Just like human beings, pets can get hurt. Here are common pet injuries that you should be aware of and how to react when they happen.

Punctures, Bites, and Abscesses

Bite wounds or punctures can cause abscesses in pets. They can get puncture wounds if they fight with other animals, step on a sharp object, or run into a branch or broken stick. Consider it a medical emergency if the puncture penetrates deep into their chest or abdomen. Pets can also get severe injuries to their blood vessels, eyes, carotid artery, and mouth.

Bites or Insect Bites

Pets can have reactions to insect stings and bites. The bites can range from mild to severe. See your veterinary if your pet develops insect bite or sting symptoms.

Torn Nails

Broken toenails are among the common injuries experienced by pets. It can be painful and may be expensive. If your pet gets into an accident and gets a torn nail, you can do the following before taking them to a veterinarian:

• Wait till the bleeding stops if the nail gets torn off. Sock your pet’s foot in Epsom salts twice every day. Doing so will help with healing.

• Book an appointment at the veterinarian to further asses the nail if it is still attached.

• Keep checking for infection if the nail is not attached. Take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice a foul smell or discharge.

Fractures

Trauma can cause fractures in pets. Jumping from a high place or getting struck by a car can lead to fractures. The severity of the condition depends on the location of the injury, the impact, and age. Take your pet to your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a fracture.

Ingesting Foreign Objects

Ingesting anything that is not food can be life-threatening to most pets. Some of the foreign objects can stay inside the stomach for many months. If it manages to move down your pet’s colon, it has the potential to pass out successfully.

However, it can be difficult and painful to defecate sharp objects. You will need a veterinarian to help avert any dangers. The foreign object has the potential to harm internal tissues.

Plant Toxicity

Pet owners should check the plants they are growing inside or around their homes. It is always ideal to talk to an expert to know whether they are toxic to your pet. Most house and garden plants can be poisonous and even deadly to pets.

Toxicity or Drug Overdose

Seeing your pet suffer in pain can be torturous. You will want to do everything you can to take the pain away. But before swinging into action, you must know that medications that children and adults use are toxic and fatal to pets. While some over-the-counter medications can treat pets, some can cause death even in small doses.

Store your medications away from your furry friends. If you suspect your pet has swallowed any of them, seek medical assistance immediately.

Oral Trauma or Fractured Tooth

Your pet can damage teeth when chewing complex objects like wire kennels. They can fracture their larger upper premolar, back molars, or carnassial tooth. Pets can also experience blunt trauma when hit by a car or while fetching a stick.

You can know your pet has a tooth fracture if they have the following symptoms:

• Lack of appetite

• Drooling

• Chewing on one side of their mouth

• A swelling under the eye that may indicate the lump is an oral abscess

Seek medical help immediately if you see any of the mentioned symptoms in your pet or suspect they suffer from a tooth fracture.

For more about pet injuries, visit The Animal Hospital at our office in Slingerlands, New York. Call (518) 456-0852 to book an appointment today