Dog Concussion Symptoms: Head Injury Signs & Care

What Is a Concussion in Dogs?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. The impact causes the brain to move within the skull, potentially damaging brain cells and affecting how the brain works.

Like humans, dogs can experience concussions ranging from mild to severe. While the term "concussion" typically refers to milder injuries, dogs can also suffer more serious traumatic brain injuries that require intensive care.

Important: Unlike a cut or broken bone, brain injuries aren't always visible. A dog can have a serious concussion even without external signs of injury.

Common Causes of Head Injuries in Dogs

Dogs can sustain head injuries in many ways:

Being hit by a vehicle: The most common cause of serious head trauma
Falls: From furniture, stairs, decks, or being dropped
Being kicked or stepped on: Especially in small dogs
Collisions: Running into objects, doors, walls at high speed
Dog attacks: Bites to the head from other dogs
Falling objects: Items falling and striking the head
Sports injuries: Frisbee, agility, or other high-activity play

Small Dogs Are at Higher Risk

Small breed dogs (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians) have more fragile skulls and are more susceptible to head injuries from falls or being stepped on. Extra caution is needed with these breeds.

Concussion Symptoms Checklist

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over 24-48 hours. Watch for these signs:

Severe Symptoms (Emergency)

⚠ Loss of consciousness - even briefly
⚠ Unequal pupil sizes - one pupil larger than the other
⚠ Seizures - convulsions or uncontrolled shaking
⚠ Bleeding from ears, nose, or mouth
⚠ Paralysis or inability to move limbs
⚠ Rigid body posture - abnormal extension of legs

Moderate Symptoms (Vet Visit Needed)

* Disorientation or confusion - seems "out of it"
* Loss of balance or coordination - stumbling, falling
* Vomiting - especially repeated vomiting
* Nystagmus - eyes moving rapidly side to side or up and down
* Head tilt - holding head at an angle
* Walking in circles

Mild Symptoms (Monitor Closely)

* Lethargy - more tired than usual
* Changes in behavior - more clingy or withdrawn
* Decreased appetite
* Mild disorientation - slow to respond
* Sensitivity to light or sound

The Pupil Test

Shine a flashlight in your dog's eyes. Both pupils should be the same size and should constrict (get smaller) equally when light is shone on them. Unequal pupils or pupils that don't respond to light indicate a serious problem requiring emergency care.

What to Do After a Head Injury

Immediate Steps

Stay calm - Your dog needs you to think clearly
Keep your dog still - Prevent further injury by limiting movement
Check for responsiveness - Call their name, see if they respond
Check pupils - Look for unequal size or lack of response to light
Look for other injuries - Bleeding, broken bones, wounds
Call your vet or emergency clinic - Describe what happened and symptoms

Transporting an Injured Dog

Support the head and neck during transport
Use a flat surface (board, blanket) as a stretcher if possible
Keep them warm with a blanket
Drive carefully to avoid jostling
Have someone monitor them during transport if possible

Symptom	Action	Urgency
Loss of consciousness	Emergency vet immediately	Critical
Unequal pupils	Emergency vet immediately	Critical
Seizures	Emergency vet immediately	Critical
Vomiting, disorientation	Vet visit same day	Urgent
Lethargy, mild confusion	Monitor, vet within 24hrs	Monitor
Minor bump, acting normal	Monitor at home 24-48hrs	Watch

Veterinary Diagnosis

Your vet will perform various assessments to evaluate the severity of the head injury:

Neurological Examination

Level of consciousness: Alert, responsive, or depressed
Pupil response: Size, symmetry, reaction to light
Reflexes: Testing various reflexes for brain function
Posture and gait: Ability to walk, stand, and maintain balance
Cranial nerve function: Testing facial sensation and movement

Imaging

X-rays: Can show skull fractures but not brain injuries
CT scan: Better for detecting bleeding, swelling, fractures
MRI: Most detailed view of brain tissue (often at specialty hospitals)

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury:

Mild Concussions

Rest and restricted activity for 1-2 weeks
Pain management if needed
Monitoring at home with vet rechecks
Most dogs recover fully within 1-2 weeks

Moderate to Severe Injuries

Hospitalization: For monitoring and supportive care
IV fluids: To maintain blood pressure and hydration
Medications: To reduce brain swelling (mannitol, steroids)
Anti-seizure medications: If seizures occur
Oxygen therapy: To ensure brain gets enough oxygen
Surgery: Rarely needed, for bleeding or skull fractures

Recovery Outlook

* Mild concussion: Full recovery in 1-2 weeks
* Moderate concussion: Recovery in 2-4 weeks to months
* Severe TBI: Variable - some permanent effects possible
* Most dogs that survive the first 48-72 hours have good prognosis

Home Care Guidelines

If your vet clears your dog for home monitoring or recovery:

First 24-48 Hours

Check on them every 2-3 hours (including overnight)
Wake them gently to ensure normal responsiveness
Keep them in a quiet, dim area
Limit activity - short leash walks for bathroom only
Offer small amounts of water and food

Recovery Period (1-2+ Weeks)

Strict rest: No running, jumping, rough play
Avoid stairs if possible
Keep away from other pets that might play rough
No training sessions or mentally demanding activities
Follow up with vet as recommended

Return to Vet Immediately If:

* Symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear
* Dog has a seizure
* Pupils become unequal
* Dog becomes less responsive or harder to wake
* Repeated vomiting occurs
* Dog seems to be in significant pain

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a concussion in a dog?▼

Signs of concussion in dogs include: disorientation or confusion, unequal pupil sizes, loss of balance or coordination, vomiting, lethargy, loss of consciousness, unusual eye movements (nystagmus), bleeding from ears or nose, and changes in behavior. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over 24-48 hours.

Can dogs recover from concussions?▼

Yes, many dogs recover fully from mild to moderate concussions with proper rest and monitoring. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks for mild cases, though severe head injuries may take longer and could result in permanent neurological changes. Immediate veterinary care improves outcomes.

When should I take my dog to the vet after a head injury?▼

Seek immediate emergency care if your dog: loses consciousness, has unequal pupils, shows seizure activity, has bleeding from ears/nose/mouth, can't walk or stand, vomits repeatedly, or shows worsening symptoms. Any significant head impact warrants at least a phone call to your vet.

How long do concussion symptoms last in dogs?▼

Mild concussion symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours and resolve within 1-2 weeks. Moderate concussions may take several weeks to months for full recovery. Severe traumatic brain injuries may result in permanent changes. Always follow your vet's guidance for monitoring and activity restriction.

Should I let my dog sleep after hitting his head?▼

You can let your dog rest, but check on them every few hours for the first 24 hours. Wake them gently to ensure they respond normally. If they won't wake up, have difficulty waking, or seem confused when woken, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

The Bottom Line

Head injuries in dogs should always be taken seriously. While many dogs recover fully from concussions with rest and monitoring, some injuries require emergency care. When in doubt, contact your vet.

Know the warning signs - especially unequal pupils, loss of consciousness, and seizures - and don't hesitate to seek emergency care if you see them.

Prevention is key: supervise your dog around cars and heights, use gates to block dangerous stairs, and keep small dogs safe from being stepped on or dropped.

Dog Concussion Symptoms: Signs of Head Injury

Emergency Signs - Seek Immediate Care