My 4-month puppy fell onto the carpet floor last night! What should I do?

Question

My Havanese puppy fell from one of the stairs straight onto the floor through the opening for the staircase. I was shocked and scared. When she hit the ground, she whimpered. Then, I saw her walking on 3 legs and not putting her weight on her front right leg. She was limping! I immediately held her up and put her in the crate. She laid down in the crate without vocalizing like yelping, groaning, or whining. An hour later, I took her out, and she seemed fine and was walking and running like normal. I felt around her bones and checked her paws, and she didn't struggle and whimper. When I saw her walking on her 4 legs, I felt released from worries. However, she limped right after she fell which has still worried me. Does she have a sprained leg or internal injuries?
I got a pet insurance a day before the accident. However, it won't be effective until 2 weeks later. I'll definitely take her to the vet, but I can't afford the xray charge without an insurance. What can I do meanwhile?

Answer 1

My dachshund had a similar accident, and, like you, I was really worried.

Since she is walking on the leg and it does not look obviously broken, it is most likely a soft tissue injury, a sprain. Sprains are just treated with inexpensive pain medication you can get from the vet (around $15).

Take your little gal in for an exam at your regular vet clinic- no need for an emergency vet. In most cases, the vet can tell if there is a potential break just by feeling and moving the leg, without using an x-ray.

Answer 2

My Pom broke her arm a couple months ago and when it happened she only cried for a minute, and then started acting normal like nothing was wrong. We took her to the emergency vet anyways, and sure enough, it was a clean break!... This may not be the case for your dog, but it's hard to say. It may be a good idea just to take her to the vet incase. I just read the part about the insurance... I guess you could just monitor her for now. I mean, my dog has jumped off of things and got her leg caught in the door before :-(... and she whimpered for a little while and then was fine. So, he may be okay. Good luck

Answer 3

She should be fine. Imagine you fell down some stairs. You hit your leg and it hurts, so you stay off it for a few minutes, relax and then *bam!* you are all good and start walking around again. It's the same thing.

I wouldn't take her to the vet unless you notice that she is limping again, favouring her other legs, or preforming any other unusual behaviours related to her leg. You can always call the vet and ask their opinion before you take her in as well. They will probably tell you the same thing :)

Answer 4

Hello. I'm very sorry about the accident that happened with your dog. I know it is sad and sometimes frightening to see your beloved pet in pain. I wouldn't worry if I were you, however, because if she is okay now, then I believe nothing is wrong. The reason she was limping was probably due to the fact that it had just happened. For instance, after you fall and hurt your knee, you find it difficult to walk on it until the pain starts gradually fading away. Just make sure she is comfortable and try to keep her away from anything she could fall from or something else that could cause injury.
Good Luck

Answer 5

At 12 months old a child's head isn't as fragile as when they're newborn. And a fall from the couch to the floor isn't really far. They fall a lot at this age, learning to walk and such, so they're built tough for wear and tear if you know what I mean. I'm sure your child is fine. And if she's showing no signs of discomfort or pain, if there is no swelling or signs that he/she wants to sleep constantly then there's no need to worry. Im sure if there was something wrong, there would be non-stop crying. Best of luck to you!

Answer 6

Hi there,
Wow you choose a real cool breed to have for a pup
As for the incident that happened... to me it sounds as if you have a typical over rambunctious pup and she just got a little bump maybe a bruise and if you went over her real well and nothing feels out of place and she is doing everything fine and playing and running and walking on it I think she should be alright as pups are like children they bounce back real quick
I give you allot of Credit for getting Insurance on your pup and I think allot more people should do it
So good luck with Your New Baby and Happy Holidays
Respectfully Yours
Anne

Answer 7

Watch her closely. Damage can get worse later.
Damage left untreated can sometimes not be repaired.

But if she starts using the legs don't worry. Their little young bones are flexible and don't break too easily. As she gets older and her bones harden up then you have problems with a fall.

If she damaged the growth plate in her leg it can cause some bowing in her leg as she grows. But you can watch for that.

Answer 8

Sounds like she made it thru the traumatic ordeal unscathed. You should just keep an eye on her and any more limping should be met with a visit to your vet.

Answer 9

She would be limping, and it would be noticable if she was in pain.
It's like a human stubbing their toe, hurts for awhile and then goes away.
My dogs fall over things all the time, the most recent one was one of my puppies jumped in the air outside on ice, and fell funny; he limped for a few minutes, then he was fine.
I say, don't worry about it.

Answer 10

Puppies are stronger than what you think.Since he is walking on all four and there is no limp and he doesn't seem to show any signs of sourness,I wouldn't worry about it.