What To Do If The Dog Has A Fracture?

Falls, hits and being run over are the main causes of broken bones in dogs. However, not all are the same. If they are severe, the animal needs to receive adequate treatment, or it may die.

How to act when the dog is fractured

If the owner of the animal does not have prior knowledge of first aid, he can simply immobilize the injured area  with a magazine or newspaper, tying or sealing the area around the injured extremity. However, it is essential to take him to the vet as soon as possible and try to move the dog very little during transport there.

If you don’t know the correct way to immobilize the area or don’t feel sure how to act because you don’t have the basic knowledge on how to bandage the extremity, it is recommended to do nothing. One reason is that you run the risk of further injuring the area.

Also,  joint fractures below the elbow or knee are more likely to get worse if you move the dog. 

It’s important to keep in mind that you  may see your pet unconscious after it breaks. In these cases, it’s a good idea to carry him with his head up and not bend or pinch his neck. That way you’ll prevent him from swallowing his tongue and not being able to breathe. In addition, we will reduce the danger of injuries in the cervical region.

When we suspect that there is a fracture or a dislocation, the veterinarian should listen to the dog and it is not recommended to give the animal any food or drink,  as it is likely that it will have to be anesthetized, as it will undergo a simple review or , in the most serious cases, should be operated.

veterinary emergencies

It is essential to act quickly when taking the dog to the veterinarian. It may be that the accident occurs over the weekend or during a holiday, but there are clinics that have an emergency service and are available 24 hours a day.

In addition, many centers have ambulances to pick up wounded animals urgently. It’s important to know that even if the external fracture doesn’t seem to matter much,  there is a possibility that he has internal injuries,  which can be much more serious.

According to specialists,  fractures caused in flat bones heal on their own,  but those that are located in long bones, such as the femur, breaking the tissues, are more serious. Also, in some cases it is necessary to undergo surgery or a plaster similar to a plaster, to immobilize the area for a month or longer.

How to prevent dog fractures

The most effective way to prevent fractures in dogs is to avoid accidents that cause trauma. There are some places that present more danger or potential risk, such as gutters, sewers, manholes, etc., places where accidents can occur more frequently. There are even animals that fall through the window, put one of their paws in a place and it gets stuck, and ends up fracturing.

If there is a garden in your house, you must ensure that there are no places where the animal could have an accident. The holes must be covered, as your feet can get trapped. If you have a dog that likes to lean out of the window and is nervous and active, or it is a puppy, it is advisable to lock all the windows or put up ledges to prevent the pet from falling.

In addition, being  run over is a significant source of fractures for our canine friends, being a constant risk to their lives. To avoid these incidents, you must monitor them at all times. The pet may run away and get run over on a nearby road or fall into a ravine or a well.

Some cases of dogs at greater risk of fractures

• It is more common in larger dogs. From the age of 10, they have a greater risk of breaking a bone and their fractures take longer to heal. Lack of calcium, due to their age, delays fracture repair.

• Decalcification and osteoporosis. In these cases, the bones are weaker and any hit can lead to a fracture.
• Dynamic, active dogs and puppies. Especially when our friend goes out into the garden, he must be carefully watched so that he doesn’t fall or hit anything.