How to Care for a Canine in a Splint

Dogs can injure themselves in a variety of ways: through play, accidents, attacks by other animals and jumping from high places. Sometimes dogs will injure their legs or paws in ways that require splinting in order for the injury to properly heal. A vet will X-ray the injury to determine the severity and will make the decision to splint the leg or not. If the vet attaches a splint, you will need to provide proper care in order for maximum healing to occur.

Instructions

    • 1

      Limit your dog's activity. For the first few days the dog should be as inactive as possible to prevent straining the injury or exacerbating it. Consider kenneling the dog, if being kenneled won't stress the dog further. Keep the dog off of high furniture to prevent reinjury from climbing up and down. If kenneling isn't possible, restrict the dog to one room, with little or no furniture. Carry the dog if it is small enough.

    • 2

      Ensure proper fit of the splint. The splint should be flush against the animal's leg. The elastic band should be tight around the dog's leg, but there should be some give to allow for minor movement as the dog walks. If the dog's paw swells on either side of the elastic, it is too tight and needs to be readjusted. The splint should also be straight on the dog's leg.

    • 3

      Keep the splint in good repair. Monitor your dog to ensure the animal does not chew the splint off or damage its functionality. Keep the splint and the area underneath it clean, especially if the dog's flesh was pierced by the injury. This will help prevent infection. Wipe the dog's fur gently with a warm, damp rag to remove dirt at least once a day. Wipe the splint, as well.

    • 4

      Follow the vet's instructions carefully and exactly. Your vet will determine the best course of care for your dog. It's important to follow the vet's instructions as closely as possible. The vet will give you the proper splint and tell you the correct length of time for the dog to wear it. He'll also most likely schedule a follow up appointment to check your dog's progress.