Can Dogs Get Concussions? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Protecting Your Pup‘s Brain

As a proud dog parent, you know your furry friend is an important member of the family. We do everything we can to keep our canine companions safe and healthy, from regular vet check-ups to feeding a balanced diet to providing plenty of exercise and enrichment. But even with the best care, accidents can happen. One potential injury that may not immediately come to mind is a concussion.

Can Dogs Really Get Concussions?

The short answer is yes – just like humans, dogs can suffer from concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In fact, head trauma is one of the most common reasons for neurological veterinary emergencies.

But how does a concussion actually occur? The canine brain is made up of soft tissue cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid and encased in the hard bones of the skull. Normally, this arrangement protects the brain from the minor bumps of daily life. However, a sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head can cause the brain to essentially slosh back and forth, slamming into the inside of the skull. This trauma at a cellular level is what we recognize as a concussion.

While dogs may seem hard-headed (in more ways than one!), those tough skulls don‘t make them concussion-proof. The question is, how often are our faithful friends sustaining these injuries?

Concussions in Canines: The Numbers

Because concussions can be difficult to diagnose in dogs and may go unreported by owners, we don‘t have a precise count of how many dogs sustain brain injuries each year. However, the available veterinary data suggests that head trauma is not uncommon:

• A study of over 6,000 dogs admitted to a veterinary trauma center found that 1.4% were diagnosed with a TBI based on MRI scans (Sharma & Holowaychuck, 2015).
• In a survey of over 500 dog owners, 2.5% reported that their dog had suffered a head injury at some point (Haley et al., 2019).
• A retrospective study at a veterinary teaching hospital found that 2.5% of dogs admitted to the neurology service over a 6-year period had a diagnosis of TBI (Turcsán et al., 2020).

So while not exceedingly common, concussions and more serious TBIs certainly impact a significant number of our canine companions. As a responsible dog lover, it‘s important to recognize the risks and be prepared.

How Dogs Get Concussions

Concussions in dogs can happen any time there is a forceful impact or rapid change in head speed. Some of the most frequently reported causes include:

• Car accidents: Dogs that are hit by vehicles or involved in a crash while riding in the car are at high risk for head trauma. Always keep dogs securely leashed or harnessed in the car.

• Falls: Tumbles down stairs, out of a person‘s arms, off of furniture, or over obstacles can lead to concussions, especially in small dogs and puppies. Dog-proof your home and supervise climbers and jumpers.

• Blunt force trauma: Sadly, some concussions are the result of intentional cruelty. Other times, a dog may be struck by a falling object or run into something while playing. Always supervise fetching and exploring.

• Dog fights: When tensions flare between dogs, bites and head ramming can cause brain injury. Work with a trainer to curb aggressive behavior and always supervise play, even between friendly dogs.

• High-impact activities: Dogs that participate in intense athletic activities like agility trials, lure coursing, flyball, and more are at increased risk of concussions from collisions or falls. Invest in appropriate safety gear.

Certain factors can make some dogs more prone to head injuries. Very young and very old dogs, giant breeds, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may be at higher risk. Dogs with a history of concussions and those that frequently engage in high-risk activities also warrant extra vigilance.

Signs of Trouble: Spotting a Canine Concussion

One of the challenges with canine concussions is that our furry friends can‘t tell us when something feels "off." It‘s up to observant owners to spot the sometimes subtle signs that a dog may have sustained a brain injury:

• Loss of consciousness: The most obvious red flag is a dog that has been "knocked out," even momentarily after an impact.

• Disorientation: A concussed dog may seem confused, dazed, or "out of it." They may pace, spin in circles, get stuck in corners, or fail to recognize you.

• Altered mental state: After a blow to the head, you may notice a distinct change in your dog‘s behavior and demeanor. They may become irritable and snappish or excessively lethargic.

• Impaired balance: Stumbling, swaying, head tilt, and a "drunken" gait can all indicate that something is wrong in the brain.

• Eye abnormalities: Look out for pupils that are unevenly dilated or constricted, eyes that move rapidly or abnormally, and sensitivity to light.

• Vomiting: Repeated vomiting is a sign of many serious issues in dogs, including brain injury.

• Seizures: If your dog suddenly has a seizure when they‘ve never had one before, head trauma could be the culprit.

These signs can develop immediately after the injury or in the minutes, hours, or even days following. It‘s important to stay alert and not brush off a bump on the noggin. When in doubt, always call your veterinarian for advice on whether your dog needs to be seen.

Getting a Diagnosis: Tests for Concussions in Dogs

If you suspect your pup has suffered a concussion, a prompt vet visit is a must. Your dog‘s doctor will start with a nose-to-tail physical exam, taking note of pupil size, reflexes, coordination, and signs of trauma like bruising or cuts. Be sure to provide a complete history of the incident and your dog‘s prior health.

Next will come a full neurological workup. This involves testing reflexes, examining eye movement, evaluating mental status, and more. For some dogs, advanced imaging will be recommended. A CT scan can detect fractures and brain swelling. An MRI provides an even more detailed look at brain structures. Occasionally, functional MRI (fMRI) may be used to map brain activity and damage.

Your veterinarian may also suggest blood work and other tests to check for internal injuries or underlying conditions that could complicate recovery. Canine concussion diagnosis is complex, so don‘t be afraid to ask questions and get a second opinion if needed.

Helping Your Dog Heal: Concussion Treatment and Recovery

The good news is that with proper care, most dogs will recover well after a concussion. The key is a balance of rest and observation in the early days after the injury.

For mild concussions, your vet will likely advise a period of strict rest – that means short leash walks only for bathroom breaks, no vigorous play, and lots of quiet time. You may need to confine your dog to a small, safe space and avoid loud noises and bright lights which can be overstimulating to the healing brain. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications and anti-inflammatories can keep your dog comfortable.

More severe concussions may require hospitalization for round-the-clock monitoring and supportive care like IV fluids. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair skull fractures or relieve building pressure in the brain. If a dog experiences seizures, anti-convulsant medications will also be used.

As your pup starts to bounce back, your vet will guide you on a slow return to normal activity. It‘s important not to rush this process, as re-injury is a major concern. Most dogs with an uncomplicated concussion will be back to their old selves within a few weeks. However, be sure to report any lingering or recurrent symptoms to your vet.

An Ounce of Prevention: Keeping Canine Concussions at Bay

We all know that accidents happen, even to the most conscientious dog owners. However, there are concrete steps you can take to reduce your dog‘s risk of suffering a serious knock on the head:

1. Always walk your dog on a leash and never allow off-leash exploring near roads. Ensure your yard has a sturdy, secure fence that your dog can‘t dig under or jump over.

2. Use safety gates to block off stairs, install window guards, secure unstable furniture, and pad hard surfaces where possible. Keep dogs away from high decks and balconies.

3. Crate train your dog and always secure their crate in the car with a seatbelt. Invest in a well-fitting canine car harness for trips when your pup isn‘t in the crate.

4. Work with a certified dog trainer to discourage aggressive behavior and promote healthy play skills. Never leave dogs with a history of fighting unsupervised with other animals.

5. Introduce new canine playmates slowly and always monitor the intensity of play, even between dogs that know each other well. Separate dogs at the first sign of tension.

6. Be a proactive dog sports parent – outfit your athlete in protective head gear made for dogs and follow all event safety regulations to a tee.

7. Make a habit of regularly examining your dog‘s head, face, and body for any unusual lumps, bumps, or tenderness and get vet care promptly if you notice anything concerning.

Above all, be an advocate for your pup. Speak up if someone is playing too roughly with your dog and never hesitate to remove your dog from a situation that feels unsafe.

The Bottom Line: A Healthy Brain for Your Best Friend

Our loyal canine companions bring so much joy, love, and laughter to our lives. In return, it‘s up to us to be their guardians and protectors, especially when it comes to their precious brains! While dogs may seem tough, a concussion can happen to any pup under the wrong circumstances. Knowing how to recognize, respond to, and prevent head injuries is part of being a responsible dog lover.

If your dog ever takes a worrisome whack on the head, err on the side of caution and get them checked out by a vet ASAP. Prompt care gives your furry friend the best shot at a full recovery. In the meantime, take simple steps to lower the risk of concussions, like securing your dog in the car, training them to play appropriately, and always keeping a close eye on their antics.

With a little knowledge and a lot of TLC, you can help keep your dog‘s noggin in tip top shape for a long life full of tail wags, sloppy kisses, and happy, healthy adventures together. That‘s what being a dog lover is all about!