Can a puppy’s broken leg heal on its own? Here’s What to Do Next

Treatment of a Fractured Leg in Dogs

Once your pet is stable, the vet will treat the fracture. It is essential to immobilize the fracture to ease pain and avoid future injury to muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Preventing the break from getting worse is also crucial.

Non-surgical and surgical options are available. Splinting and casting may be all that is needed to speed up the healing process after a minor fracture. To keep the injury from getting worse, you must keep the cast or splint clean and dry.

The most severe cases may require surgical treatment of the broken bone. Surgical repairs may include metal plates or even pins to secure the break. Choosing the proper treatment for your dog’s broken leg will depend on the severity of the break, where the break is located, the dog’s age, and how strong your dog’s bones are. You can find the best treatment options for your pet at your veterinarian’s office.

A broken leg can take months to heal. Give your pet the time they need to recover. Follow your veterinarian’s protocol to avoid any complications and ensure that your pet’s broken leg properly heals.

For the first several days, your dog should stay inside and be supervised as much as possible. Ask a neighbor or a family member to watch over your dog if you cannot do it yourself. A dog may get agitated if alone and is experiencing pain. Too much movement can be detrimental to a dog’s healing process.

A recovering dog may need a different diet with more nutrients to help the body repair. Bone growth is aided by nutrients, providing your pet with the energy and stamina to heal. Make sure your dog is eating high-quality food by checking the list of ingredients. You can also include homemade calcium-rich broths and dishes in your diet.

When your dog is recovering, you will need to restrict its activity and assist them outside to relieve itself. Additional support from a dog lift harness may be beneficial to keep weight off your dog’s broken leg. Keep an eye on them at all times. Walks should be short trips outside every two to three hours, and keep your dog on a short leash.

Healing a broken bone can take from several weeks to several months depending on the severity of the fracture and dog’s age. When a dog’s broken bone is healing, first it will be accompanied by inflammation processes. The initial inflammation phases will last for about 4 to 5 days. After that repair process will begin.

Dog’s broken leg can heal on its own. But it can heal in the wrong position and cause more problems later on. If you suspect your dog has a broken leg you should seek veterinarian help right away. While you are waiting for a veterinarian appointment, you should restrain your dog from any activity.

Symptoms of Broken Leg in Dogs

For the most part, a pet’s owner will be able to figure out what caused the injury. However, we are often unaware of a fractured leg in our pets until it is too late. Therefore, do not hesitate to take your dog to the vet if he shows any of the following symptoms.

An unusually moving limb

The dog holds the leg up when moving

Swelling around the leg or joint

Whining or exhibiting any sign of pain

Lameness or inability to walk on the injured leg

Bones make noises such as grinding or popping when walking

Visible bruising

In the aftermath of a catastrophic accident or injury, internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately visible, but it can be critical. You should immediately take your pet to the vet.

Can a dog’s broken leg heal on its own?