Dogs and cats are curious, agile, and enthusiastic animals that like to explore their surroundings. They’re a unique part of our households and act like kids in numerous ways. Due to their nature, it is inevitable for them to get hurt in their daily routines. However, knowing the common injuries that might happen to your pets can help you proactively get them out of harm’s way.
So let us talk about the common cat and dog injuries you should watch out for.
5 Common Injuries That Happen in Pets
Pets are fun, loving animals that like to play, explore, and make the most of their days. But like people, they can also get harmed on their adventures.
Below are five common injuries in pets and pointers on how to prevent them.
1. Insect Bites or Stings
Bites from crawlers and insects like ants, spiders, wasps, ticks, and bees may cause mild irritation and serious conditions like anaphylactic shock. Because pets are always playful, they will chase or have fun with bugs for fun, unaware of their painful and harmful bites. When you take your pet outdoors, always keep an eye on them so you can distract them immediately when they attempt to catch insects.
2. Oral Trauma or Fractured Tooth
Canines often damage their larger upper molars, back molars, or carnassial teeth when they chew random hard objects, which usually leads to fractured teeth.
Below are common signs of a tooth fracture in dogs:
- Drooling
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- A swollen lump under the eyes that may indicate oral abscesses
- Lack of appetite
When this happens, it’s essential to take your companion to vet dentists to stop their pain and treat their condition. Fractured teeth can be prevented by removing everything in your home that can catch your pet’s interest to chew on. You can also give your pet chew toys that are safe for their teeth.
3. Fractures
Fractures in pets generally happen due to traumas ranging from minor to fatal. This can happen to your canine when jumping from a height or being struck by a vehicle. Your pet’s age, the accident’s impact, and the injury’s location in their body will determine the severity of the fracture. If you suspect strains, fractures, or other soft injuries in your pet, it’s necessary to take them to facilities like Valencia Veterinary Center. These places offer vet surgery services.
4. Dog Bites
When canines and felines fight, bruising, bleeding wounds, and skin lacerations are usually obvious. Injuries and cuts must be treated with a bandage or sterile gauze or at least covered with a dry, clean cloth. If the wounds are bleeding, use gentle and firm pressure. Dog and cat fights are inevitable if you frequently take your pet outdoors for walks or visits to the park. You must be up-to-date with your dog’s parasite prevention, vaccinations, and pet checkup to protect them from deadly viral diseases in social settings.
Having your pet sterilized is also a plus. Cat spaying or neutering can decrease your pet’s chances of developing cancer and infections in their reproductive system and reduce unwanted behaviors.
5. Poisoning
Many human medications, foods, plants, and household chemicals can be dangerous or lethal to pet dogs. The best preventive measure to keep your pets from getting poisoned is to keep these things away from them. If you suspect your companion has consumed something toxic, immediately take them to the vet for treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your pet won’t say a word when something is wrong. So as their parent and guardian, you should have the instinct to tell what’s normal and when they are injured so you can act immediately. If your companion experiences any of the injuries mentioned above, call the veterinarian immediately to attend to your situation.
