Can Dogs Get Concussions — Essentials

Key Takeaways

Dogs can indeed suffer concussions from head trauma, though symptoms may be less obvious than in humans

Common causes include car accidents, falls from heights, dog fights, and collisions with objects or other animals

Warning signs include loss of consciousness, unequal pupil sizes, balance problems, vomiting, and behavioral changes

Immediate veterinary care is essential after any head trauma, as early intervention can prevent serious complications

Prevention through proper supervision, leashing, and avoiding dangerous situations is the best protection for your dog

The mechanism behind canine concussion mirrors what happens in human brain injury. When your dog experiences head trauma, the brain doesn’t just stop when the skull does—it continues moving, creating a bruising effect against the bone. This doesn’t always cause visible damage that shows up on advanced imaging such as a CT scan or MRI, which is why diagnosis often relies on observing clinical symptoms rather than imaging alone.

Here’s what makes dog concussions unique compared to human cases:

• Thicker skull protection : Dogs generally have thicker skulls relative to their brain size, providing some natural protection against head injuries • Different symptom presentation : Since dogs can’t tell us about headaches or dizziness, we must rely on observable behavioral and physical changes. Common symptoms of a concussion in dogs include loss of consciousness, vomiting, disorientation, and balance problems. • Size variations matter : Small dogs are more vulnerable to severe brain trauma from relatively minor impacts due to their delicate bone structure • Recovery patterns : Most dogs recover fully from mild concussions within 72 hours with proper veterinary care, though severe cases may require longer treatment

The veterinary field uses tools like the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) to assess neurological function in dogs with suspected brain injury, helping vets determine the severity and guide treatment decisions.

Common Causes of Dog Concussions

Understanding how dogs get concussions helps you recognize risk situations and take preventive action. While any sudden impact can cause brain trauma, certain scenarios pose higher risks for our canine companions.

The most frequent causes mirror many human concussion triggers, but dogs face unique vulnerabilities due to their curious nature and lack of hazard awareness:

• Car accidents : Being struck by vehicles or experiencing trauma during car collisions represents the leading cause of severe head trauma in dogs. Even minor fender-benders can cause whiplash-type injuries that result in brain trauma
• Falls from heights : Small dogs are particularly susceptible to concussions from tumbling down stairs, falling off furniture, or dropping from balconies. What seems like a short distance to us can cause significant damage to a smaller dog
• Dog fights and roughhousing : Aggressive interactions with a larger dog or even overly enthusiastic dog play can result in head injuries. Rough play with a bigger dog can increase the risk of concussion for smaller dogs, as a larger dog can unintentionally cause injury during play or fights. Puppies playing with bigger dogs face especially high risks
• Direct impacts : Being kicked, stepped on, or struck by falling objects can cause immediate head trauma. Door crush injuries also occur when dogs get caught in closing doors
• Sports and activity injuries : High-energy activities like frisbee catching, agility training, or even enthusiastic fetch sessions can lead to collisions that cause head injuries

Less obvious causes include seemingly routine situations where injuries happen unexpectedly. Even car rides without proper restraints can become dangerous if sudden stops cause your dog to strike the dashboard or windows. Small dogs dropped by children or falling from their arms represent another common scenario that emergency vets see regularly.

The risks of concussion can vary depending on the size of the dogs involved and the nature of their play. The key insight is that most cases involve either high-impact collisions or situations where a small dog sustains trauma that would be minor for a larger animal. Recognizing these patterns helps pet parents anticipate and prevent many concussion scenarios.

Recognizing the Risks

Understanding the risks of head injuries and concussions in dogs is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Dogs can get concussions from a variety of everyday situations, and being aware of these dangers helps you take steps to prevent serious trauma. Car accidents are a leading cause of concussions in dogs, but even less dramatic events—like rough play with other dogs, encounters with aggressive dogs, or falls from furniture—can result in significant head injuries. As a pet parent, it’s important to recognize that concussions in dogs don’t just happen during extreme events; sometimes, a simple misstep or an unexpected collision can lead to brain trauma.

To minimize the risk of concussions, always supervise your dog during play, especially when interacting with larger or more energetic dogs. Avoid letting your dog roam near busy roads or in areas where car accidents could occur. Be cautious around unfamiliar or aggressive dogs, as fights can quickly escalate into dangerous head injuries. By staying alert to these risks and making thoughtful choices about your dog’s environment and activities, you can help prevent concussions and protect your pet from severe complications. Remember, dogs can get concussions just like people, and your awareness is the first line of defense against head trauma.

The complexity increases because some symptoms may not appear immediately. While many signs manifest right after the trauma, others can develop gradually over 24 to 48 hours as brain swelling or other complications arise. This delayed presentation means that even if your dog seems fine initially after experiencing head trauma, continued monitoring of your dog's condition remains crucial.

What makes recognition particularly important is that early intervention dramatically improves outcomes. Dogs showing signs of brain injury benefit significantly from prompt medical attention, while delayed treatment can allow secondary complications like brain swelling to cause permanent damage. If you suspect your dog has a concussion, you should closely monitor your dog's condition and seek veterinary care.

Remember that any dog that loses consciousness, even briefly, requires immediate emergency veterinary care regardless of how they appear afterward. The absence of obvious symptoms doesn’t rule out a concussion—when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional evaluation.

Physical Signs to Watch For

The most obvious physical signs often indicate serious brain trauma requiring immediate emergency care:

• Loss of consciousness : If your dog has lost consciousness at any point following head trauma, this represents a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Even brief episodes warrant professional evaluation • Unequal pupil sizes (anisocoria) : Check if one pupil appears larger than the other, or if pupils don’t respond normally to light changes. This can indicate increased pressure within the skull • Rapid eye movement or unusual eye movements : Uncontrolled, jerky eye movements (nystagmus) often signal brain injury and require immediate medical care • Balance problems : Watch for stumbling, walking in circles, inability to stand steadily, or falling over when trying to walk normally • Vomiting : Especially concerning when combined with other neurological signs, as this can indicate increased pressure in the brain • Seizures : Any seizure activity following head trauma represents an emergency situation requiring immediate veterinary intervention

These physical signs often appear more dramatic than behavioral changes, making them easier to recognize. However, the absence of these symptoms doesn’t rule out a concussion—many dogs with brain injury show only subtle behavioral changes initially.

Behavioral and Mental Changes

Behavioral changes can be more subtle but equally important indicators of brain trauma:

• Excessive lethargy : While some tiredness after trauma is normal, unusual difficulty staying awake or extreme drowsiness warrants concern • Confusion or disorientation : Getting lost in familiar places, inability to find food/water bowls, or seeming confused about routine activities • Personality changes : Sudden aggression in normally gentle dogs, or unusual withdrawal and fearfulness in typically social pets • Failure to respond : Not recognizing family members, ignoring familiar commands, or seeming unable to process normal interactions • Changes in basic functions : Altered eating, drinking, or bathroom habits that can’t be explained by other factors • Sensitivity issues : Unusual reactions to light, sound, or touch that weren’t present before the trauma

These behavioral changes often develop more gradually and can be easily mistaken for general stress or fatigue. The key is recognizing when your dog’s normal personality seems fundamentally different following any head trauma incident.

Immediate Response to Suspected Concussion

When you suspect your dog has suffered a concussion, your immediate response can significantly impact their recovery outcome. Acting quickly while remaining calm helps ensure your pet gets the care they need while avoiding actions that could worsen their condition.

The first priority is ensuring everyone’s safety and preventing further injury. Remove any ongoing threats from the environment and assess your dog’s condition without moving them unnecessarily. Your goal is to stabilize the situation while preparing for transport to veterinary care.

Here’s your step-by-step response plan:

• Ensure scene safety : Remove any hazards that could cause additional injury to you or your dog. If the incident occurred in traffic, move to a safe location • Keep your dog calm and still : Minimize movement during your assessment. Speak in soothing tones and avoid sudden movements that might startle an already confused animal • Position the dog’s head elevated : If possible, keep your dog’s head elevated at approximately a 30-degree angle to help reduce potential brain pressure. Use towels or blankets to create this positioning • Remove restrictive items : Gently remove collars, harnesses, or anything around the neck that could restrict blood flow to the head and brain • Avoid food, water, or medications : Don’t offer anything by mouth until after veterinary evaluation, as this could complicate treatment or cause choking if consciousness levels change • Prepare for safe transport : Use a carrier for small dogs or create a stretcher with a blanket for larger dogs who can’t walk safely. Avoid forcing movement in dogs showing severe neurological signs

During transport, continue monitoring your dog’s condition and note any changes in consciousness, breathing, or behavior to report to the emergency vet. Keep the car environment calm and quiet, avoiding loud music or sudden braking that could worsen their condition.

Remember that even dogs who seem to recover quickly after initial trauma should receive veterinary evaluation. Some complications from brain injury develop hours after the initial incident, making professional assessment crucial for all suspected cases.

Emergency Vet Visit: When to Seek Immediate Help

If your dog experiences a head injury, knowing when to seek immediate help from an emergency vet can make all the difference. Any time a dog loses consciousness, even briefly, or shows other signs of severe head trauma—such as vomiting, seizures, rapid or unusual eye movements, or unequal pupil sizes—it’s a clear signal that urgent veterinary care is needed. Other signs that should prompt an emergency vet visit include sudden behavioral changes, difficulty walking, or confusion. These symptoms may indicate a concussion or more serious brain injury, and acting quickly can help prevent severe complications.

When transporting your dog to the vet, keep their head elevated at about a 30-degree angle to help reduce pressure on the brain. Remove any collars, harnesses, or other restrictive items from around your dog’s head and neck to ensure proper blood flow and minimize further injury. The sooner your dog receives professional evaluation and treatment, the better their chances of a full recovery. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—if you notice any red flags after a head injury, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

The Role of Owners in Canine Concussion Care

As a dog owner, your involvement is essential in both the immediate and long-term care of a dog with a concussion. After a head injury, closely monitor your dog for any signs of concussion, such as lethargy, vomiting, seizures, or changes in behavior. Providing a calm, quiet environment and a comfortable place for your dog to rest can help reduce stress and support the healing process. It’s important to follow your vet’s treatment plan carefully, including administering any prescribed medications and restricting your dog’s activity as recommended.

Regular communication with your vet is key to ensuring your dog recovers fully. Attend all follow-up appointments and report any new or worsening symptoms right away. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help your dog avoid long-term complications and return to their normal, happy self. Your attention and care, combined with professional veterinary guidance, are the best tools for helping your dog heal after a concussion.

The veterinary examination process focuses on assessing consciousness levels, behavioral responses, and neurological function. Vets use tools like the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale to objectively measure your dog’s neurological status and track changes over time. This scoring system evaluates motor response, brainstem reflexes, and level of consciousness to determine injury severity and prognosis.

Diagnostic approaches typically include:

• Complete neurological assessment : Testing reflexes, pupil responses, balance, and coordination to map affected brain areas
• Blood work : Checking for underlying conditions, blood pressure changes, and metabolic factors that could complicate recovery
• Imaging studies : CT scans or X-rays may be performed, though many concussions don’t show visible abnormalities on these tests. Advanced imaging can also help rule out other causes of neurological symptoms, such as a brain tumor.
• Continuous monitoring : Regular reassessment to detect any deterioration or improvement in neurological function

The diagnostic challenge with dog concussion lies in the fact that imaging often appears normal even when significant brain injury has occurred. This means veterinarians rely heavily on clinical presentation and careful observation rather than definitive test results. Treatments for concussions in dogs are tailored to the severity of the injury.

Vets treat dog concussions by focusing on urgent stabilization, diagnostic testing, and medical interventions such as IV fluids, oxygen therapy, medications, and, in severe cases, surgery to address traumatic brain injuries. As you know the answer now. Can Dogs Get Concussions?

Treatment Options

Treatment for canine concussion focuses on supportive care and preventing secondary complications that could worsen the injury:

• IV fluids : Maintains proper hydration and blood pressure while supporting overall circulation to the brain • Oxygen therapy : Ensures adequate oxygen delivery to brain tissue, particularly important if breathing is compromised • Anti-nausea medications : Controls vomiting that can increase pressure within the skull and worsen brain injury • Pain management : Careful use of appropriate medications that don’t mask important neurological symptoms • 24-48 hour monitoring : Close observation for complications like brain swelling, seizures, or changes in consciousness • Activity restriction : Enforced rest period to allow the brain time to heal without additional stress or trauma

Most dogs with mild to moderate concussions respond well to supportive care and recover fully within one to two weeks. However, severe cases or those with complications may require more intensive treatment and longer recovery periods.

The prognosis for dog concussions is generally excellent when treatment begins promptly. Early intervention prevents many secondary complications that could lead to permanent brain damage or life-threatening situations.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention remains the most effective way to protect your canine companions from head injuries. While accidents can happen despite our best efforts, implementing smart safety practices significantly reduces your dog’s risk of experiencing head trauma.

The key to successful prevention lies in understanding your individual dog’s risk factors and adjusting your approach accordingly. Small dogs need different protections than larger breeds, and high-energy dogs require more supervision in potentially dangerous situations.

Essential prevention strategies include:

• Always use leashes in public areas : Keep dogs leashed near traffic, in unfamiliar environments, and anywhere they might encounter unexpected hazards or aggressive dogs • Install safety barriers : Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and create barriers to prevent falls from balconies, decks, or elevated areas • Proper car restraints : Secure dogs in appropriate carriers or harnesses during car rides to prevent injuries during sudden stops or accidents • Supervise dog interactions : Monitor play sessions between dogs of different sizes, and intervene before roughhousing becomes too intense • Secure your yard : Maintain proper fencing to prevent escapes into traffic areas, and remove or secure objects that could fall and cause head injuries • Avoid high-risk activities : Be cautious with activities that involve jumping, catching objects at high speeds, or playing in areas with hard surfaces • Train reliable recall : Teaching your dog to come when called can prevent many emergency situations where they might run into dangerous areas

Environmental modifications make a huge difference for households with small dogs or puppies. Consider adding non-slip surfaces to stairs, securing furniture that dogs might climb, and creating safe spaces where smaller pets can retreat from larger animals during play.

The investment in prevention pays dividends in your dog’s health and your peace of mind. Simple changes to daily routines and home environments can eliminate many common concussion scenarios before they occur.

Most dogs with mild to moderate concussions show significant improvement within the first 72 hours of injury. The brain’s remarkable ability to heal itself, combined with proper veterinary care, usually results in complete recovery within one to two weeks. However, this recovery process requires careful management and ongoing observation.

During the initial recovery period, your dog’s condition may fluctuate. Some improvement followed by temporary setbacks is normal, but any significant worsening of symptoms warrants immediate veterinary consultation. The key is maintaining close communication with your veterinary team throughout the healing process.

Typical recovery timeline expectations

• First 24-48 hours : Critical monitoring period where most serious complications would develop. Many dogs show initial improvement during this time • Days 3-7 : Gradual return of normal behavior and physical function. Appetite and energy levels typically begin improving • Weeks 2-3 : Most dogs return to near-normal activity levels, though full recovery may take longer for severe cases • Follow-up care : Regular veterinary check-ups to ensure complete healing and rule out any delayed complications

Essential recovery care includes

• Strict activity restriction : Limit physical activity to short, supervised walks and avoid running, jumping, or strenuous play until cleared by your vet • Quiet environment : Reduce stimulation by limiting visitors, loud noises, and chaotic household activities that could stress your recovering dog • Medication compliance : Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed, even if your dog seems to be feeling better • Monitoring for changes : Watch for any return of symptoms like vomiting, balance problems, or behavioral changes that could indicate complications

Gradual return to normal activities should be guided by your veterinarian and typically includes

• Short walks : Beginning with brief, slow-paced walks on level ground before progressing to longer distances • Supervised play : Reintroducing gentle play with familiar dogs before allowing more energetic interactions • Mental stimulation : Slowly adding training sessions and puzzle toys to rebuild cognitive function without overwhelming your dog

Some dogs may experience longer recovery periods or develop complications requiring specialized care. Persistent symptoms might necessitate physical therapy, dietary modifications for dogs with difficulty eating, or mobility aids for those with lasting coordination problems. The vast majority of dogs, however, recover completely and return to their normal, happy lives with proper care and patience during the healing process.

FAQ

---

How long does it take for a dog to recover from a concussion?

Most dogs recover within 1-2 weeks with proper care, though severe cases may take longer and require ongoing monitoring. The first 72 hours are critical, with many dogs showing significant improvement during this period. Complete recovery depends on injury severity and how quickly treatment began.

Can a dog have a concussion without losing consciousness?

Yes, many dogs with concussions remain conscious but show other symptoms like balance problems, confusion, or behavioral changes. Loss of consciousness indicates a more severe injury, but conscious dogs can still have significant brain trauma requiring immediate veterinary care.

Are certain dog breeds more prone to concussions?

Small breeds and dogs with dome-shaped heads (like Chihuahuas or Boston Terriers) may be more susceptible due to their skull structure and size. Their delicate bone structure means relatively minor impacts can cause more severe brain trauma compared to larger, more robust breeds.

Should I let my dog sleep after a head injury?

While rest is important for recovery, you should first have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out serious complications before allowing extended sleep. During the first 24-48 hours, periodic monitoring is essential to ensure your dog can be awakened normally and isn’t experiencing worsening symptoms.

Can concussions in dogs cause permanent damage?

With prompt treatment, most dogs recover completely, but severe concussions or delayed treatment can potentially lead to long-term neurological issues. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes, which is why any suspected head trauma should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Dog’s Health

In summary, dogs can get concussions, and it’s up to us as pet parents to recognize the risks and take steps to prevent head injuries. Everyday situations like car accidents, falls, and rough play can lead to serious head injuries, but with awareness and proactive measures, many of these incidents can be avoided. If your dog does suffer a head injury, seeking immediate help from an emergency vet is critical to preventing severe complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Your role as a dog owner doesn’t end with prevention—providing attentive care and working closely with your vet after an injury is just as important. With prompt veterinary care and your ongoing support, most dogs recover fully from concussions and go on to lead healthy, active lives. By prioritizing your dog’s health and staying alert to the signs of concussion, you can help protect your canine companion from the dangers of head injuries and give them the best chance at a full recovery.