Hospitals, the first step is to check if your dog is breathing and carefully monitor their heartbeat. If breathing seems labored or slow, open their mouth to check for blockages, and clear the airway if needed. Be very gentle moving your dog, as you do not want to exacerbate any injuries.
Check for signs of shock or internal bleeding, like pale gums, weakness, agitation, or abdomen swelling. Apply a sterile bandage with light pressure to any bleeding wounds to stop blood loss. Do not try to splint broken bones yourself. Use a blanket to keep your dog warm until you can get them to the vet. It is also important to keep your dog calm and stable until veterinary care can be provided.
While falls can sometimes look worse than they actually are if your dog lands correctly, any fall from a 2-story height warrants an immediate trip to the vet according to WikiHow. Even if your dog seems fine at first, there may be underlying injuries that need professional treatment. It is always better to be overly cautious when dealing with potential trauma from falls.
Veterinary Care Needed
After a fall from a two-story height, it is crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible, even if no injuries are apparent. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam to check for wounds, pain, limb function, and neurological deficits. They have access to diagnostics that pet owners do not have at home to evaluate injuries.
Diagnostic tests the veterinarian may perform include:
- Radiographs (X-rays) to check for broken bones or internal injuries
- Ultrasound to look for damage to abdominal organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys
- CT scan if head trauma is suspected to check for brain injury
- Bloodwork to check for anemia and organ function
Based on the diagnostic results, the veterinarian will determine the appropriate treatment plan. This may include:
- Immobilizing broken bones with casts or splints
- Surgery to repair fractures, control internal bleeding, or remove injured organs
- IV fluids and medication to maintain blood pressure and prevent shock
- Hospitalization and supportive care if the injuries are severe
While home first aid is important, professional veterinary care is essential for the best chance at recovery after a two-story fall. Diagnostic testing and treatment options available at the veterinary clinic simply cannot be replicated at home.
Recovery Process
The recovery process for a dog after surviving a two-story fall varies significantly depending on the types and severity of injuries. According to PetMD, minor soft tissue injuries like sprains may heal within 2-4 weeks with strict rest and pain management. More severe injuries like fractures require 4-8 weeks in a cast to heal properly. Surgeries like ACL repairs need 8-12 weeks of restricted activity for the best outcome.
For leg fractures, the overall recovery timeline is often 6-12 weeks depending on the location and complexity of the break (Benefab Products). The initial healing phase when the bone starts fusing can take 2-4 weeks. After the bone has fused, the recovery focuses on rebuilding muscle mass and flexibility which can take a few more months.
With physical therapy and strict adherence to veterinary guidelines, most dogs can return to normal activity within 3-6 months after a major fall. However, full recovery to pre-injury status may take over 6 months or more for more severe injuries like ligament tears or complicated fractures (Canine Fitness Centre). Close monitoring by a veterinarian is essential throughout the multi-stage healing process.
Preventing Falls
There are several key safety tips pet owners can follow to help prevent dangerous high-rise falls for dogs:
- Install secure screens or barriers on all windows and balconies. This provides an additional layer of protection in case your dog jumps up. Screens should be made of sturdy material that can withstand force.
- Keep furniture away from windows, balconies, and stairwells so dogs have no surfaces to use to gain height and potentially jump. Create at least a 3-4 foot buffer zone.
- Never leave dogs unattended on balconies, even for a few minutes. It only takes seconds for a fall to occur. If on a balcony, keep your dog leashed and with you at all times.
- Avoid having dangling items near windows or balconies that might interest or excite your dog. This includes curtains, blinds or bird feeders.
- Use baby gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs, and close doors to rooms with balcony or stair access.
- Consider installing Plexiglas extensions around balconies to reduce open gaps that could allow a fall.
- Place carpeting or non-slip surfaces on hard floors, stairs, and balconies to improve traction.
- Keep dogs leashed when outside on walks to prevent them from scaling or jumping off retaining walls, fences or other raised surfaces.
Taking preventative measures is key to avoiding high-rise falls that can seriously injure or kill a beloved pet. Be sure to dog-proof your home and balcony by eliminating fall risks.
According to https://toegrips.com/prevent-dog-falls-slipping-stairs-floors/, installing non-slip surfaces can help give dogs better traction and grip to avoid slips on smooth floors that could lead to falls. Always supervise dogs on balconies and use secure harnesses and leashes when outside. Prevention is the best way to avoid traumatic high-rise falls.
Conclusion
Falling from a two-story height can definitely be dangerous and potentially life-threatening for dogs. However, many dogs do survive these falls, especially when they receive prompt veterinary care. The extent of injuries depends on factors like the dog’s size, weight, age, and the landing surface. Small dogs face higher risks than larger, heavier ones. Concrete, tile, or wood surfaces increase injury severity versus grass or bush landings. Mortality rates from two-story falls range from about 2-5% on average. With immediate first aid and urgent veterinary treatment, most dogs can fully recover. While prevention is ideal, try not to panic if your dog does fall. Know what to look for, when to seek emergency vet care, and how to care for your dog during recovery.
The key takeaways are:
- Many dogs survive two-story falls, but injuries can be serious
- Mortality rates average around 2-5%
- Size, weight, age, and landing surface impact severity
- Watch for injuries like internal bleeding, fractures, trauma
- Provide first aid, seek emergency vet care ASAP
- With treatment and time, full recovery is likely
- Try to prevent falls; supervise dogs on balconies, stairs, etc.