Only a veterinarian is equipped to catch problems that happen later. Your veterinarian will likely want to keep your dog overnight for observation, as a concussion that leads to brain swelling can occur as late as 24 hours after an injury. With more serious injuries, an MRI may be needed. Your veterinarian may want to check blood pressure, sometimes give oxygen, and basically make sure things remain as normal as possible. Other diagnostics will depend on how your pet is doing. Usually, the veterinarian will conduct a neurologic evaluation after their physical examination. If your dog stops breathing, perform CPR. If your dog loses consciousness, keep them breathing by gently opening their mouth and pulling the tongue as far forward as you can to open the airway. Remove their collar or anything that restricts their breathing. You may need to use a stretcher or a board to move the dog into a car. Transport your dog to the vet as quickly as possible with his head elevated above his hindquarters to reduce intracranial pressure.

If toes of the front or back limbs cannot get warm blood to them, they can feel cooler than normal, and shock may be occurring. Another practical way to assess shock is the temperature of the extremities. Signs of shock include pale pink or white gums, tongue, or rectum. When on your way to the vet, or waiting for medical attention, keep the dog calm and cover them with a blanket to help prevent shock. Shock happens when your dog’s internal systems are not getting enough blood flow and oxygen to keep his body functioning normally. Tiny dogs including so-called “teacup” and “toy” breeds of Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians are more likely than other breeds to have problems stemming from fontanels that don’t close. On rare occasions, the fontanel doesn’t close. A dog’s fontanel (fohn-ten-ehl) typically closes by 4 months of age as the bones of the head harden. Puppies with open fontanels, or soft spots in their skulls, are particularly susceptible to concussion. Small dogs are just as prone to concussions as bigger dogs as they are often carried around and may be dropped, or get into a scuffle with a much larger dog. Concussions typically occur from blunt injuries, although they can be caused by other animal attacks, or when a dog is shaken or thrown to the ground, Car accidents, falls from high elevations, head butts, or kicks from rough play, running into hard objects, or getting hit by falling debris are the kinds of things that can lead to a concussion. Similar to humans, dogs can get concussions from a variety of causes. Medical attention for suspected concussion is always recommended, even if your dog seems to have recovered from it in the moment. If a concussion isn’t identified and treated promptly, your dog could experience long-term health effects. Seizures after the trauma – especially if no previous seizure activity.Dull or sedated mentation (response to you).Symptoms of concussion are similar to human symptoms of concussion and include: Since your dog can’t necessarily communicate their pain and confusion-it’s up to you to be observant and act quickly if you suspect a concussion. If you see your dog experience any type of head trauma, especially if you witness them getting knocked unconscious, you should take them to a vet immediately as there may be the possibility of a concussion. Possible treatments for dog concussions are oxygen, IV fluids, diuretics, corticosteroids, and surgery.Cover your dog in a blanket to help prevent shock while transporting him/her to the vet if a concussion is suspected.A dog’s symptoms of concussion may include lethargy, differently sized pupils, trouble standing, vomiting, and seizures.Dogs can get concussions from falling off something, rough play, falling debris, and other blunt injuries.

Signs of head trauma in dogs