Dogs don't stop for a minute. They like to run, jump, walk and so many other activities that use up energy. Sometimes, however, these pets end up twisting one of their paws. The injury could be a simple injury or even a broken leg.
Below, we have gathered important information on how to act in case of an injured dog's paw. Thus, you manage to act correctly and guarantee the well-being of your pet. Follow!
Dog sprained paw. And now?
After the torsion, the dog cries and cannot support the affected paw on the ground. He may also experience difficulty walking and limp for a few days.
Has your dog sprained its paw? So he needs some special care. Check out:
1 – Evaluate your dog
Take a moment to analyze your puppy. Note which leg he is limping on and try to touch the limb. If he sprained his paw, he probably won't let you touch the area. On the other hand, if it's a shard of glass or a thorn, he'll just complain after touching it.
A severely injured paw is usually swollen, warm, and red.
2 – Find out why
Excess effort, falling and being run over are some causes of torsion in the paw. The puppy suffers from a dislocation or fracture because his ligaments are torn.
Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers , are more vulnerable to patellar luxation. This problem is triggered by trauma to the kneecap, a small bone that exists in the anterior part of the knee.
The dog is not always limping because he twisted his paw. The animal may have stepped on a sharp object during the walk and hurt the foot pads.
Long nails could also have injured the dog in some way. Examine the pet's paws and see if there's nothing wrong.
3 – Prevent the dog from getting hurt more
During the recovery period, the animal may sprain the leg again and go back to limping. To avoid this problem, don't encourage him to run or jump. Only take light walks to get over the injury.
4 – Do not give medication on your own
Avoid giving your pet medication on your own. Anti-inflammatories prescribed for muscle pain in humans can be toxic to dogs. Doses of Diclofenac for three days, for example, can kill the dog.
5 – Look for a veterinarian
If your dog is in pain or limps for several days, see a veterinarian. The professional will perform tests to understand the cause of the problem and thus indicate the best treatment.
Dog limping. What can it be?
Did your dog show up limping? So know that this symptom is not always the result of a fracture or accident. The animal may be suffering from hip dysplasia, a very common disease in medium and large dogs. This disease impairs the pet's movements.
How to find out if the dog has broken its paw?
If you don't stay with your pet all the time, it may probably suffer a fall or minor accident without you noticing. In this case, the recommendation is to observe the dog's behavior.
When the dog breaks his paw, he avoids supporting his limbs on the ground, as he feels a lot of pain. He may also bark, cry and lick the injured area. Anyway, with his paw broken, his furry friend can't do anything.
At the slightest sign of serious injury, look for a Veterinary Hospital to obtain first aid. While waiting for care, try to keep the dog calm and quiet, so that it does not further compromise the injury.
In case of bleeding in the fracture, the recommendation is always to contain the flow of blood with a clean cloth, taking care not to make movements that could make the fracture even more difficult to treat.
If the animal has a more aggressive behavior, be sure to put a muzzle on it before going to the veterinarian.