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697 results for “dog injury”
Can You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth With Human Toothpaste?
Never brush a dog's teeth with human toothpaste. Many human formulas contain ingredients toxic to dogs, especially fluoride and xylitol. Dogs swallow the foam instead of rinsing, so toxins build up: fluoride can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and over time kidney and nerve damage, while xylitol is far worse, just 0.1 g per kg of body weight triggers severe low blood sugar and 0.5 g/kg can cause acute liver failure. Mint flavors also make dogs resist brushing. Use a pet toothpaste (look for VOHC approval), brush at least three times a week, and see a vet for red, bleeding gums or worsening breath, which may mean periodontitis.
What to Do When Your Dog’s Joint Is Swollen
A swollen joint in a dog can come from an injury, arthritis, or calcium deficiency, and the right response depends on the cause. Gently pressing the swollen area tells you whether it is painful; pain or refusal to be touched points to a joint problem. Injuries usually settle in a few days with topical treatment, while arthritis needs a veterinarian's diagnosis and long-term care with anti-inflammatory pain relief, weight control, and adjusted exercise. Severe arthritis may require surgery. Keeping the diet balanced helps prevent calcium-related swelling.
The Benefits of Swimming for Dogs—and the Details to Watch
Swimming is one of the safest, highest-value exercises for dogs—it cools them off, burns fat efficiently, and, thanks to water’s buoyancy, strengthens muscles without stressing the joints. That makes it ideal for senior dogs with arthritis or conditions like osteochondrosis, shoulder injury, or cranial cruciate ligament damage. But not every dog is built for the water: small, brachycephalic, very young, or timid dogs can choke and panic if thrown in, and flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs face a far higher risk of drowning, aspiration, and pulmonary edema. This article covers the real benefits of swimming, the dogs that should avoid it, the must-do post-swim drying routine, and how to cap session length to keep the heart and body safe.
Can Swimming Help a Dog with a Luxating Patella?
A luxating patella—the kneecap slipping out of its groove—is common in small and toy breeds and can cause pain and limping. Swimming is often recommended by veterinarians as part of conservative care because water’s buoyancy supports the body and builds hind-leg muscle without loading the joint. However, swimming is therapy, not a cure: the condition is structural (loose ligaments, a shallow groove, or poor alignment) and cannot be reversed by exercise, medication, or massage. Whether swimming helps depends on the grade—mild cases benefit, while severe grades can be made worse. This article explains the condition, how water therapy fits in, which grades should swim and how, and the daily supports (fish oil, chondroitin, avoiding jumps) that protect the joint.
Can a Paralyzed Dog Walk Again?
Paralysis in dogs has many causes, but in some cases a dog can regain the ability to stand with proper care. Follow your veterinarian's advice and give your dog patient, consistent nursing. Treatment and recovery time vary with the cause and severity, so persistence matters and giving up should not be an option. Support rehabilitation through gentle walks, limb massage, and other exercises your vet recommends to help your dog recover as fully as possible.
Why Do Dogs Develop Cervical Spondylosis?
A dog can develop cervical spondylosis for many reasons, including genetics, poor nutrition, holding one posture too long, overexercise, age, and environment. Some breeds with unusual body shapes are more prone to it. Long-term calcium deficiency weakens the bones, making the cervical spine easier to compress and injure. Older dogs are also at higher risk because of bone loss and weaker muscles. This article explains the common causes of cervical disease in dogs and what symptoms and home care look like once it is diagnosed.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye in Dogs?
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, happens when a dog's tear film produces too few tears or they evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye surface dry, scratched, and vulnerable. It can stem from genetics, hormone imbalance, infection, drug side effects, or injury. Telltale signs include dry, itchy eyes, redness and swelling, frequent blinking or pawing at the face, increased discharge, dulled vision, and even lost appetite from discomfort. Left untreated, it can lead to infection or blindness. A vet confirms it with a tear test (STT) after ruling out conditions like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. Treatment ranges from artificial tears, tear-stimulating drops, and antibiotics to physical care such as warm compresses, and in severe or unresponsive cases, surgery like parotid duct transposition. Catching it early protects both comfort and sight.
How to Treat a Neck Sprain in Dogs
If your dog unfortunately suffers a neck sprain, get it to a veterinarian or emergency pet clinic right away. The vet will choose a treatment based on how severe the injury is, commonly using medication, physical therapy, or surgery. After treatment, the dog usually needs a rest period at home to recover fully, and you should follow the vet's advice for care. Neck sprains can happen from jumps, falls, sudden turns, or pulling too hard on a leash and tight collar. This article explains why sprains occur, the immediate steps to take, and the daily habits that help prevent them.
What to Do When Your Dog Has Intestinal Scratches
Intestinal scratches in dogs are most often caused by swallowing sharp foreign objects such as glass shards, fish bones, or bone fragments. These items can lacerate the intestinal wall and lead to bleeding and infection. If you suspect your dog has an injured intestine, stay calm and take it to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment as soon as possible. Mild scratches without a retained object may only require anti-inflammatory medication to prevent infection, while cases involving a foreign body need the object removed before further treatment. This article explains the common causes, warning signs, treatment options, and everyday prevention measures so you can act quickly and protect your dog's digestive health.
Why Is Your Dog’s Tail Tucked Between Its Legs?
A tail tucked down usually signals fear, nervousness, or discomfort. A slight tuck may mean mild unease or wariness of a stranger or possible danger; a tail pressed tightly under the body points to real fright or stress. It can also stem from illness or pain, including a tail injury. Watch the dog's posture and other signs—comfort an anxious dog, and if pain or other symptoms appear, see a veterinarian.