What should I do if my dog broke its jaw?

What should I do if my dog broke its jaw? - briefly

If your dog has broken its jaw, immediately contact your veterinarian for advice and schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, keep your dog calm and avoid giving it any food or water until you receive professional guidance.

What should I do if my dog broke its jaw? - in detail

If your dog has broken its jaw, immediate and appropriate action is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. Here's what you should do:

1. Stay Calm: It's important to remain calm so that you can effectively assess the situation and provide care for your dog. Dogs are perceptive and may become more agitated if they sense their owner is upset.

2. Safety First: Gently restrain your dog to prevent it from causing further injury or pain. You can do this by using a muzzle if you have one, or by carefully wrapping the dog's head and neck in a towel or blanket. Be cautious not to put any pressure on the injured area.

3. Assess the Injury: Look for signs of a broken jaw, which may include difficulty opening or closing the mouth, drooling, swelling around the face or jaw, and pain when touched. You might also notice that your dog is having trouble eating or drinking.

4. Contact Your Veterinarian: Immediately call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital. Inform them of the situation and follow their instructions. They may advise you to bring your dog in right away, or they might provide guidance on how to stabilize your pet until you can get to the clinic.

5. Transport Carefully: If possible, transport your dog in a carrier or crate to prevent further injury during the trip. If a carrier is not available, use a blanket or towel to securely hold your dog and support its head and neck.

6. Do Not Give Medication: Unless instructed by your veterinarian, do not give your dog any human pain medication like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can be toxic to dogs.

7. Keep Your Dog Warm: Use blankets or towels to keep your dog warm and comfortable during transport. This can help reduce shock and stress.

8. Avoid Feeding: Do not attempt to feed your dog unless instructed by a veterinarian. If your dog needs to eat, offer soft food that requires minimal chewing. However, it’s best to wait for professional advice on this matter.

9. Follow Veterinary Instructions: Once you reach the vet clinic, follow all instructions provided by the veterinary team. They may perform a physical examination, take X-rays, and possibly administer pain medication or sedatives if necessary.

10. Possible Treatments: Depending on the severity of the injury, your dog may require surgery to repair the broken jaw. This could involve placing wires or plates to hold the bones in place while they heal. In less severe cases, a splint or bandage might be used.

11. Post-Operative Care: If your dog undergoes surgery, follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include administering medication, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring your dog gets plenty of rest. You may also need to feed your dog a special diet that requires minimal chewing until the jaw has healed completely.

12. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's progress and ensure proper healing.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your dog receives the care it needs to recover from a broken jaw. Always remember that prompt action and professional veterinary care are essential for the best outcome.