Common Injuries in Pets and When to Visit the Vet

Our pets bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives, so it can be distressing to see them in pain or discomfort. Just like humans, pets are prone to various injuries, whether it’s a playful cat landing awkwardly or a curious dog getting a scrape. Knowing when an injury is minor or when it warrants a visit to the vet is essential for responsible pet ownership. Here are some common injuries in pets and guidelines to help you determine when it’s time for a professional evaluation.
 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Common Causes: Soft tissue injuries, like sprains and strains, often occur due to slips, falls, or overexertion during playtime. They can affect your pet's muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
 

Signs to Watch For: Limping, stiffness, reluctance to walk or jump, and swelling around the injured area are all indicators of a soft tissue injury.
 

When to Visit the Vet: If your pet’s limping persists for more than 24 hours or if they seem to be in significant pain, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Persistent or severe soft tissue injuries can be managed effectively with rest, medication, or even physical therapy under professional guidance.
 

Cuts, Scrapes, and Lacerations

Common Causes: Pets are naturally curious, and they often encounter rough surfaces, sharp objects, or even other animals that can result in cuts or scrapes.
 

Signs to Watch For: Any visible wound, bleeding, or sensitivity to touch around the area. Cuts and scrapes are common, but deep lacerations need immediate attention.
 

When to Visit the Vet: Minor scrapes may heal on their own or with gentle cleaning, but deep cuts, heavy bleeding, or wounds that appear infected should be treated by a veterinarian promptly to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
 

Broken Bones and Fractures

Common Causes: Fractures often result from significant trauma like a fall, getting hit by a vehicle, or rough play.
 

Signs to Watch For: Severe limping, inability to bear weight on a leg, visible deformity, or intense pain when touched. Broken bones are painful and can significantly affect your pet’s mobility.
 

When to Visit the Vet: Immediate veterinary care is essential if you suspect a fracture. Delaying treatment can lead to improper healing, pain, and complications. A veterinarian will perform X-rays and provide the best treatment plan, which may involve splinting, casting, or even surgery.
 

Eye Injuries

Common Causes: Pets’ eyes are sensitive and can be injured by rough play, scratching, or exposure to foreign particles like dust or grass seeds.
 

Signs to Watch For: Squinting, redness, discharge, pawing at the eye, or cloudiness. Eye injuries can cause significant discomfort and may lead to vision loss if not treated.
 

When to Visit the Vet: Eye injuries should always be examined by a vet to avoid complications. A minor scratch or irritation can often be managed with eye drops, but more severe injuries may require specialized treatment.
 

Bite Wounds

Common Causes: Bites often result from altercations with other animals or encounters with wildlife. They can be particularly concerning due to the risk of infection.
 

Signs to Watch For: Puncture marks, swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding around the wound. Bite wounds may not seem severe on the surface but can lead to infections or abscesses if untreated.
 

When to Visit the Vet: Always have bite wounds assessed by a veterinarian. Infections can set in quickly, and the vet can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to prevent further complications.
 

Heat Stroke

Common Causes: Heat stroke occurs when pets are exposed to excessive heat, often during hot weather or strenuous activity without sufficient water.
 

Signs to Watch For: Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. Heat stroke can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
 

When to Visit the Vet: Take immediate action if you suspect heat stroke by moving your pet to a cool area and applying cool (not cold) water. After initial care, visit a veterinarian to ensure your pet recovers fully and to prevent complications.
 

Ingesting Foreign Objects

Common Causes: Pets, especially puppies and kittens, tend to explore with their mouths and can swallow objects that may cause obstructions or injury.
 

Signs to Watch For: Vomiting, gagging, lethargy, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Obstructions or ingestion of harmful items, such as toys or household items, can lead to severe complications.
 

When to Visit the Vet: If you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian. X-rays or other imaging techniques may be required, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
 

Get in Touch with Malibu Coast Animal Hospital Today 

While not all pet injuries are preventable, taking proactive steps can reduce the risk. Provide a safe environment, supervise outdoor play, and keep hazardous items out of reach. At Malibu Coast Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care to help your pets live happy and healthy lives. 
 

If you’re unsure about your pet’s injury or need further guidance, contact Malibu Coast Animal Hospital. Visit our office in Malibu, California, or call (424) 402-5100 to schedule an appointment today.