When a dog breaks a bone, it is often quite apparent. Most of the time, the bone will break through the skin, making it quite messy.

However, some fractures happen internally and do not break the skin. If your dog whines when a specific area is touched, if there is unexplained swelling in a particular spot, or if they refuse to walk or put weight on a certain leg, they may have a broken bone.

Stay Calm:

Our dogs are family, and we want to protect them from harm. Unfortunately, like us, they can get sick and suffer physical injuries. Bone fractures in dogs are more common than you might realize, but the first thing a pet parent should do in this situation is stay calm.

Your dog will be in pain and scared, relying on you for help. As their guardian, you must remain composed to quickly and efficiently get them to an emergency veterinary hospital for immediate care.

Don’t Try to Fix it Yourself:

Do not attempt to set or splint the bone, and avoid applying any creams, ointments, or sprays to the injury. Trying to help in this way can agitate your dog further, and they may bite due to the pain.

If your dog is bleeding heavily, carefully wrap the injury with a clean cloth and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You might need to muzzle your dog to do this, as the pain could cause them to bite.

Additionally, you can cover your dog with a blanket to keep them warm and as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.

Get Assistance Moving Your Dog:

When you first notice the injury, relocate your dog to a safe and quiet area indoors if they aren’t already there.

You will also need to get your dog into your vehicle to transport them to the vet.

In both cases, if possible, get help moving your dog, especially if it’s a larger breed. You want to move your dog carefully and steadily to avoid causing further injury or discomfort. Having another person with you on the way to the vet can provide additional support and help keep your dog calm.

Relocating your dog after a bone fracture will be painful for them, so be cautious and consider using a muzzle.

What Your Vet Will Do?

The vet will evaluate your dog’s condition and the severity of the injuries. Depending on various factors, the vet may recommend surgery to repair the bone, setting the bone, or in severe cases, amputating the limb.

Your dog will likely need X-rays to determine the type and extent of the fracture. Sedation and pain relief may also be necessary during this process.

A series of medications, including anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and antibiotics, will be needed to aid in healing and prevent infections.

Your Dog’s Recovery From a Bone Fracture:

After your dog’s bone has been repaired, it will need significant time to recover. Your dog will be fitted with a cast and may require physical therapy to regain natural mobility.

Your dog should avoid running, jumping, or playing until fully healed. However, gentle walks and exercises should be done according to your vet’s or physical therapist’s instructions.

Your vet may also recommend applying cold packs to the injury or providing gentle massages. If advised to do these, ensure you follow through, as they can impact recovery time and effectiveness. If not recommended by your vet, it’s best to let the bone heal naturally.

It will likely take a few months for your dog’s fractured bone to heal. The duration the cast needs to be on will vary based on the injury’s severity.

Your dog will probably need a cone (e-collar) to prevent them from licking or chewing on the cast. While this may be uncomfortable for your dog, it’s crucial to prevent damage to the cast or ingestion of harmful materials.

As your dog starts to feel better, they might be unhappy wearing a cast, so spend extra time ensuring their comfort.