It’s an experience that dog lovers don’t like to share: fractures in dogs are a very painful ordeal for the furry friend and a distressing experience for pet parents.

You have to watch as your beloved pet experiences pain after a bone fracture, not knowing what’s happening around them. How do dogs get bone fractures? What measures can you take in case of bone fractures? How does the veterinarian treat your dog? What are the chances of recovery from bone fractures?

A Fright in the Morning

Fractures are accidents and happen suddenly and unexpectedly. This was also the case with the dog Lara, who just wanted to sprint after a rabbit during the morning walk. Suddenly, her owner hears a loud howl, the dog doesn’t move, and the front paw dangles. How did this happen? Presumably, while chasing the rabbit, Lara stepped into a hole in the field and broke her bone. One of the main causes of bone fractures in dogs is frolicking and the associated risk that the dog may get stuck somewhere or even fall. Other causes include:

In some cases, illnesses are the triggers for a dog bone fracture. Veterinarians refer to this as a pathological fracture. Bone fractures in dogs occur in these cases due to:

In rare cases, persistent overloading of the bone leads to a fracture.

How to Recognize Bone Fractures in Dogs?

Like in humans, fractures are very painful for dogs. An open fracture, especially, is associated with severe bleeding and is even more painful. The typical symptoms are as follows: Your furry friend tries to relieve the affected area. They don’t move, limp, or show signs of lameness. In most cases, the bone is at an unusual angle. The affected area is red, swollen, and feels warm. Spinal fractures may lead to nerve damage. Your dog can’t walk anymore and exhibits other symptoms.

Since fractures in dogs typically result from mechanical force, there are often accompanying symptoms. A bone fracture is a mechanical injury, and other body regions may be affected. If a dog has an accident with a car, other body parts, such as internal organs, are usually affected. This is also the case with a fall. Additionally, the dog is in shock. The furry friend is unresponsive, shows no reaction, the mucous membranes are pale, and there are circulatory problems.

Fractures in Dogs: Preparation for Initial Measures

When our beloved pet has encountered an accident, we do everything to save the health or life of our furry friend. However, we must also ensure that we do not put ourselves in danger or suffer injuries. First, we need to assess whether we might jeopardize our own safety in the process of rescuing our dog in the given situation. This may be the case, for example, if the dog has fallen into a pit, and we cannot reach it safely. In such cases, you must call the fire department. Otherwise, you will be of no help to your dog – as harsh as it may sound.

First Aid for Rescuing Your Dog

Calm your furry friend. A bone fracture, as described earlier, usually occurs due to mechanical force. Your dog is in shock and requires a lot of reassurance and a calm environment. This means for you to keep a cool head. Ensure that other people present at the scene of the accident either move away or assist appropriately.

Since your dog is in pain, you must be prepared for possible bites. Secure your dog with a leash. If you don’t have a muzzle, you need to apply a makeshift one, such as a bandage, a tie, or even a nylon stocking, to prevent getting bitten in reaction to your dog’s pain. The makeshift muzzle should not cut into the skin. However, do not apply the muzzle in the following situations:

You can recognize your dog’s condition through the following symptoms:

Therefore, it is crucial to calm your dog and monitor the overall condition throughout. If there is an opportunity for you to drive him to the veterinary clinic, please ask someone else to accompany you. You won’t be able to attend to your dog on the way. It is essential, however, that he receives constant care. If you started the walk on foot, inform relatives or friends by phone and ask them to drive you and your pet to the veterinary clinic. The advantage is that you can focus on your dog without worrying about traffic. If none of these options are available, calling the fire department is the only recourse. Firefighters also respond to rescue animals.

Transport to the Veterinarian

Fractures in dogs generally render them unable to move on their own. Therefore, you need to carry your dog to a suitable means of transportation, such as your own car. Awkward movements when picking up the dog can worsen the overall situation. When lifting the dog, let the affected limbs hang freely. Remember that you may encounter biting during transportation or repositioning due to pain.

If possible, place your dog in the transport box of your car. If you cannot use your car, ask the person picking you up to bring a laundry basket and a blanket. This way, you can transport the dog much more effectively than simply laying it on the back seat. Additionally, secure the laundry basket with a seatbelt.

Inform the veterinary clinic you are heading to about the emergency situation and the necessary operation in advance. The bone fracture is not primarily life-threatening. The average healing time is about six weeks. However, there are accompanying circumstances that turn the bone fracture into an acute emergency. For instance, if there is a state of shock, the veterinarians must provide immediate care to save the life of your furry friend.