Any type of significant blow to the head can cause your dog to suffer a concussion. Such an injury is possible as a result of a fall down the stairs, an impact with a motor vehicle or bicycle, or all sorts of other traumas. If you've noticed some signs that your dog might have a concussion — for example, it could be nauseous and acting dizzy — you should promptly take it to a local animal hospital. A veterinarian can do several different things to help your pet, including the following.
Head Scan
Any time a dog has suffered a blow to its head, it's at risk of more than just a concussion. While concussions can certainly be serious, there's also a risk of a fractured skull or a brain bleed. To rule out further issues, your veterinarian will likely arrange for one or more scans of your dog's head. If the scans reveal additional injuries, the veterinarian will inform you of this news and discuss various treatment options. If the scans come back clean, suggesting that the dog only has a concussion, there are some things that the vet can do.
Hydration
Hydration is often necessary after a concussion. Dogs that suffer concussions will often be so nauseous that they vomit multiple times, which can cause them to be dehydrated. Further, because the dog feels nauseous, it may not drink water to rehydrate after throwing up. If the veterinarian notices that the dog is showing signs of dehydration, they'll offer fluids in the form of an IV. These fluids will help to make the dog feel better, as well as avoid the various other challenges that can arise as a result of dehydration.
Further Instructions
When your dog has a concussion, the veterinarian will speak to you at length about what you can do in the coming days. Just as when a human has a concussion, there's no immediate treatment that can relieve the symptoms of this injury. Often, healing will occur over time, especially when you care for the dog properly. You can expect that your veterinarian will encourage you to give the dog moderate exercise. They may also ask you to see how your dog reacts to light. If it gets dizzy in bright environments, it may be best to exercise the dog in the evening, for example. You'll also learn about any warning signs that suggest the dog's health is worsening so that you can promptly return to the clinic.
For more info, visit a local vet hospital.
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