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My puppy fell and hit his head. He's acting normal, should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 9 days old

My puppy was in a puppy bag on my shoulder and fell out. He fell so hard I heard him smack his head on the pavement. He immediately started crying and his head was turned to the side with his tongue sticking out . I picked him up and held him close the crying stopped his head looked normal. He sat in my arms for a second I checked his ears, nose and I am continuously checking his gums. It’s been about 30 min so far and he playing and acting normal as if it never happened. Should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor baby!!

I think if he is acting fine now he will continue to be fine! Just watch him closely for the next 24 hours. Things to be concern about are crying in pain, excessive tiredness, not wanting to eat, etc.

I wish you the best!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2017

    If Lola is acting completely normal I would say just monitor her for now. Sometimes head injuries are not always evident right after the accident happens so keep a close eye on her for the next 24 hours.

    If she is not acting normal then yes, you should be worried and she should be seen by your veterinarian ASAP.

    If you are unsure, you should definitely take her to your veterinarian for an exam just to be on the safe side.

    Hope this helps.

    Vote Icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2020

    Hello. Thank goodness Bella is acting fine after her fall. This could have been serious. As long as she is acting normal, just monitor her tonight. Check her pupils occasionally to make sure they are both even in size. Pill her lids back slightly & check for any blood spots in the white part of the eye, called the sclera. After a few hours, if there are still no changes in her eyes or demeaner, then she should be just fine. Lucky girl. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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