Pets can hurt themselves. Whether your dog has been frolicking in the snow or has simply slipped on the way to their food bowl, you might notice that they've acquired a little bit of a limp. But it can be difficult to determine whether you want to commit to an expensive emergency vet bill -- especially if your pet doesn't really seem to be in any pain. Here are some ways you can determine whether your pet's injury is severe enough to warrant an emergency treatment.
Check Your Pet's Paws
Many limps are simply a consequence of a pup getting something stuck between their toes. Look very carefully at your pet to make sure that there isn't something wedged under their claws or in their fur. Use a wet paper towel against your pet's paw pad to identify any scratches, nicks, or piercings -- it's important that it be wet, so a scab will slightly dissolve. If you see any blood, you'll want to take a closer look. If there is anything embedded in your pet's paw, like a thorn, it's time to go to the vet.
Test Your Pet's Reaction
Is your dog whimpering when you flex their joint? Can they move their joint and their paw? If so, you need to go to the vet immediately -- the injury is significant. If your pet cannot move their joints on their own, it's likely that there is a fracture or a break. If they are pulling their leg away and limping very badly, they're in somewhat substantial pain. Dogs, like other pack animals, tend to hide their injuries fairly well.
See If It Gets Better
If your dog doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain, you can observe them for an hour or two. If they are slowly putting more weight on their leg, then it's getting better; it was probably just a sprain or a pulled muscle. If they appear to be getting worse instead, it may be a torn tendon, ligament, or something more severe. In these situations, it's best to take them to the vet immediately, because they may need treatment to heal properly.
Of course, just because your pet doesn't need emergency treatment doesn't mean that they don't need treatment at all. If your pet continues to limp for a few days, you should make an appointment with your regular vet. Sometimes pets themselves don't realize how badly they are injured, so they may not be reacting significantly to a fairly serious injury. Contact a company like Bay Street Pet Suite Hotel & Day Spa for more info.
Share13 January 2017
Hello, my name is Katrina, and I love my dog. We live out in the country, so he is able to run a lot. He even has neighboring dogs who come to see him and play. However, fresh air and exercise are not the only things he needs. He also needs a healthy diet, the right shots, and care for his mental health. If you are a pet owner, you will love the tips that I plan to include in this blog. I'm going to focus these posts on everything you need to know to keep your dog happy and healthy. I hope these ideas help you, and I wish you and your pet many years of happiness and good health together.