Assessing Your Dog After a Fall
If your dog has fallen from a height, it’s important to thoroughly assess them for any injuries. Look for obvious signs of injury like limping, crying out in pain, changes in behavior or appetite, or reluctance to move around. Gently feel along their legs, neck, back, and abdomen for any areas of swelling, cuts, bruising, or tenderness that may indicate an injury. Be especially careful feeling for any broken bones or unnatural bends in the legs that suggest a fracture. Also check paw pads for any cuts or embedded foreign objects.
Some signs of injury may not be immediately obvious, so you’ll want to continue monitoring your dog closely over the next 24 hours. Look for changes like increased lethargy, reduced appetite, restlessness, or licking at a certain area that may point to hidden trauma. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your dog after any kind of fall, especially if it was from a significant height. It’s better to be safe and catch injuries early on.
According to First Aid for Falls in Dogs – VCA Animal Hospitals, areas to check for injuries include legs, paws, head, neck, chest and abdomen. Feel gently for swelling, cuts, broken bones or other signs of trauma. Monitor for limping, changes in behavior or appetite. When in doubt, have your vet examine your dog after a fall from height.
When to Go to the Vet
If your dog has fallen from a height, it’s important to monitor them closely for any signs of injury or pain that may indicate a need for veterinary care. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, you should take your dog to the vet if there are obvious signs of injury after a fall, such as limping, crying, or changes in behavior that persist for more than a few hours (source). The WikiHow article recommends taking your dog to the vet immediately if it falls for no apparent reason, as this could signal an underlying medical issue.
Specifically, you should take your dog to the vet if:
- There are signs of limping, crying, or changes in behavior that last more than a few hours
- Your dog fell from a height over 4-5 feet
- Your dog fell on a hard surface like concrete or tile
- Your dog is stumbling or falling frequently for no reason
These signs may indicate injuries like fractures, concussions, or internal trauma, which require prompt veterinary assessment and treatment. It’s better to err on the side of caution and have your dog seen if you notice anything out of the ordinary after a fall from height.
Providing First Aid
If your dog seems able to move around after a fall, the first step is to encourage rest and restrict activity. Confine your dog to a crate or small room without furniture they could climb on to prevent further injury while they recover from the initial trauma of the fall. Limit walks and playtime for at least 24 hours so your dog can rest.
Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to any swollen areas like joints or limbs that took impact during the fall. Icing for 10-15 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and pain. Do this multiple times per day for the first 48 hours after the fall. Be sure to monitor your dog’s skin under the ice pack and remove it if the skin becomes very cold or irritated.
Check your dog’s body for any bleeding wounds from the fall and bandage these with clean gauze or a soft cloth. Apply gentle pressure to control bleeding and change bandages as needed. Keep wounds clean to avoid infection. Seek immediate veterinary care for any major bleeding that cannot be stopped with bandages.
Monitoring Your Dog
After a fall, it is important to monitor your dog closely over the next 24 hours for any changes that may indicate injury. Limiting food and water initially can help avoid vomiting if there is internal damage. Be sure to check your dog’s temperature periodically for fever, which could signal internal bleeding or other issues.
Look for signs like lethargy, weakness, or lameness that worsen over time. Your dog may seem normal initially after the fall but then decline later. According to the VCA, sometimes dogs appear fine after a fall but become lethargic and weak a day or two later. Internal bleeding can cause these delayed symptoms.
Also watch for labored breathing, pale gums, vomiting, loss of appetite, or crying/whining from pain that develops. Your dog’s abdomen should not be painful, swollen, or rigid. Monitor your dog’s bathroom habits as well. Difficulty urinating or defecating can indicate spinal or internal trauma.
Take your dog’s temperature a few times during the monitoring period. A temperature over 103 F could suggest internal issues. The VCA states to call your vet if the temperature exceeds 104 F. Fever, lethargy, and stomach distension are signs of possible internal injury after a fall.
According to WikiHow, check for injuries like limping, cuts, bruises, swelling, pain, or difficulty moving. Apply first aid as needed but call your vet regardless. Limit activity and confine your dog during the monitoring period. Rest is needed to heal any injuries.
Preventing Future Falls
One of the most important ways to prevent future falls is to restrict your dog’s access to high places in your home where they could potentially fall and injure themselves. According to BetterPet, using baby gates or crates can help keep your dog away from areas like stairs, balconies, or even high furniture. You can block off rooms or sections of the house with sturdy gates.
It’s also recommended to place cushy mats or dog beds on the floor if your dog does jump down from furniture, according to DogLab. This helps cushion their landing and prevents injury. Strategically place the mats anywhere your dog likes to jump down from elevated surfaces.
Installing secure screens on any open windows can also protect your dog from accidentally falling out. Make sure the screens are sturdy enough to prevent your dog from breaking through. It’s also wise to keep your dog on a leash when near ledges outside, advises Walkee Paws. This gives you control to prevent them from getting too close to an edge where they could potentially slip and fall.
With some simple preventative measures, you can help keep your dog safe and avoid dangerous falls around your home.
Treating Underlying Conditions
If your dog’s loss of balance and falling over is due to an underlying medical condition, treating that condition may help improve your dog’s stability and mobility. Some common underlying causes of falling include:
Vestibular Disease: This condition affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance. Treatment usually involves medications for nausea and inflammation. Most dogs recover fully in 2-3 weeks (Source).
Arthritis: Joint inflammation and pain from arthritis can make your dog unstable on their feet. Treatment may include joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, and low-impact exercise. This can help improve strength and stability (Source).
Intervertebral Disc Disease: Slipped discs or other spinal issues can affect coordination and balance. Treatment focuses on crate rest to allow healing, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Identifying and properly treating any underlying condition causing your dog to fall down is key to managing their symptoms and improving their mobility over time.
Providing Supportive Care
After a fall, your dog may need supportive care to help manage pain and assist with mobility. Here are some tips:
– Administer pain medication as needed. Your vet may prescribe medications to help control pain and inflammation. Be sure to give medications only as directed.
According to VCA Hospitals, “Your veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs like deracoxib (Deramaxx), carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), or tepoxalin (Zubrin) to relieve pain and inflammation.”
– Consider joint supplements. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and other joint supplements may help protect cartilage and support joint health as your dog recovers.
– Use slings or harnesses for assistance walking. For dogs that are struggling to walk after a fall, a sling or harness can provide much-needed support. Your vet can show you how to properly use these mobility aids.
According to WebMD, “The vet may use a bandage or brace to support the joint. If your dog moves too much or too soon after surgery, they could re-injure himself.” Be sure to follow your vet’s recovery plan.
When to Call the Vet Again
Even if your dog seems fine initially after a fall, it’s important to continue monitoring them closely over the next 48 hours for any changes. Here are some signs that you should call your vet:
- If limping or other mobility issues persist or worsen over 48 hours after the fall (see First Aid for Falls in Dogs – VCA Animal Hospitals)
- If your dog seems more lethargic than usual or has changes in appetite or bathroom habits (see Should I Call My Vet? Know When to Ask a Vet’s Opinion – AKC)
- If new concerning symptoms appear like vomiting, swelling, or crying in pain (see How to Tell if a Small Dog Is Okay After a Fall – WikiHow)
- If you have any worries at all about your dog’s recovery, it’s better to call your vet for guidance (see Should I Call My Vet? Know When to Ask a Vet’s Opinion – AKC)
Your vet can advise you on whether your dog needs to come in for an exam or if home monitoring is still appropriate. Don’t hesitate to call them with any concerns after a fall, as early treatment can prevent more serious injuries. Your vet would much rather have you call and ease your worries than wait and risk your dog’s health.
Long Term Outlook
Full recovery from an injury after a fall in dogs typically takes 4-6 weeks, though it depends on the severity of the injury. Less severe soft tissue injuries like strains or sprains may heal within 2-4 weeks with rest and restricted activity. More severe injuries involving fractures or internal trauma require more time, closer to 6 weeks or longer (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Physical therapy and rehab exercises can help dogs rebuild muscle strength and joint stability during recovery. This helps prevent future falls or injuries. Underlying medical conditions like arthritis or vestibular disease may require long-term management as well (Benefab Products). With proper care, most dogs make a complete recovery. However, severely injured or elderly dogs may continue to have mobility issues or pain long-term.
Preventing Falls in Elderly Dogs
As dogs age, their risk of falling increases. There are several things you can do to help prevent falls in elderly dogs:
Use ramps and provide traction on floors. Put ramps in place of stairs both inside and outside your home. This removes the need for your dog to attempt to climb up or down stairs. Also, make sure floors have good traction by using non-slip rugs and mats. Hardwood and tile floors can be very slippery for older dogs.
Keep rooms well lit. Ensure your dog can see clearly in all areas of the home by having adequate lighting. Use night lights or leave lights on to illuminate paths and prevent tripping hazards.
Maintain a healthy weight. An overweight dog will have more difficulty moving around and is at higher risk of falling. Consult your vet about an optimal weight for your senior dog and stick to the recommended feeding routine.
Monitor for developing issues. Keep an eye out for developing arthritis, muscle weakness, or neurological issues that may impact your dog’s mobility or balance. Address any emerging conditions proactively to reduce fall risk.
For more tips, see this guide on preventing falls in pets from the Ohio Department of Aging: https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/pets-and-falls