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How can u tell if a dog has a concussion?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 15, 2026

Key Takeaways. Dogs can get concussions from falling off something, rough play, falling debris, and other blunt injuries. A dog's symptoms of concussion may include lethargy, differently sized pupils, trouble standing, vomiting, and seizures.

What are signs of a concussion in a dog?

Common dog concussion symptoms include:

  • visible injury to their head.
  • bleeding from their nose or ears.
  • loss of consciousness.
  • un-dilated or oddly dilated pupils and other eye abnormalities.
  • mobility issues.
  • difficulty standing.
  • paralysis.
  • drooling.

How long does it take for a dog to show symptoms of a concussion?

A concussion that leads to brain swelling can occur as late as 24 hours after an injury; it can be treated with diuretics, oxygen, and corticosteroids. Minor concussions, however, might need rest and observation, while severe cases could require surgery.

What happens if a dog hits their head?

Generally, dogs make a full recovery from a concussion, but delayed treatment or extreme head trauma can lead to a concussion-causing permanent brain damage. Dogs can also have brain bleeding and swelling. Both conditions are very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Should I be worried if my dog hit his head?

If your dog has sustained a serious blow to the head and is showing any signs of head trauma, take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. Swelling in the brain from head trauma that is left untreated can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. If left untreated, head trauma can become fatal.

24 related questions found

How do you know if your dog is ok after a fall?

To tell if a small dog is okay after a fall, start by looking at your dog's gums to see if they're pale or white, which mean your dog is in shock or bleeding internally and needs immediate veterinary help.

How do you know if your dog is hurt after a fall?

What should I watch for?

  1. Reluctance to stand or walk.
  2. Pain when lying down or rising.
  3. Stiff gait.
  4. Limping.
  5. Difficulty breathing.
  6. Whining.
  7. Lethargy.
  8. Decreased appetite or difficulty apprehending food.

How do I know if my dog's injury is serious?

You need to get your dog into the veterinarian or veterinary emergency room if your dog shows any of the following signs of an emergency:

  1. Dangling limb (dislocation)
  2. Swelling.
  3. Hot limb.
  4. Obvious break or unnatural angle.

What should I do if my dog fell on his head?

First steps if your dog injures their head

  1. Remain calm – your dog will pick up on your stress.
  2. Phone a local vet immediately.
  3. If your dog has external wounds that are bleeding profusely. Apply direct pressure with a clean non-fluffy cloth.
  4. Keep the animal warm and carefully transport them to the Veterinary Surgery.

What if I accidentally dropped my puppy?

If you suspect a head, neck or spine injury, set up a stretcher-like surface to transport the puppy. Use a flat piece of wood or a large wooden tray and set the puppy on his side. Cover him with a blanket or a thick towel and take him to the vet immediately.

Does my puppy have a concussion?

But subtler signs can include problems balancing or walking, vomiting, or a condition called anisocoria, where pupils are different sizes. “If one is a pinpoint and the other is larger, and the dog has experienced some form of trauma, that's kind of a red flag that the dog may have a concussion,” Klein says.

What happens if my puppy hits his head?

Symptoms of contusions and concussions include dizziness and disorientation. Seizures, as well as brain swelling and bleeding, can also occur as the result of a puppy's fall on his head. If your puppy falls hard enough to endure a serious skull fracture, he also risks injuring his brain.

Can a dog dislocate a shoulder?

In summary, shoulder dislocation in dogs can be caused by trauma or congenital malformation of the shoulder joint. If left untreated, shoulder dislocation can cause lameness, swelling and pain. There are a variety of treatment options available, depending on the severity of the dislocation.

How do you tell if your dog has a sprain or fracture?

Below are the most common symptoms that characterize a broken or sprained leg in a dog.

  1. Loss of appetite.
  2. Swollen paws.
  3. Swollen joints.
  4. Reluctance to put weight on a paw or limb.
  5. Reddened joints.
  6. Limping.
  7. Excessive licking on the legs and/or joints.
  8. Abnormal movement of a limb.

What is the most common dog injury?

Bite wounds are one of the most common injuries for dogs. They can happen during a fight with another dog, cat, or other animal. With dogs, biting is often the last of a progression of aggressive behaviors that can start with growling and snarling.