Top Ten Most Common Dog Accidents

As a devoted dog owner, keeping our furry friend out of harm’s way is paramount. Forewarned is forearmed, so knowing some of the most common accidents a dog can suffer is really important - we discover what these are below.

Plus, did you know that pet insurance, like coverage offered by Lemonade, can help cover the costs of things like diagnostics, procedures, and treatments for unexpected accidents?

1. Swallowing Something They Shouldn’t

One of the most common accidents that dogs suffer is swallowing a foreign object. From socks to rocks, if a dog can fit it in his mouth, he might well try to. If it’s something poisonous or obviously dangerous, immediate medical attention should be sought. For other items, many will pass out in their poop - although keep an eye out for loss of appetite or vomiting, which, again, indicates that attention from a vet is required. If you think your dog has swallowed something poisonous, don’t induce them to vomit unless your vet has instructed you to do so.

2. Getting Hit by a Car

Sadly, being hit by a vehicle is one of the most common dog accidents. If you know or think your dog has been hit by a car, any obvious injuries should be wrapped in a soft towel (or similar), and emergency medical attention should be sought from a vet. Accidents such as this are an important reason for having pet insurance.

3.  Bites from Other Dogs

Large dog bites are typically obvious - you’ll often be able to see a bleeding wound, laceration, and/or bruising. Gentle but firm pressure should be applied where bleeding is still active, and wounds should be covered with a clean bandage or something similar. A bite occurring on a small dog may go unnoticed but nevertheless cause serious damage, such as crushed ribs or organ damage. In either case, seek veterinarian attention from your vet - where the latter has occurred, be sure to transport your pet with as little movement as possible to prevent worsening any injuries present.

4. Paw Injuries

Often the result of stepping on broken glass or hot pavements, paw injuries are a common injury suffered by dogs. Where a dog has stepped on glass, or another sharp object, any remaining fragments in the pad should be removed and a clean cloth pressed to the affected area to stabilize the bleeding. For burnt paws, an ice pack is usually the best option, although cool running water can also be used to relieve discomfort.

5. Accidents Affecting the Tail

Dogs can easily get their tails stuck in something (like a door) or have them stepped on. Large dogs are even capable of wagging their tails with such force that, should they hit a hard surface, bruising occurs. Recovery may take weeks - even months -  and treatments can include bandages and crate restrictions. It’s vital to ensure that treatment is completed to avoid your dog reinjuring their tail, which can happen if they wag or hit it before it’s properly healed.

6. Eye Injuries

Accidents that cause injuries to the eyes are something that vets regularly encounter, too, and can be caused by - among other things - cat swats or running through foliage. Some of the signs of an eye injury to look out for include redness, tearing, squinting, swelling, or bulging.

7. Cruciate Ligament Injury

One of the most common accidents suffered by dogs is a cruciate ligament injury, which is trauma to the stabilizing ligament in the knee, which causes knee instability and pain. Most dogs who suffer this type of trauma can’t put their full weight on the leg and are likely to hold up the affected limb. Surgery is almost always required in order to repair the cruciate ligament, but the success rate is very high.

8. Oral Injury

Often caused by chewing on bones or twigs or other items with sharp edges, oral injuries include trauma to a dog's gums, teeth, tongue, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Bones can also become lodged in the teeth or lower jaw. While cuts and scrapes can usually be treated with medication, tooth fractures and more serious lacerations may necessitate oral surgery.

9. Torn Toenail

Nearly every dog will experience this at some point in their lives. Commonly, the result of simply catching their toenail on something usually causes bleeding and will almost certainly cause pain. Typically, your vet will need to perform a nail cutback (for which a local anesthetic is required). Following this, a bandage will be applied, and you’ll need to give your furry friend a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

10. Insect Bites or Stings

Being the fun-loving pets they are, many dogs will try to catch flying bugs and insects - or are simply unlucky - and get a bite or sting for their trouble. As well as causing discomfort, it’s important to be aware that bites and stings can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, just as with people. Watch out for the signs of a reaction, such as vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and seek emergency medical attention if you see any.