It’s all fun and games until an injury

So, you’re romping with your dog-pal and he suddenly bolts after a squirrel or takes a tumble down a short embankment — then you hear a sharp yelp, followed by the return of a now-limping pup.

An unexpected injury doesn’t always mean a trip to the emergency clinic, but if you’re the least bit unsure about its seriousness, call your veterinarian. Letting a dangerous injury go for a few days or even a few hours could make a huge difference in your dog’s quality of life.

Acute injuries

Acute injuries are those that flare up suddenly, or occur after an accident or something unusual the dog has done.

Auto accidents are the most common and most serious, and require the immediate attention of a veterinarian due to the potential for internal injuries.

Less life-threatening accidents like falls and twists can also cause acute injury to bones, tendons, or ligaments: limping or favoring one leg is easy to spot, but watch for less obvious symptoms like tenderness, swelling, an area that’s hot to the touch, or a change in the way your dog walks.

Other types of acute injury include serious bites from another dog, a snake or a large animal such as a bear and damage from being kicked by a hoofed animal such as a deer or horse. Almost without exception, these life-threatening injuries require you see your vet as soon as possible.

Chronic injuries

Chronic injuries are those that are often associated with conditions like arthritis, overuse or unaccustomed exercise, or old untreated injuries. These kinds of problems tend to respond well to gentle, moist heat. Warm a moist towel in the microwave, wrap the affected area, and put a second towel on top to hold in the warmth.

Chronic conditions such as arthritis can respond well to treatments such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic or hydrotherapy; also helpful are nonprescription medications such as glucosamine and chondroitin, or prescription drugs like carprofen and Adequan.

Minor injuries

Minor injuries include things like small cuts, a torn or broken nail, scraped paw or even an insect bite or sting (presuming your dog doesn’t have a serious allergic reaction). Wash the affected area with soap and water, then drench it with sterile contact lens or saline solution, which you can also use to flush out your dog’s eye if there’s an irritant there.

If you choose to add antibiotic ointment and cover the injury with sterile gauze and veterinary wrap, be sure to check the wound at least twice a day for signs of infection. If the injury is an animal bite, deep puncture, serious cut or abscess, you need to contact your vet.

So the next time your dog hurts herself — and you know it’s bound to happen some day — stay calm and take a few minutes to assess the situation. Call your vet if things appear serious or you need to reassure yourself, but with any luck, you’ll be able to take care of the injury at home, and no one will be the worse for wear.

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy, and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.