Can Dogs Get Concussions? Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery
Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent dog concussions to keep your furry friend safe and healthy at home and outdoors.
Concussions in dogs are less discussed than in humans but equally significant. As a responsible pet owner, understanding the causes, symptoms, and proper steps to take after a head injury can make a vital difference in your dog’s prognosis and long-term health.
What Is a Concussion in Dogs?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head, resulting in temporary disruption of normal brain function. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from concussions that require prompt attention and care.
Can Dogs Really Get Concussions?
Yes, dogs can get concussions. Despite their protective skulls and furry heads, dogs are susceptible to brain trauma. The condition is often underrecognized because dogs cannot verbally communicate their symptoms, and signs may be subtle or mistaken for other ailments. Recognizing the risks and symptoms is crucial for early intervention.
Common Causes of Concussion in Dogs
Concussions in dogs are most often caused by physical trauma or sudden acceleration or deceleration forces. The most frequent causes include:
- Car Accidents: Collision with vehicles can result in severe blunt force trauma.
- Falls: Jumping from heights, like off beds or stairs, especially for puppies and small breeds.
- Blows to the Head: Accidental knocks, such as being accidentally stepped on or being struck by a falling object.
- Rough Play or Dog Fights: Play sessions gone awry or fights with other animals can cause head injuries.
- Being Kicked: Incidents with livestock, horses, or unfortunate accidents.
In some cases, concussions may also occur without direct head trauma—any event that causes sudden movement of the brain inside the skull can be responsible.
Symptoms of Concussions in Dogs
Signs of a dog concussion vary based on the severity and the individual animal. Some symptoms are subtle, while others are easily noticeable. Key symptoms include:
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Difficulty standing or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Behaving unusually (fearful, aggressive, withdrawn)
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) or differing pupil sizes
- Seizures or fainting
- Inability to recognize familiar people or environments
In some cases, symptoms may worsen over time. Immediate veterinary attention is vital if you notice any of these signs, especially after a fall, impact, or vehicular accident.
How Are Concussions Diagnosed in Dogs?
Since dogs cannot tell us what they’re feeling, diagnosis relies on clinical examination and the owner’s observations. When assessing for concussion, a veterinarian may:
- Ask for a detailed account of the incident or trauma
- Check pupillary responses and basic neurological functions
- Look for signs of trauma, swelling, or bleeding
- Perform imaging tests (like X-rays or MRI/CT in severe cases)
The vet may also perform additional bloodwork to rule out other conditions that might present similar symptoms (such as poisoning or metabolic disease).
Treatment Options for Canine Concussions
Treatment for concussions in dogs depends on severity but always begins with a visit to the veterinarian. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat a possible concussion at home without professional guidance.
Immediate Veterinary Care
- Hospitalization and Monitoring: Critical for severe cases to monitor brain function and prevent further complications.
- IV Fluids: To address dehydration, shock, or ongoing vomiting and to stabilize systemic health.
- Oxygen Therapy: For dogs with trouble breathing or significant neurologic compromise.
- Medication: To reduce brain swelling (if present) and control seizures or vomiting.
- Pain Relief: Only with veterinary guidance—certain painkillers (like aspirin) may worsen brain bleeding and are not advised.
- Surgery: Rarely needed unless there is a skull fracture or bleeding inside the brain that can be surgically corrected.
What You Should Do If You Suspect a Concussion
- Keep your dog calm and still. Avoid unnecessary movement, especially shaking or head turning.
- Do not offer water or food immediately—wait for vet evaluation, as swallowing may be impaired.
- Transport to a veterinary facility as soon as possible.
- Monitor breathing and consciousness; if your dog is unconscious, keep their airway clear.
Home Care and Recovery After a Dog Concussion
Once your vet has released your dog to go home, careful post-concussion care is essential for a full recovery.
- Rest: Strict rest is necessary for several days or more. Activity restrictions include no running, jumping, rough play, or exercise.
- Quiet Environment: Limit exposure to loud voices, televisions, or commotion. Dim lighting may also help.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Follow dietary recommendations. Gradually reintroduce food and water if the vet allows.
- Administer prescribed medications as instructed (never give human medicine unless directed).
- Observe for worsening symptoms: Watch for vomiting, seizures, increased lethargy, difficulty walking, or changes in breathing—report immediately to your vet if observed.
- Follow up: Attend all scheduled checkups to monitor ongoing recovery and prevent complications.
Prognosis: Will My Dog Recover from a Concussion?
The majority of dogs do recover from mild to moderate concussions with timely veterinary care and appropriate at-home management. Some dogs may develop persistent neurological issues after severe trauma, while others recover fully within days to weeks. Ongoing vet visits and close observation make a difference in the long-term outcome.
How to Prevent Head Injuries in Dogs
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk of concussion:
- Supervise play and exercise, especially with other dogs or children.
- Dog-proof your home, securing heavy objects and blocking off stairs or high ledges.
- Buckle up: Always use a secure harness or crate while riding in moving vehicles.
- Keep dogs leashed in unfamiliar or high-traffic areas.
- Monitor interactions with large animals such as horses or cattle.
Do Dog Concussions Differ from Human Concussions?
Canine and human concussions share many similarities:
- Symptoms: Both can involve confusion, loss of coordination, headaches (in humans), or behavioral changes.
- Care: Both require prompt medical evaluation and a period of rest and observation.
- Recovery: Healing can take from several days to a few months in both species.
However, because dogs cannot communicate their discomfort, their symptoms may go unnoticed until they are more severe. Vigilance and seeking veterinary advice after any trauma is imperative in dogs.
When to Call the Vet
- Any loss of consciousness, even brief
- Worsening of symptoms (vomiting, seizures, fainting, rapid breathing)
- Unsteady walking or collapse
- Different-sized pupils, bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Extreme listlessness or unresponsiveness
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek emergency veterinary care if you suspect a head injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Concussions
Q: Can a concussion in my dog be fatal?
A: While most concussions are not life-threatening with proper treatment, severe injuries or delayed care can lead to permanent brain damage or be fatal. Early intervention and close monitoring are critical.
Q: How soon will symptoms of a concussion show up in my dog?
A: Symptoms may appear immediately after trauma or develop over hours. Any behavioral change or physical abnormality after an injury should prompt vet evaluation.
Q: Should I keep my dog awake after a head injury?
A: Do not try to manage this yourself. Your veterinarian will decide whether rest or frequent waking is necessary based on the injury’s severity. Allow your vet to make this judgment—unmonitored sleep or forced wakefulness can be risky.
Q: How long before my dog is back to normal?
A: Mild concussions may resolve in a few days, while severe cases can require weeks or longer. Follow your vet’s instructions closely for the best outcome and attend prescribed follow-ups.
Q: Can a dog have lingering effects or get another concussion?
A: Yes. Some dogs experience lingering neurological changes after a serious brain injury, and a previous concussion may increase susceptibility to future injury. Take every precaution to prevent recurrence, especially during the recovery phase.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can get concussions from head trauma or violent jolts.
- Symptoms may include lethargy, incoordination, vomiting, seizures, or behavioral changes.
- Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect concussion—timeliness matters.
- Home care requires strict rest, observation, and following your vet’s recovery plan.
- Preventative measures reduce the risk of doggy head injuries, especially at home and on outings.
Understanding the risks and responses to dog concussions empowers you as an owner to best support your furry companion after a traumatic event.
References
- https://sunsetanytime.com/blog/dog-concussion-houston-tx/
- https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com/post/symptoms-and-treatments-for-dog-concussions
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brain-injury-in-dogs
- https://www.ellevetsciences.com/blog/can-dogs-get-concussions/
- https://frontierveturgentcare.com/blog/dog-concussion-milwaukee-wi/
- https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-a-concussion
- https://www.southseattlevet.com/things-you-shouldn-t-do-if-you-suspect-a-canine-head-injury
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