GotoAID Dogs - Head Injury

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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only

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Head Injury

A head injury is usually the result of a sudden impact to the head. Generally your pet will be dizzy or confused and possibly even lose consciousness or have bleeding from the ears and nose. Sometimes there may not be any visible problems. Be sure to consult a vet immediately.

Symptoms

Bleeding	Unconscious
Pain	Swelling
Dizzy	Dazed

Steps

Check ABC’s of life support--Airway, breathing, circulation. Can you see, feel, or hear your pet breathing? If your pet is not breathing, begin artificial breathing immediately.

If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.

Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.

Keep breathing for your dog until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.

Check that your dog’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your dog’s chest and/or feeling for your dog’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR.

If there is any bleeding from the head and the bones seem intact apply pressure to the head to stop bleeding

Apply a clean cloth to the wound with pressure until the bleeding stops

Treat and check for signs of shock. (Signs of shock include weakness, pale or grey gums, body temperature changes, & rapid breathing.) Slightly rise your pet’s back end to increase blood flow to the heart. Keep your pet warm with a blanket if cold. If your pet is hot, cool down with cold compresses to the chest and abdomen.

Place a small dog in a box or pet carrier

For a larger dog that cannot walk, slide him onto an ironing board or plywood and tape or tie him down to prevent him rolling off

Warnings

Make sure to keep your dog's head level with his feet unless he vomits, then lower his head to allow fluids to drain and return him back to a level position

DO NOT apply pressure if there are any broken bones or crunching sounds

Tips

Bleeding should stop within 5 minutes or less

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