I just found an injured puppy in the middle of the road. He appears to have a broken leg, he cries when he tries to move, but when pressure is applied to either leg I get no response. He doesn't appear to recognize dog food either despite putting it up to his nose to smell. Tail still functions appears to have been outside all night, and it's just about winter here, and it was raining last night.
I need recommendations for treatment ASAP.
Thank you.
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Favorite Answer
I commend you on stopping to help this pup, many people would just pass it by.
First things first. Get the dog as comfortable as possible. Put him on a warm soft blanket and keep the noise down. A dog in pain may not want to eat, so that's understandable. The dog does need to have water readily available though.
You should also take the dog to a vet to have it scanned for a microchip. They should do the scan for free, but because the dog has an injury expect an office visit at least for determining if the leg is broken, dislocated, or sprained. [EDIT: I suggest a private vet. As a rescue we've had several dogs come from the shelter with dilocated and broken bones that were never treated. We currently have a three legged dog available for adoption because the leg had to be amputated after several weeks at the shelter. Don't know if the leg could have been saved, but she certainly didn't have to have the pain of a broken leg for two or three weeks before surgery.]
You _must_ report that you have found a dog to the authorities (police/animal control). The vet may be able to help here too.
Depending on jurisdiction, you may have the option to "foster" the dog at your place or need to surrender it to the shelter. If you do end up fostering the dog, you must make reasonable attempts to find the owner. Post flyers in the area & use social media.
If you are interested in adopting the dog, make the shelter aware that you want first rights after the hold period is over.
Julie D.
Call Animal Control to come and pick up the puppy. If someone is looking for a puppy they lost, the City or County Shelter would be the first place they would look. Not only that, the pup can be evaluated by the Pounds Vet, and get any immediate help if needed, probably mostly for pain. The pup might also be micro-chipped, and if it is, they can contact the person who's information is on that chip. If I were you, I'd be very careful with this pup. If it's a really young puppy, you might not have a problem, but if it's an older pup that is seriously injured, it would end up biting you because it is in pain. (Natural defense mechanism)
photographylovergr
The first 24 hours after an injury are the critical ones to fix an injury. You need to take it to the vet. Since you found the puppy injured in the middle of the road it's possible that it was hit by a car and there's risk of internal bleeding and damage. Make sure that you place him in a position that he wono't be able to move because there's risk of spinal injury. The vet will most likely administer an IV and cortisone. Take it to the vet.
Brianna
#1: Why are you going to the internet for advice. 2: Take it to an emergency vet. Always call a vet if you aren't sure about something animal related.
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Yea, take him to the vet first to assess what the problem(s) is and then to see if he's microchipped or if someone has been asking around looking for dog. Don't feed him. If you aren't willing to pay for his medical treatment, call animal control and they will come and kill him at their facility.