Various factors can create a puncture wound, from little things like splinters and stickers that tear the skin to more significant injuries like animal attacks and gunfire wounds. They almost usually become infected despite outward appearances, causing severe underlying issues.
Prevalent Injuries in Dogs
When your dog has been injured in an accident or tangle, recognizing the injury will aid you in treating it and provide your veterinarian with the details they require to assist (if you think vet treatment is necessary). While understanding first aid procedures will help you handle minor canine injuries, it’s essential to be familiar with the names and features of typical wound types in case your dog has an injury that needs veterinarian care.
Keep reading to learn about the most common dog injuries and their potential consequences for your pet.
Lacerations and Abrasions
These wounds are usually known as cuts and scrapes and are regularly seen in dogs and cats. Regarding wound care, minor cuts and scrapes generally heal on their own or with minimal treatment, but severe injuries may require surgery from an animal urgent care facility. Your pet may have gotten them through stepping on something sharp, such as glass shards, metal shards, or perhaps the claws of another animal.
The wound’s appearance and possible consequences differ greatly depending on the underlying cause. A cut might have smooth, straight edges or jagged edges. Infection is more likely to happen if the material (dirt, metal, fabric) is present in the cut from the item that caused it.
Oral Injury
Dogs generally injure their mouths when they try to nibble on something they shouldn’t. Bones, antlers, and hooves can wound teeth, gums, the tongue, and other soft tissues. Occasionally, bones become stuck in the gums or teeth around the lower jaw or canine teeth. Getting hurt is possible even from doing something as harmless as biting a stick or twig. Veterinarians routinely see dogs with objects inserted in the roofs of their jaws.
Dogs can cause painful mouth wounds by attacking each other in a battle. Medication can treat minor dental injuries, including scrapes and cuts. Oral surgery and cold laser therapy from animal hospitals like Best Friends Veterinary Hospital can alleviate the discomfort of a busted tooth or other mouth injuries if the damage is severe enough.
Bite Wounds
One of the most prevalent types of dog injuries is a bite wound. Animal fights, whether between dogs, cats, or other species, are a typical cause. Although growling and snarling are commonplace early indicators of canine aggression, biting is commonly the final resort. When an animal is about to bite, it will generally give you some warning so you can avoid getting hurt.
Bites can spread infection; thus, they need to be treated medically. Furthermore, attack wounds can potentially spread rabies, specifically if the animal that bit you was wild or had not been vaccinated. Sutures may be essential to close an injury in more extreme conditions. That’s why keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccines is vital to remain healthy and free from harm. If your canine companion has not yet been immunized, you can click here to arrange an appointment with a vet for their vaccination.
Bottomline
Large dogs, specifically, are like miniature soldiers. They are robust and able to stand up to the difficulties of their trips. Call your vet quickly if you learn or believe your dog has endured the above injuries. A specialist’s guidance is needed for any significant action to be taken.
