Top 5 Most Common Dog Injuries + Prevention Strategies

Daily Longevity Tip: Top 5 Most Common Dog Injuries + Prevention Strategies

Tip Summary: The most frequent dog injuries include lacerations, lameness, foreign body ingestion, eye injuries, and heatstroke. We’ll discuss how to prevent them.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! Injuries are a common way for dogs to reduce their longevity, so let’s investigate which injuries are the most common, and strategies for preventing them. We’ll go through the top 5, and then discuss the key takeaways for dog parents:

1. Lacerations: Deep cuts or lacerations in dogs require veterinary attention to prevent infection and manage pain.
   Prevention Strategy: Keep your dog away from sharp objects, ensure secure fencing, and supervise outdoor activities to minimize the risk of serious cuts.

2. Lameness: Lameness, or abnormal walking, can indicate various issues from minor muscle pulls to serious conditions like ligament tears or osteoarthritis.
   Prevention Strategy: Regular, moderated exercise, avoiding strenuous activities that are unfamiliar to your dog, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent lameness. Regular vet check-ups are crucial, especially for older dogs.

3. Foreign Body Ingestion: Ingesting foreign objects like socks, toys, or rocks can cause gastrointestinal issues, often needing surgical intervention.
   Prevention Strategy: Keep small, swallowable items out of reach, supervise your dog during playtime, and train them to avoid picking up or chewing inappropriate objects.

4. Eye Injuries: Eye injuries can range from corneal scratches to more severe trauma and are typically very painful.
   Prevention Strategy: Keep your dog’s environment free from sharp brush and debris, and consider protective eyewear in high-risk areas. Regular grooming can also help, especially for breeds with long facial hair.

5. Heatstroke: Dogs are at risk of heatstroke in hot weather, particularly breeds with thick coats or short snouts.
   Prevention Strategy: Ensure access to shade and water, limit exercise in hot weather, and watch for signs of overheating. Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs) require extra vigilance.

Takeaways for Dog Parents:

• Awareness and proactive measures are key to preventing these common injuries.

• Regular vet visits and understanding your dog’s breed-specific needs can go a long way in keeping them safe and healthy.

Being mindful of these common risks and taking preventive steps can help your dog live a longer, healthier life.

Source: Top 5 Most Common Injuries to Dogs - Animal ER of Volusia.