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First Aid for a Broken Dog Leg

Dogs > First Aid > First Aid for a Broken Dog Leg

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If you suspect that your dog has a broken leg, you may have to perform first aid before transporting him to the veterinarian or pet hospital for care. When providing first aid, working calmly but swiftly can help relax your injured pet.

Before Administering First Aid

Make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible as you gather materials; you may want to have someone stay with him. Approach him carefully and speak in a soft, soothing voice. Remember that an injured dog may not recognize you or may bite you out of fear or pain. You may have to muzzle or restrain your dog before proceeding. If you don't have a muzzle, you can connect a leash to his collar and tie that to something secure like a tree or fence post so that his head will have limited mobility.

First Aid Materials

Muzzle or leash for restraint
Clean water, betadine or saline solution to clean wounds
Splint material: sticks, straightened wire hanger (tape the ends so the rough edges will not further injure your dog), stiff cardboard, rolled newspaper or magazine, rulers
Gauze, strips of fabric or tape (to secure splint)
Towel or strong flat board for support or to help carry him

Your dog's broken leg can be an obvious open wound fracture where bone is protruding, a closed fracture (no break in skin) signified by his limp, or something in between.

Open Wound Fracture

Flush wound with a betadine solution, a saline solution or clean water.
Cover with clean gauze, cloth or sterile bandage. Do not try to splint.
Put a towel under the leg to prevent jostling. Try to keep your dog from moving his leg as you transport him to the veterinarian.

If your dog is large you may need to find help in order to help transport him.

Closed Wound Fracture

Indications of a closed fracture can be if the leg looks misshapen or dangles and moves limply, if the leg can't support your dog's weight or if it shows signs of swelling (which does not always appear immediately). If you determine that your dog has a closed fracture, or even if you suspect a torn ligament or other such injury, it is best to splint the leg to prevent further damage before bringing him to the veterinarian for treatment.

Cut or bend the splints to the current shape of your dog's leg.
Put a splint alongside your dog's injured leg and secure with moderately firm pressure. This should keep the splints in place but not restrict circulation to the leg.
If you use tape, wrap a towel or even tissue paper around the splinted leg before taping so that it doesn't get stuck to his fur and cause pain during removal. Another option with tape is to fold it onto itself (sticky sides together) to make strips for tying. Be sure to wrap the entire leg and not just the breakage to provide complete support.
Put a towel under the leg to prevent jostling. Try to keep your dog from moving his leg as you transport him to the veterinarian.
If your dog is large you may need to find help in order to help transport him.

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