My dog was hit by car, seems fine but won't wag tail. Is she injured?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I know you feel bad! We see this happen a lot, puppies and kittens are very squirmy! I would say that 98% of the time the puppies are fine. If she is walking well and not limping, is playing and eating I think she falls in to the category! She still may be a bit sore and that is why her tail isn't wagging. I would watch her closely and I bet she will be 100% very soon! I hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This would warrant a veterinary evaluation for further assessment and treatment. These types of traumatic lesions can result in a fracture of the tail which can be quite painful. Even when a fracture is not present, this tends to result in a lot of pain. They would be able to evaluate her and at the very least start medications for pain. Good luck and have a good night!

I don't see any swelling, which is good, the fact that she wags the tail normally is also a very good sign. there is probably no serious damage, at this point there is no reason to take her to the vet but i would recommend monitoring pain, the wagging (it's important that no part of the tail is dropped while wagged) and the swelling (this can start 24 hours after the damage. if you see any of those change please take her to the vet to get it checked.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Max! It's a good sign that he ate and drank. It's hard to say if he will be fine with out examining him. Sometimes internal injuries do not show up right away, things like internal bleeding in the chest or belly, bruising on the lungs (contusions), abnormal air around the lungs (pneumothorax), diaphragmatic hernias, trauma to the urinary bladder. The obvious outward signs like a broken bone, wounds, back or head trauma you would have seen right away. I would rest him and keep him calm. Watch for increased and labored breathing, no urine production, lethargy and pale gums. He will likely be sore tomorrow. If anything changes he should be taken to an emergency hospital. It isn't wrong to have him checked out now and get pain medications in case he is sore tomorrow. I hope this helps and I wish Max the very best!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your about Lily. The only way to tell if her tail is broken is to have her seen by a vet for x-rays. If it is broken, yes the vet can treat it. It will also be painful to her, and the vet can prescribe pain medication. Please do not give her any human pain medications as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take her into a vet now. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jess! The most common cause for a limp or down tail and decreased activity is back pain. Back pain can be from a slipped disk or a muscle strain or sprain. They tend to hurt and thus do not want to play or jump up or do stairs. Pain also affects the appetite. I highly recommend a Vet visit today as it is Friday. The vet should be able to elicit back pain on exam. I treat with anti-inflammatories, pain medications, muscle relaxants and strict rest. I wish Jess the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While an anal sac issue is possible, other things like potentially a soft tissue injury to the tail, a fracture of one of the tail bones and even a condition called "lumber tail" appear more likely. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They should be able to localize his pain and proceed with diagnostics if needed as well as prescribing a medication for pain if it seems indicated. Good luck and have a good day!