If your dog or cat falls, receives a blow or suffers an accident, the first thing to do is to stay calm, avoid sudden movements and observe its general condition. Even if they appear to be fine, some injuries may not be visible at first and may appear hours later.
After a fall or a blow, it is advisable to ask for a veterinary assessment in Benissa if your pet is limping, in pain, drooping, breathing strangely, bleeding, unwilling to move, has an injury, has received a blow to the head or has been hit hard.
At Benivet Benissa we recommend that you consult us whenever there are doubts, especially in the case of puppies, cats, senior dogs, small animals, pets with previous illnesses or when the fall has been from a height, there has been a run over, a blow against an object, a fight or visible trauma.
What to do right after a fall or blow
Approach your pet with care and speak calmly. An animal in pain may react unexpectedly, even if it is normally calm. Avoid handling the affected area and do not attempt to reposition a paw, bandage a fracture or move it abruptly.
If your dog or cat is unable to get up, appears disoriented, is breathing heavily or you suspect a back, neck or head injury, try to keep it as still as possible and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Use a rigid surface or firm blanket to move your dog or cat, avoiding bending the spine.
If there is a bleeding wound, you can apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth while you go to the vet. Do not apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments or medication without professional advice.
Warning signs after a stroke in dogs or cats
You should seek veterinary attention if after a fall or blow you observe any of these signs:
- Unable to get up or walk normally.
- Limps, drags a leg or avoids supporting a limb.
- Cries, trembles, hides or reacts in pain when touched.
- Breathes with difficulty or breathes very fast.
- Pale, bluish or very dry gums.
- Bleeding, wounds, swelling or deformity.
- You are down, weak, disoriented or lose your balance.
- Vomiting, convulsions or loss of consciousness.
- Blood in the mouth, nose, eyes, urine or faeces.
- He has received a blow to the head.
- The abdomen is swollen or painful.
- The accident was a hit-and-run, fall from height or heavy blow.
These signs may indicate severe pain, fractures, internal injuries, head trauma, spinal damage, deep wounds or shock. Even if your pet seems to be improving, it is important to keep an eye on it for the next few hours.
Can you have an injury even if you walk well?
Yes, some dogs and cats walk after a blow, but they may have pain, swelling, small fractures, muscle injuries, hidden wounds or internal trauma. Cats also tend to hide pain, so a change in behaviour can be an important sign.
If after the blow your pet is less active, hides, does not want to eat, avoids jumping, licks a specific area or changes its way of walking, the most advisable thing to do is to visit an veterinary traumatology practice to assess bones, joints, muscles and ligaments.
What tests may be required
The veterinarian will perform a complete examination to assess pain, mobility, reflexes, wounds, breathing, abdomen, mucous membranes and neurological status. Depending on the type of injury and symptoms, additional tests may be necessary.
When fractures, dislocations, joint injuries, or bone trauma are suspected, the veterinary radiology allows accurate assessment of bones and joints.
In severe blows, complex accidents, head trauma, spinal injuries or cases requiring more detailed imaging, a Veterinary CAT scan to study internal structures with greater definition.
If there is suspicion of abdominal damage, internal bleeding, organ disruption or abdominal pain following the blow, a veterinary ultrasound in Benissa can help to assess the abdomen and guide treatment.
In some cases, the following may also be recommended veterinary blood tests to check the general condition of the animal, detect blood loss, inflammation, internal alterations or possible complications.
Pain management and treatment
Pain after a fall or blow should be treated safely. Do not administer ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin or other human medicines, as they can be toxic to dogs and cats.
At Benivet Benissa, pain management can be approached from the veterinary pain unitThe analgesia is adapted to the type of injury, age, species, weight and clinical condition of each patient.
If the blow results in a fracture, deep wound, joint injury, internal damage or complication requiring intervention, the team may assess options for veterinary surgery or refer the case to the appropriate unit depending on the severity.
When the animal requires monitoring, fluid therapy, pain control or close follow-up after the accident, it may be necessary to veterinary hospitalisation to monitor their progress safely.
What not to do after a fall or blow
- Don't force your pet to walk to "see if it will support".
- Do not manipulate a painful or deformed limb.
- Do not administer human medication.
- Do not apply ointments, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to deep wounds.
- Do not give food or water if she is very weak, vomiting or may need sedation.
- Do not wait if there is difficulty breathing, bleeding, weakness, severe pain or loss of consciousness.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if your pet has fallen or received a blow and exhibits pain, lameness, wounds, swelling, decay, difficulty moving, behavioural changes, vomiting, abnormal breathing or any other signs of concern.
At Benivet Benissa we can assess whether it is a minor concussion or if it is necessary to carry out tests to rule out fractures, internal injuries, joint trauma, neurological damage or complications associated with the blow.
If your dog or cat has fallen, has received a blow or has suffered an accident and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact with Benivet Benissa to make an appointment and receive veterinary advice tailored to your case.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
