5 Common Causes of Pet Injuries: What to Know and How to Respond

Pets fill our homes with love and energy, but their curiosity and active lifestyles sometimes lead to unexpected injuries. Whether it’s a minor scratch or a severe trauma, knowing how to recognize, respond to, and prevent injuries can make all the difference in protecting your pet’s well-being.

At Mission Veterinary Clinic & Animal Emergency Hospital in Granada Hills, CA, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing pet injuries with expert care. This guide will help pet owners understand the most common causes of injuries, warning signs, treatment options, and preventive measures to keep pets safe and healthy.

Common Causes of Pet Injuries

Understanding the most frequent injury risks can help pet owners take proactive steps to prevent accidents.

1. Trauma and Accidents

Common Causes:

  • Hit by a car – One of the most serious emergencies caused by off-leash roaming or sudden escapes.
  • Falls from heights – Jumping from balconies, high furniture, or slipping down stairs.
  • Rough play injuries – Dogs and cats can collide with objects or suffer muscle strains during vigorous activity.

Warning Signs:

  • Limping or difficulty standing
  • Visible wounds, bleeding, or swelling
  • Rapid breathing or signs of shock (pale gums, weakness, collapse)

Immediate veterinary attention is critical for trauma injuries.

2. Bite Wounds and Animal Fights

Dog parks, unsupervised socialization, and territorial behavior can lead to bite wounds, scratches, and puncture injuries. While some wounds appear minor, bacteria from bites can cause serious infections and abscesses.

Warning Signs:

  • Swelling, redness, or pus drainage from a wound
  • Sensitivity to touch or reluctance to move
  • Fever or lethargy, indicating infection

If left untreated, deep wounds can lead to abscesses or systemic infections requiring antibiotics and wound management.

3. Foreign Object Ingestion

Dogs and cats often chew or swallow objects they shouldn’t, leading to choking hazards, digestive blockages, or internal injuries.

Commonly Swallowed Items:

  • Bones, corn cobs, and sticks
  • Socks, fabric, and plastic toys
  • Coins, batteries, and household objects

Warning Signs:

  • Gagging, retching, or excessive drooling
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

Foreign objects may pass naturally, but some require endoscopic removal or emergency surgery. Learn more from Cornell University’s guide on foreign body obstruction.

4. Poisoning and Toxin Exposure

Many household items, foods, and plants can be toxic to pets.

Common Pet Toxins:

  • Cleaning agents, antifreeze, pesticides
  • Human medications (ibuprofen, antidepressants, xylitol)
  • Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic
  • Toxic plants (lilies for cats, sago palms for dogs)

Warning Signs:

  • Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Tremors, seizures, or difficulty breathing
  • Sudden weakness or collapse

If poisoning is suspected, seek emergency care immediately. Read more at the AVMA’s emergency care guide.

5. Paw and Nail Injuries

Outdoor adventures and rough terrain can lead to paw injuries, torn nails, or burns from hot pavement.

Warning Signs:

  • Limping or favoring one paw
  • Bleeding from the nail or paw pad
  • Reluctance to walk on rough surfaces

Prevent injuries by trimming nails regularly and using protective booties for extreme weather conditions.

Recognizing Symptoms of Injury

Not all injuries are immediately visible. Subtle changes in behavior or movement can indicate an underlying issue.

Signs That Require Veterinary Attention:

  • Limping or stiffness after activity
  • Excessive licking or chewing at a particular area
  • Whining, restlessness, or sudden aggression
  • Labored breathing, coughing, or wheezing
  • Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea

For more on evaluating injuries like limping or pain, read our guide: Limping Pets: When to Visit the Emergency Vet.

Diagnosing and Treating Pet Injuries

At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess injuries and determine the best treatment.

Diagnostic Steps:

  • Physical Examination – Checking for external wounds, mobility issues, and pain points.
  • X-Rays or Ultrasounds – Identifying fractures, internal bleeding, or foreign objects.
  • Bloodwork & Lab Tests – Detecting infections, toxins, or organ damage.

Treatment Options for Common Injuries:

  • Wound Cleaning & Suturing – For cuts, lacerations, and abrasions.
  • Fracture Management – Splints, casts, or orthopedic surgery.
  • Bite Wound Care – Antibiotics and abscess drainage.
  • Foreign Object Removal – Endoscopy or emergency surgery.
  • Toxin Treatment – IV fluids, activated charcoal, or antidotes.

Post-treatment care may involve pain management, rest, and follow-up visits. If your pet needs an e-collar to prevent licking wounds, read our guide: Why Does My Dog Need an E-Collar?.

Preventing Pet Injuries

While not all accidents can be avoided, proactive steps can significantly reduce risks.

Essential Safety Tips:

  • Supervise Outdoor Activities – Keep pets on a leash near roads or unfamiliar areas.
  • Pet-Proof Your Home – Store toxic substances, sharp objects, and small items out of reach.
  • Choose Safe Play Areas – Inspect yards for glass, nails, or hazardous materials.
  • Monitor Pet Interactions – Socialize pets gradually to avoid fights.
  • Regular Veterinary Check-Ups – Early detection of mobility issues or health concerns.

How Mission Veterinary Clinic Can Help

At Mission Veterinary Clinic & Animal Emergency Hospital, we provide:

  • Emergency care and trauma management
  • Advanced diagnostics, X-rays, and ultrasounds
  • Surgical and non-surgical treatments for injuries
  • Pain management and rehabilitation support

Location: 16915 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Granada Hills, CA
Call us immediately for emergencies: Contact Us
Learn more about our services: Explore Our Veterinary Care

If your pet experiences an injury or medical emergency, don’t wait—seek veterinary care immediately.