My dog fell and has a bruise. When should I take her to the vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nikki. She needs to see an emergency veterinarian this evening. Bruising is a worrisome sign in a dog, as it is less common that in people. Bruising can indicate significant trauma such as from a broken leg. This would be diagnosed with an x-ray. If bruising is found on other locations on her body, in addition to the leg, then a bleeding disorder could be possible. This would require blood work testing. Her veterinarian will be able to guide you based on her exam findings. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

I am sorry to hear about Chichi. Sometimes bruising is not immediately obvious. If Chichi is acting lethargic, having trouble breathing, is painful, is not eating or having vomiting, then an exam at the vet would be recommended. If she seems completely fine, I would check her gums to ensure they are pink and check her regularly the next few days for new bruises, pale gums, or the appearance of pinpoint red spots on her gums or skin which can be a sign of a bleeding disorder. If anything like this develops she should see the vet as well.

Poor Chewie. You'll want to continue to keep an eye on him. If you notice that it gets any bigger or if he's in pain more than discomfort go in for a visit with your local Veterinarian. If you notice any bones facing in unnatuaral directions, you'll want to go in as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to prescribe an anti-inflammatory and make sure nothing has moved.

You have two options in this situation: 1. Take Charlie to your vet for an exam. That way you get a diagnosis and then the proper treatment can be started. This way Charlie will be feeling better sooner. OR 2. Monitor him and keep him from doing any activity for about 5-7 day. If he does not improve or seems worse at any time then you will need to take him to the vet ASAP. I do not suggest you give him any medications over the counter. You can ice the bruised area if he will let you - 5 minutes 3 times per day. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does look like a large bruise. Dark, red colour of the skin is a normal feature of bruising. Please, monitor Chloe for a few days at home. Typically, a large bruise like this should decrease slowly in size and disappear in the next 5-7 days. However, if the area is painful to touch or Chloe is lethargic and not herself, you should take her to your local vets for an appointment.

In my experience, injuries like this often take a bit of time to manifest. Usually there is at least some soreness involved, and even though it doesn't sound like anything is broken, I would recommend a vet visit to be sure. It's kind of like straining something at the gym - you often don't feel the pain for several hours, and you vet can give him a bit of an anti-inflammatory pain medication to help him be more comfortable.

Hello, Its hard to give you definitive advise, because this could be nothing or something. Most likely, t could also be a simple insect bite or minor trauma that resolves on its own within a couple of days. However, I'd recommend monitoring that bruise for any changes and the rest of his skin and gums for new bruising or bleeding. Mysterious bruises can be a sign of blood disorders. If Charlie experiences any additional bruising, bleeding, or changes in appetite or behavior, I'd recommend taking him to the vet right away. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.