Head Trauma in Dogs: Is it an Emergency?

Any injury to your dog’s head is one you’ll always take seriously, given the amount of vital structures in that area. From nasty falls and dog attacks to car accidents and blunt force trauma, we see many different presentations in emergency practice.

It is not always easy to determine how serious the injury is or what care your dog needs. This article discusses how best to assess things and which steps you should take in the event of a head trauma.

While your dog sustaining an injury can be both stressful and upsetting, knowing how to handle the situation helps ensure a successful outcome.

What is Head Trauma in Dogs?

Head trauma in dogs is any injury to the head, which may be mild and limited to a slight bruise or localised swelling. However, there is also the potential for severe injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).

What Causes Head Injuries in Dogs?

There are many ways a dog can sustain a head injury, with the most common ones discussed below.

Road Accidents and Blunt Force Trauma

A dog who has managed to slip their lead or who breaks free from their garden may end up on the road. Getting hit head-on by a bicycle or motor vehicle can cause severe trauma, especially when it occurs at high speed.

Falls and Rough Play

Falls from furniture or down stairs are not uncommon. They’re seen mostly in young puppies who lack common sense and older dogs who are beginning to struggle with their mobility.

Rough play can also lead to bites or head bumps, especially when a small dog plays with a larger one. Aggressive attacks from other animals (typically dog fights) are another leading cause of canine head trauma.

Object Impacts and Household Accidents

It’s not uncommon for objects like mobile phones to fall from hands and onto puppies, or for boisterous pets to knock objects like photo frames off tables and onto their heads.

Many accidents occur when a dog is young or new to the home, as they get accustomed to the layout and owners get used to them being underfoot.

How Serious is a Head Injury in Dogs?

Although many injuries will be minor and cause no long-term issues, there is true potential for head injuries to cause damage to vital organs, including the eyes and brain.

One big concern is the potential for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Brain inflammation and reduced oxygen going to the brain can have serious implications.

What Are the Signs of Head Trauma in Dogs?

Although some head trauma will be witnessed by an owner, others will not. The symptoms a dog displays afterwards can provide vital clues as to where the dog has been hit.

Visible Symptoms You May Notice Immediately

A dog that has experienced head trauma will generally be in pain. If conscious, this may lead to them trembling, whining or hiding away.

Depending on the severity, it is also possible they will struggle to stand or may even be unconscious.

Neurological Symptoms That Require Urgent Attention

Neurological symptoms indicate the trauma is very serious, and any involvement of the central nervous system warrants immediate emergency vet care.

Symptoms include:

• Dilated pupils or uneven pupil size
• Flickering pupils
• Balance loss
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Limb weakness

Behavioural Changes After a Head Injury

Behavioural changes can be immediate or delayed, depending on the extent of the trauma. Immediate signs can include aggression, agitation or lethargy.

More chronic changes are also possible, and dogs may develop long-term personality changes, including irritability or withdrawal.

When is Head Trauma in Dogs an Emergency?

Given how serious a head injury can be, oftentimes it is going to warrant emergency vet care. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution with these incidents.

Symptoms That Require Immediate Veterinary Care

Some red flag symptoms after a traumatic head injury include:

• Bleeding from the ears or nose
• Altered mentation
• Mobility changes
• Flickering eye movements
• Severe neck or back pain
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness or coma

Immediate vet care should also be sought after any witnessed trauma that has the potential to cause serious damage, such as a collision with a vehicle or a dog fight where the skin is broken.

Can a Dog Seem Normal After a Head Injury but Still Be at Risk?

Although a dog may initially seem fine, the adrenaline surge they experience can mask pain initially.

There is also the possibility for internal bleeding or brain swelling to occur, which may not cause signs right away.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Hits Their Head?

If your dog sustains a head injury, try to stay calm and to assess the situation. Remove them from any immediate danger, and note how they are both moving and acting.

How to Safely Approach and Assess Your Dog

Be aware that your dog may act unpredictably, especially if left alone for a long time. Try not to startle them or to manipulate them in a place they’ll find painful, as they may snap.

If your dog is trying to bite as you assess them, use a thick towel or muzzle to protect yourself.

Should You Move Your Dog After a Head Injury?

You’ll almost always need to take your dog to a veterinarian. Home visits may be an option, but it is usually quicker and safer to bring your pet to the nearest emergency clinic when possible. The clinic will have the staff and equipment required to treat your pet effectively.

If they cannot walk, gently carry your dog, supporting their whole body and avoiding any pressure on their injured areas. For larger breeds, a thick blanket held between two people can act as a stretcher.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Head Trauma in Dogs?

Your vet will want to know how the injury occurred and will assess your dogis condition when they enter the clinic to determine the severity of the trauma.

Physical and Neurological Examinations

Your dog will undergo a thorough nose-to-tail check, including a neurological assessment, to assess whether the cranial nerves and reflexes are functioning as they should.

Imaging Tests Such as X-Rays, CT Scans, or MRI

Imaging is generally recommended to assess for any damage to the skull, teeth, or soft-tissue structures of the head. X-rays are cheaper and can be performed quickly, while imaging modalities like CT scans and MRIs provide more detailed information.

When available, CT scans can prove especially useful in these cases to identify fractures, damage to the brain, and to detect any bleeding or herniation of the brain.

How is Head Trauma in Dogs Treated?

The initial focus will be on stabilising your dog and controlling their pain. More specific therapy will begin once all injuries are identified.

Stabilisation and Emergency Care

Airway, breathing and circulation will always be the top priority after a trauma. Those patients in shock may require oxygen, intravenous fluids and active warming.

Most dogs will need injectable pain relief. Your vet may monitor parameters including your dog’s blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels while your pet is in the vet hospital.

Medication to Control Swelling or Seizures

Hyperosmolar therapy is initiated when intracranial pressure (ICP) is elevated, often with mannitol or hypertonic saline.

Active seizures are treated with anti-seizure medicine such as Diazepam or Midazolam. A maintenance anti-seizure medicine may also be given to prevent further seizure activity.

Surgery for Severe Skull or Brain Injuries

Decompressive surgery may be required to address certain fracture types, control active bleeding or remove haematomas. These surgeries are delicate and often complex, meaning they may be performed at a referral centre.

Can Dogs Recover From Head Trauma?

Many patients will make a full recovery, particularly when treatment is sought promptly.

Factors That Influence Recovery

Recovery is dependent on the severity of the injury. It has been shown that those patients who present to the clinic with elevated blood sugar and who are in shock have a worse prognosis.

Possible Long-Term Complications

Some dogs may develop ongoing problems after a head trauma. These can include seizures (post-traumatic epilepsy), behavioural changes and ongoing balance or mobility issues.

How Can You Prevent Head Injuries in Dogs?

Not all head injuries can be prevented, but some simple measures can be helpful.

Safety Measures at Home

Children should not be allowed to pick up or roughhouse with puppies. Similarly, young or small dogs should be closely supervised while around larger ones.

It can sometimes be helpful to use baby gates at the bottom of stairs, and to instigate a ‘no dogs on the furniture’ rule.

Outdoor Precautions

When outside, it is usually safest to have your dog on a lead. This is especially true when near a road. If your dog is left outside in the garden, always ensure they cannot escape the perimeters and gates aren’t left open.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Contact us at any time, night or day, if your dog has been injured and requires urgent vet care. A dog with a head injury should be seen urgently, no matter the hour.

Head Trauma in Dogs FAQs

Can a Dog Sleep After Hitting Its Head?

Monitor your dog, while awake, for several hours after they’ve hit their head. This enables you to detect any new symptoms or any changes in how they are acting.

How Long After a Head Injury Can Symptoms Appear in Dogs?

Most symptoms appear rapidly. However, it is possible for new signs to develop hours or even days after the trauma.

What Are the Warning Signs of Brain Swelling in Dogs?

Symptoms of cerebral swelling may include confusion, head pressing, blindness, weakness, or seizures.