When dogs are in pain, they become anxious or panicked. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that precautions must be taken before handling an injured dog, even if the dog does not appear to have injury anxiety.
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Identification
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Dogs experiencing anxiety as a result of injury may pant excessively, suddenly urinate or defecate, shake uncontrollably, cringe, growl at familiar people or bite.
Expert Advice
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When approacing an injured dog, all people need to take a deep breath and appear calm and confident, according to Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. This may calm a dog's injury anxiety.
Considerations
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Tie a makeshift muzzle around the nose to keep the jaws shut since an injured dog may bite. Soft flexible material like a necktie, scarf, nylon stocking or a dog leash can be a temporary muzzle.
Transportation
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Take the injured dog to a veterinarian immediately. To keep the dog from becoming more injured or more anxious, put the dog in a closed container, box or travel kennel, if possible.
Warning
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If you approach a strange, injured dog and the dog raises its hackles, snarls or lunges at you, call an animal control officer for help. This dog will bite.
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