Minor Dog Injuries and Illnesses and What to Do

Some common dog injuries and illnesses can be first treated at home.

Most dogs will experience a minor injury or illness at some point in their life. You will want to get your dog to the veterinarian right away when this happens, so the minor issue doesn't morph into a major one.

But you can be prepared to help your dog by keeping a few simple things on hand at home and knowing how to use them. Below are some common minor injuries and illnesses in dogs and how to treat them.

Nail Injuries

A broken or torn nail or one that is accidentally cut too short during a nail trim is a common injury in dogs. Often, the nail bleeds profusely. Here's what you can do:

Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and scrapes can sometimes be treated effectively at home.

Remember, don't give your dog any medications without checking with your veterinarian first. Some medications are toxic to dogs. Always call your veterinarian for advice if your dog is injured.

Bee Stings

If your dog is stung by a bee, you may never know it. If you do see it happen, though, you may be able to locate the stinger and remove it by scraping over it with the edge of a credit card.

If your dog's muzzle begins to swell, you will need to get him to the veterinarian right away because he is having a more serious allergic reaction to the sting. Bee stings can cause anaphylaxis and death in some dogs. Many vets will recommend giving some oral Benadryl first, so it's a good idea to call your vet before leaving and find out if you should give some and, if so, how much.

Keeping Benadryl in your medicine cabinet is a good idea for situations like this.

Diarrhea

If your dog has diarrhea, you may wish to try the following:

More Serious Illnesses and Injuries

Dogs that suffer from more serious injuries or illnesses may need first aid at home before a veterinarian can become involved. You can learn more in this article as well as in the articles linked to within it: "First Aid for Dogs: An Overview."

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.