The Symptoms of a Concussion in Puppies

Puppies quickly become members of the family once they are brought home. Puppies are prone to exploration and rough play, which can lend themselves to getting hurt. If your puppy hit its head hard on a surface or took a fall, you may be concerned that it has a concussion. If so, you should take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a check up, especially if it is exhibiting some of the warning signs of a concussion.

  1. Vomiting

    • Vomiting is one sign that your puppy might be suffering from a concussion. You should be especially concerned if the puppy has recently hit its head or has been exhibiting any other signs. Vomiting can also mean that the puppy is having digestive problems or simply ate food that did not agree with its stomach. If your dog is vomiting consistently or is acting otherwise disoriented, take it to a vet immediately.

    Seizures

    • Seeing a puppy have a seizure is a terrifying sight. It will usually stiffen up, especially in the legs. It may fall over, drool excessively or make strange noises. If your puppy is having seizures and has not been diagnosed with canine epilepsy or has never had one before, this could be the symptom of a concussion that requires professional assistance. During a seizure, the dog is still conscious. Should it become unconscious, especially after suffering a blow, get it immediate care.

    Dilated Pupils

    • Dilated pupils occur during concussions. Examine your dog's eyes with a flashlight. If the pupils do not respond, this could be a sign of a concussion. Other vision problems can cause the dog to feel disoriented and irritable, which is another sign that it needs care as soon as possible. Keep your dog calm by covering it with a blanket and petting gently.

    Tilted Head and Fatigue

    • Concussions can cause your dog to behave strangely, even if it is not exhibiting any signs that it is in pain. For example, your puppy might just seem fatigued or lazy, choosing to lay down and nap as opposed to running and playing. While every dog is different, most puppies are high energy and would respond well to the invite to play. If the dog is tilting its head and acting more fatigued than usual, a concussion may be present and care is needed.

    Bleeding

    • Bleeding is a very strong example of a symptom caused by a concussion. If the dog was hurt, bleeding may be expected. However, bleeding from the ears combined with any other sign is a dangerous sign of a concussion.