Top 10 Dog and Cat Injuries - Part 2

6. Eye Trauma These can range from mild (corneal scratches and abrasions) to bad (corneal ulcers) to severe (perforations and globe rupture). Dogs are more prone to tears – especially from cat claws. Cats are often seen for scratches. If your pet is blinking or tearing excessively or doesn’t want you near its eye, get it checked out. Griffenhagen says preventing eye injuries is a challenge because “even in play, dogs lead with their eyes, whereas cats know enough to lean back and keep their faces out of things.” 7. Cruciate Ligament Ruptures The cruciate ligament provides stability to the knee. If your dog is holding its leg up or toe-touching at best, get it checked out immediately. “It’s very painful and dogs will rarely sit still long enough for the knee to heal itself,” says Charles Livaudais, DVM, a senior clinician at Kildaire Animal Medical Center in Cary, N.C. Dogs that have been treated for such injuries should avoid rapid changes of motion, such as jumping up and down from heights. 8. Lameness/Back Trouble Small dogs with long backs -- such as dachshunds, corgis, and basset hounds -- are prone to these injuries, particularly if they jump down from a bed or chair, which can cause a slipped disc. Symptoms can range from pain to total paralysis. Weight management is critical. Try to train them to use a ramp. And get them checked out quickly. “If the dog has paralysis, corrective action needs to be taken as quickly as possible,” Livaudais says. 9. Torn or Broken Nail Don’t let your dog or cat’s nails get too long. Your pet might slip or tear the nail and “they bleed like crazy,” Livaudais says. If this happens, your veterinarian will probably need to trim the nail beyond the crack, and this often requires sedation. If you nick your pet’s “quick” while trimming nails, apply styptic powder, baking soda, or even flour to help the blood coagulate or “cake.” If bleeding doesn’t stop in five minutes, head to the vet. 10. Heat Stroke/Dehydration This is most common in elderly, overweight, and short-faced breeds. Be careful when exercising your pet in hot weather. According to the ASPCA, on an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach a sweltering 102 degrees, even if the windows are open a couple of inches. If your dog is panting a lot, get her to a cool place quickly. “You can spritz them down with water and put a fan on them,” Livaudais says. “But if they’re struggling for more than a few minutes, it’s time to go to the veterinarian.”