Just like humans, dogs can get concussions, often from the same things we get concussions from - vehicular accidents, falls, impact from falling objects, fights, and even rough play. 

So how can you tell if your pup has a concussion and how serious is it? When should you see a vet if your dog’s suffered a head injury? What are signs and symptoms indicating a possible concussion? We'll break it all down for you below.

If your dog suffered a head injury, visit your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency animal hospital. Our vets can assess your dog for concussion and provide prompt treatment.

What is a concussion?

Any head impact that causes the brain to be jolted against the skull, causing cell damage and chemical changes is diagnosed as a concussion. 

Concussions or any head injuries are medical emergencies that require immediate examination and treatment from your vet or VEG ER for Pets vet care team. When the brain is injured by impact, there is a danger of it swelling which can cause seizures, coma, permanent brain damage, and in the worst case, death.

If your dog suffers a head injury, some things to keep in mind:

• Prompt treatment is essential in preventing worsening or permanent brain injury, so avoid a “wait and see” approach. 

• Don’t assume your dog is okay because they seem better - dogs often hide their pain and injury.

• Don’t give your dog pain medications, or use heating pads or ice packs without consulting with your vet first. 

Playful and active dogs are perhaps more susceptible to head injuries, but a concussion can happen to any dog. See VEG ER for Pets if your dog has a head injury.

The danger of delayed care of concussions

Emergency medical care for head injuries isn’t alarmist. The risk of worsening or permanent damage from delaying care is real. Things can turn worse quickly so time is of the essence.

After the initial head impact (primary injury), the brain undergoes a "secondary injury" involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death that worsens over time. Without immediate veterinary care, this intensifies, causing more significant and lasting damage.

Potential outcomes of delayed treatment for concussion include:

• Neurological issues like chronic ataxia (balance problems), vision and coordination impairment, and diminished cognitive function.

• An increased risk of developing recurring seizure activity or epilepsy.

• Chronic problems with difficulty eating or swallowing can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and malnourishment.

Concussion in dogs: signs and symptoms

While situations like a car accident, serious dog fight, or heavy object falling and hitting your dog’s head are unquestionable medical emergencies, what about if your dog was chasing a rabbit from your yard and ran head first into the fence, or your little chihuahua tumbled off the sofa and took a bad spill? Concussions are an internal injury, so a lack of open wounds or blood on your dog doesn’t eliminate the possibility of brain trauma.

Some symptoms that could indicate concussions: 

Dog is head pressing

Head pressing is a behavior where  dogs push their heads against objects or the wall in an attempt to  relieve pain or pressure deep in their heads. This is a critical symptom that requires immediate attention from a veterinarian. 

Dog has dilated pupils

Pupil dilation can occur in dogs with concussions as well. Shining a light into your dog’s eyes should cause his/her pupils to contract. If your dog’s eyes remain dilated, this can indicate concussion, as well as several other serious medical problems. Other indicators include nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement) and anisocoria (unequal pupil sizes). 

Loss of balance 

Loss of balance can look like stumbling, falling to the side, dragging the limbs, circling, head tilting, inability to stand or wobbling from side to side, and is one of the earliest signs to present itself after a head injury.

Especially after a fall or rough play, it’s easy to assume an unsteady gait is due to a pulled muscle or sprain - don’t assume. Bring your dog to your nearest VEG dog hospital to rule out or treat concussion. 

Dog has convulsions or seizures

Convulsions and seizures following a head injury can indicate concussion due to brain swelling or bleeding, and requires immediate emergency medical care.

Lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite

If your dog is lethargic, has little or no appetite, or is vomiting after a head injury, these can be serious signs of concussion that need to be investigated by a vet as soon as possible. 

Confusion or behavioral changes

After a head injury, some dogs may appear confused - not recognizing family members or familiar places like home. Or they may behave more aggressively, fearfully or defensively than normal. While these concussion signs aren’t as common as the previous ones noted, they’re worth keeping an eye out for and seeking medical attention if you spot the signs.

Treatments for concussion in dogs

For head injuries, or if you suspect your dog has a concussion, get your pup to the vet or your nearest VEG animal hospital to diagnose and/or treat your dog’s head injury or concussion.

Suspect concussion in your dog? What to expect at the vet

Initial exam

Your vet will perform a thorough physical and neurological exam, checking your dog’s vital signs, reflexes, pupillary response, and overall nervous system function. If warranted, your vet may request diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine if there is bleeding, significant brain swelling, or any fractures.

IV fluids to properly hydrate concussed dog

IV fluids are typically given to dogs who have concussions because they have been vomiting or not drinking due to nausea. Your dog may be dehydrated and require IV fluids to help them recover from the secondary symptoms associated with their concussion. If they do need fluids, they will need to stay at the emergency vet for a while to receive them.

Oxygen may help dog with severe concussion

If your dog’s concussion is severe, they may need to be put on oxygen to help them breathe until they recover. This treatment is given on a case-by-case basis, and not every dog with a concussion will require supplementary oxygen support.

Surgery for dog after concussion

Surgery is not usually required to help a dog recover from a concussion. Depending on the severity of the concussion and the injury that caused it, however, your dog could need some type of surgery. Your emergency vet at VEG will tell you if surgery is a potential treatment for your dog’s condition.

Small dogs can easily wiggle out of a person's arms, causing a fall and potential head injury. Get immediate vet attention for your dog at VEG ER for Pets, open 24 hours every day.

Should a dog with a concussion rest or stay awake?

First, it's important to state that pet owners should never diagnose a pet on their own. With that said, it’s better to keep your dog awake until you can get to your nearest VEG pet hospital where an experienced veterinarian can thoroughly examine your dog to ensure no other complications are happening. 

Your dog may need to be kept awake for a while, or it may be best for them to sleep, depending on their specific situation. Your vet can give you more information about the type and frequency of rest your dog needs. We may recommend monitoring your dog while they sleep and waking them from time to time. Since each case is different, you need the vet's advice on what to do after your dog's injury. VEG is open 24/7; you can call anytime and speak with an emergency vet right away.

Monitoring your dog after a concussion

You and our vet will work together to monitor your dog once a concussion has been determined. In many instances, dogs will recover fully from concussions with very little trouble. However, it will be necessary to keep an eye on your pet to ensure their symptoms don’t worsen during recovery. 

Are some dogs more susceptible to concussions?

Yes. Puppies and many toy breeds with dome-shaped heads like:

• Chihuahuas

• Dachshunds

• Lhasa Apsos

• Maltese

• Pekinese

• Pomeranians

• Shih Tzus

• Yorkshire Terriers

These types of dogs have open fontanelles (soft spots where the skull isn’t completely fused), leaving them more vulnerable to brain injury than other dogs.

Additionally, because of their small size, these pups can easily injure themselves falling off of couches, beds, steps, or chairs. They're also easily dropped by wriggling out of the arms of someone carrying them. 

Safety tips to help prevent dogs from head injuries

An injury to your dog's head can happen quickly. You turn your head and they've fallen or something fell on them. The best thing you can do to help prevent this is to take some safety measures. It's no guarantee Doodles won't get a bonk on the head from a hard tumble off the sofa, but you want to do all you can to prevent that.

Preventative measures to take to deter head injury or concussion in dogs

• If you let your puppy or toy breed on furniture or bedding, ensure they have a ramp to safely climb up and down and keep extra pillows or blankets near the ramp in case of missteps.

• Use a backpack, soft-sided purse or sling designed for dogs if you’re carrying your small dog on your person. 

• In vehicles, all dogs should be safely restrained in a carrier or with a doggie seatbelt or harness. 

• Avoid letting your dog hang his/her head out the window while you’re driving. 

• Make sure fences are secure and that leashes, collars, and harnesses are sturdy and in good shape to prevent your pup from running into the street or getting into harm’s way.

• Keep dogs away from objects that could fall on them. Much like you would childproof a home, secure heavy furniture to walls and discourage your pet from rough play around potentially hazardous areas. 

• Supervise play to keep things from getting too rough and intense.

• Keep your dog (especially small ones) a safe distance from farm animals.

• Consider a doggie stroller for maneuvering your dog through crowded city sidewalks; toy breeds especially are at risk for getting stepped on.

Head injuries & concussions are serious - call or visit VEG ER for Pets

While your pet’s prognosis depends on the severity of the injury and their existing health conditions, with prompt care, most dogs recover fully from concussion. Delayed care increases the risk of permanent damage 

If your dog suffered an injury or is showing symptoms of a concussion, don’t hesitate to come to your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital. No appointment is needed, we’re open 24/7 including holidays. We have emergency veterinarians ready to ensure your pet gets the care he/she needs and guide you on next best steps.

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