Concussions in Dogs: Symptoms, Recovery, and What to Do Now
Reading Time:
- What Is a Concussion in Dogs?
- How Do Concussions in Dogs Happen?
- What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion in Dogs?
- How Can I Assess My Dog’s Concussion Severity?
- What to Do If My Dog Has a Concussion?
- How to Care for My Dog With a Concussion at Home?
- How to Prevent Concussions in Dogs
- Natural Recovery Support for Dogs with Concussions
- Final Thoughts: Act Fast and Monitor Closely
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are concussions in dogs real? Yes. These traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when the brain shifts rapidly inside the skull after sudden impact. They’re more common than you think; most vets treat 1 to 5 canine TBI cases per month.
Because dogs can’t vocalize symptoms like headaches or dizziness, you must watch for behavioral changes, especially during the critical first 48 hours.
Jump to the symptom checklist for immediate assessment, or read the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale to understand severity scoring.
What Is a Concussion in Dogs?
A concussion in dogs is a mild brain injury that happens when the brain gets jolted inside the skull. It can cause temporary swelling or bruising but usually doesn’t leave lasting damage.
Dogs can get concussions from a direct hit to the head or even from a hard fall or collision that shakes the body. The brain floats in fluid, so a strong impact can make it slam against the skull and cause problems, even without an obvious head injury.
Veterinarians have reported cases where dogs showed signs of concussion but recovered fully within a day or two. While less common than other injuries, concussions in dogs do occur, and every dog owner should recognize the signs and respond correctly.
How Do Concussions in Dogs Happen?
Small breeds, brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs), and high-energy dogs that engage in intense physical activity are at higher risk of concussions due to skull structure and behavioral tendencies.
However, several typical dog activities can lead to concussions if you’re not careful. They include:
- Vehicle collisions: Being hit by a car or thrown from a moving vehicle (unsecured passengers during accidents).
- Falls from heights: Falling off decks, porches, cliffs, or out of arms while being carried.
- Blunt impact during play: Running into walls, trees, or other solid objects at full speed or through rough play with larger dogs.
- Animal attacks: Being knocked down, shaken, or thrown by larger animals during fights.
- Being dropped: Especially dangerous for small breed or young dogs with soft skull fontanels (gaps between skull bones that haven’t fully fused).
- Blunt force trauma: Being hit with objects (baseball bats, falling items, etc.), kicked by large animals, or struck accidentally during sports or work.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion in Dogs?
Because dogs can’t verbalize symptoms, you must rely on observable physical and behavioral changes. Symptoms can appear immediately, within minutes, or develop gradually over hours to days.
Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of injury.
Physical Symptoms of a Concussion in Dogs
If your dog has a head injury, watch closely for these physical warning signs that may point to a concussion or more serious brain trauma.
- Visible head injury: Bleeding, swelling, bruising, or open wounds on the head.
- Bleeding from the nose or ears: Indicates potential skull fracture or internal brain injury.
- Unequal pupil size (anisocoria): One pupil larger than the other, or pupils that don’t respond to light.
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus): Rapid, involuntary darting or twitching of the eyes.
- Loss of balance or coordination (ataxia): Wobbling, stumbling, walking in circles, or leaning to one side.
- Difficulty standing or paralysis: Inability to stand, dragging limbs, or a complete loss of movement.
- Vomiting: Especially repeated vomiting without eating beforehand.
- Loss of consciousness: The dog is unresponsive to touch, voice, or painful stimuli.
- Seizures: Convulsions, stiffening, paddling, or loss of consciousness with muscle spasms.
- Abnormal breathing: Rapid, shallow, irregular, or labored breathing.
Behavioral Symptoms of a Concussion in Dogs
Beyond physical signs, concussions can also change how your dog acts. Watch for these behavioral changes that may signal brain injury.
- Disorientation or confusion: Staring blankly, not recognizing you or familiar surroundings, or wandering aimlessly.
- Lethargy or extreme drowsiness: Excessive sleeping, difficulty waking, or unresponsiveness.
- Sudden personality changes: Withdrawn, depressed, aggressive, or unusually clingy behavior.
- Loss of appetite: Refusing food or water.
- Restlessness or agitation: Pacing, whining, or an inability to settle.
- Excessive drooling
Signs of Shock in Dogs with Concussions
Shock is a life-threatening condition that can accompany concussions. Watch for:
- Pale or white gums
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Rapid but weak pulse
- Low body temperature (cool extremities, shivering)
If your dog shows any combination of these symptoms after head trauma, treat it as a medical emergency.
How Can I Assess My Dog’s Concussion Severity?
The Modified Glasgow Coma Scale is a veterinary adaptation of the human Glasgow Coma Scale, used to objectively evaluate neurological function in dogs after head trauma.
The Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) predicts the probability of survival in the first 48 hours after brain injury, with scores ranging from 3 (worst prognosis) to 18 (best prognosis).
The scale assesses three categories: motor activity, brainstem reflexes, and level of consciousness. Each category is scored from 1 to 6, and the scores are added together.
| Score | Motor Activity | Brainstem Reflexes | Level of Consciousness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Normal gait, can walk | Normal pupillary light reflex (PLR) and normal oculocephalic reflex (eyes moving opposite to head turn) | Alert, responsive to the environment |
| 5 | Hemiparesis (weakness on one side) or tetraparesis (weakness in all 4 limbs) | Slow PLR, normal to reduced oculocephalic reflex | Depressed or demented, inappropriate responses |
| 4 | Recumbent (can’t stand), intermittent extensor rigidity | Bilateral miosis (small pupils), normal to reduced oculocephalic reflex | Semi-comatose, responsive to visual stimuli |
| 3 | Recumbent, constant extensor rigidity | Pinpoint pupils, reduced to absent oculocephalic reflex | Semi-comatose, responsive to auditory stimuli |
| 2 | Recumbent, constant extensor rigidity with opisthotonus (head/neck arched back) | Unilateral mydriasis (one dilated pupil), reduced/absent oculocephalic reflex | Semi-comatose, responsive only to painful stimuli |
| 1 | Recumbent, hypotonia (floppy muscles), decreased or absent reflexes | Bilateral mydriasis (both pupils dilated), reduced/absent oculocephalic reflex | Comatose, unresponsive to painful stimuli |
Once the scores from the three categories are summed, the total helps classify the severity of the injury and the likely outcome. Here’s how to interpret MGCS scores:
- 15–18 (Mild brain injury): Good prognosis.
- 9–14 (Moderate brain injury): Guarded prognosis.
- 3–8 (Severe brain injury): Grave prognosis.
A score of 8 indicates a 50% probability of survival in the first 48 hours. Scores below 8 carry a poor prognosis. Dogs who remain stable or improve within 48 hours have significantly better outcomes than those who deteriorate.
While the MGCS is primarily used by veterinarians, it helps to understand these components, as they’ll let you communicate your dog’s symptoms more accurately and recognize severity.
What to Do If My Dog Has a Concussion?
If you suspect your dog has a concussion, these immediate steps and emergency red flags can guide you on what to do next.
- Stay calm and assess the situation. Your dog might be frightened or in pain. Speak softly and move slowly to avoid startling them.
- Check for life-threatening injuries first. Is your dog breathing? Do they have a pulse? Are they bleeding heavily? If they’re not breathing, begin CPR. If they’re bleeding, apply pressure.
- Do not move your dog unnecessarily. If you suspect spinal injury in addition to head trauma, stabilize the head and neck before moving them. Use a flat board or blanket as a stretcher.
- Apply a cold compress to visible head wounds (not directly on open wounds). This can reduce swelling. For bleeding wounds, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
- Elevate the head slightly if your dog is unconscious or showing signs of shock. This helps maintain blood flow to the brain.
- Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately. Describe what happened, what symptoms you’re seeing, and ask if you should bring your dog in or wait and monitor.
However, if your dog shows any of these red flags, rush to the emergency vet immediately:
- Loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds
- Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures
- Unequal pupil size or non-responsive pupils
- Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing patterns
- Profuse bleeding from nose, ears, or mouth
- Inability to stand or walk
- Severe disorientation (doesn’t recognize you and can’t find their way around the house)
- Vomiting more than twice
- Rapid deterioration (symptoms worsening quickly)
When Should I Call My Vet for Guidance If My Dog Has a Concussion?
If your dog’s symptoms are mild (slight wobbling, mild lethargy, and no vomiting), call your vet for advice. They may recommend monitoring at home with specific instructions on what to watch for and when to come in.
However, if you notice one of the red flags we highlighted before, if their MGCS scale score is low, or ****if one of these special cases apply to you, go to the vet immediately:
- Toy breeds and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs , Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, etc.) ****with any head trauma, even if symptoms seem mild. Their skull structure makes them more vulnerable.
- Puppies with open fontanels (soft spots in the skull). Even minor trauma can cause serious injury.
- Dogs on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders.
As part of their standard procedures, your vet will perform a neurological exam to assess reflexes, consciousness, and pupil response. They may run bloodwork to check for shock or organ damage and take skull X-rays to rule out fractures.
Dog with severe symptoms may need hospitalization for 24 to 72 hours, during which they’ll be actively monitored. Treatment focuses on reducing brain swelling, preventing seizures, and managing pain while the brain heals.
How to Care for My Dog With a Concussion at Home?
If your vet clears your dog for home care, recovery focuses on rest and close monitoring. Most dogs with mild to moderate concussions recover fully within weeks to months, but 3.5% to 6.8% develop seizures after head trauma, compared to a baseline rate of 1.4% in healthy dogs.
Why the First 48 Hours Matter After a Dog’s Concussion?
The first 48 hours after head trauma are the most important for determining prognosis. Secondary brain injury (swelling, inflammation, and bleeding) often develops in the hours following the initial trauma. The brain can swell inside the rigid skull, increasing intracranial pressure and cutting off blood to brain tissue.
If your dog’s neurological status remains stable or improves during this period, the prognosis is favorable. However, deterioration (worsening consciousness, new seizures, or loss of reflexes) signals a significant worsening of the condition. Monitoring during this window allows vets to intervene before irreversible damage occurs.
During the first 24 hours, check your dog hourly for:
- Responsiveness
- Pupil size
- Ability to stand
- Vomiting
- Breathing changes
After 24 hours, you can reduce checks to every 2 to 4 hours if your dog is stable or their condition improves. If any symptom worsens, contact your vet immediately.
Note: After the initial assessment, do not let your dog sleep for extended periods without checking them. Wake them periodically to confirm they are responsive.
Short-Term Home Care
During the first four weeks, the goal is to reduce brain stimulation and support physical healing:
| Recommendation | Instructions | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Rest | Keep the dog in a crate or small room. No running, jumping, stairs, or rough play. | Physical exertion raises blood pressure, which can increase intracranial pressure. |
| Environment | Darken the room and keep the house quiet. Avoid loud TV or music. | Reducing sensory overload helps mitigate headaches and speeds up neurological recovery. |
| Feeding | Use a soft diet and hand-feed if necessary. | Jaw injuries may make chewing painful; some dogs may be too disoriented to eat from a bowl. |
| Positioning | If the dog is lying down constantly, turn them every few hours. | Prevents bedsores (pressure necrosis) and lung congestion. |
| Medication | Follow instructions exactly for anti-inflammatories or anti-seizure meds. | Skipping doses can lead to dangerous brain swelling or breakthrough seizures. |
Long-Term Monitoring
Full neurological recovery can take up to 6 months. While young dogs often recover with excellent prognosis, older dogs or those with severe initial symptoms may have permanent deficits.
Approximately 10% of dogs with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) develop post-traumatic epilepsy. Some develop other complications. Here’s what to watch for:
| Complication | Signs to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Changes | New aggression, anxiety, or confusion that persists beyond the initial recovery phase. |
| Post-Traumatic Epilepsy | Seizures appearing weeks or months after the injury. |
| Cognitive Decline | Loss of house training, forgetting learned commands, or getting “stuck” in corners. |
| Motor Deficits | Ongoing balance issues, stumbling, or a lack of coordination |
How to Prevent Concussions in Dogs
Accidents happen. Rough play, a fall, or an unsafe environment can lead to a concussion.
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the risk and keep your pet safer. Here’s what we recommend:
- Secure your dog in the car with a crash-tested harness or crate during travel. Unrestrained dogs are at high risk during accidents.
- Keep your yard fenced and supervise outdoor time to prevent running into traffic or off clips.
- Train reliable recall commands to prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations.
- Supervise play with other dogs, especially when size mismatches exist. Large dogs can accidentally injure smaller dogs during rough play.
- Carry small dogs carefully and avoid letting children carry them unsupervised.
- Inspect your home for fall hazards, including unstable furniture, open stairways, and unsecured balconies.
- Teach children how to interact safely with dogs (no rough play near faces, no picking up dogs improperly).
Natural Recovery Support for Dogs with Concussions
Veterinary treatment addresses the immediate injury, but supporting your dog’s brain health during recovery may improve outcomes.
Here are a few complementary approaches we recommend. Note that they are not replacements for emergency care.
CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD (cannabidiol) has neuroprotective properties that may reduce inflammation and protect neurons after brain injury. It can help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and stimulate appetite during recovery.
If you’re interested in using CBD as part of your dog’s recovery plan, try our CBD Oil for Dogs, formulated with full-spectrum golden hemp extract and virgin hemp seed oil for maximum purity and potency.
Note: Make sure you consult your vet before starting CBD, especially if your dog is on seizure medications or liver-metabolized drugs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory effects that may support brain healing. Some studies suggest they reduce secondary brain injury by stabilizing cell membranes and reducing oxidative stress.
If you’re considering adding Omega-3s to your dog’s diet, try our Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, formulated to boost heart, immune, and brain function.
Antioxidants
Vitamins C and E, along with other antioxidants, may help reduce oxidative damage to brain tissue following trauma. We recommend discussing supplementation with your vet.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast and Monitor Closely
Concussions in dogs are real, relatively common, and potentially life-threatening if not managed correctly. The first 48 hours are critical for determining whether your dog will recover fully or develop serious complications.
If your dog experiences head trauma, assess their symptoms immediately, contact your vet for guidance, and be prepared to seek emergency care if red flags appear. Most dogs with mild concussions recover completely with rest and monitoring. Dogs with severe TBI require intensive care but can still improve dramatically if treatment begins quickly.
Never wait to see if symptoms get better on their own. Early intervention can save your dog’s life and preserve their brain function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a dog die from a concussion?
Yes, though death is more commonly caused by secondary complications (brain swelling, bleeding, shock) rather than the initial concussion itself. Severe TBI with MGCS scores below 8 carries a grave prognosis. Immediate veterinary care significantly improves survival chances.
How do I know if my dog's head injury is serious?
Use the MGCS symptoms as a guide. If your dog loses consciousness, has seizures, shows unequal pupils, can't stand, or vomits repeatedly, the injury is serious. Even mild symptoms (slight wobbling, brief disorientation) in toy breeds or puppies warrant a vet visit.
Should I let my dog sleep after hitting their head?
Not immediately. You need to assess their level of consciousness first. If they're drowsy but can be roused and respond normally, sleeping is fine after the initial check. If they're difficult to wake or unresponsive, that's a medical emergency. After the first few hours, sleep is necessary for healing.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from a concussion?
Mild concussions may resolve in 24 to 48 hours. Moderate cases take 2 to 4 weeks. Severe TBI can require months of recovery. Full neurological function may take up to 6 months to return.
Can my dog's personality change after a concussion?
Yes. Some dogs become more anxious, aggressive, or withdrawn after brain injury. These changes may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of damage. Behavioral rehabilitation and patience can help dogs adjust.
What's the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?
A concussion is a mild form of TBI. All concussions are TBIs, but not all TBIs are concussions. TBI is an umbrella term that includes concussions (mild, transient dysfunction) as well as more severe injuries involving bleeding, skull fractures, or permanent brain damage.
Will my dog develop epilepsy after a concussion?
About 10% of dogs with TBI develop post-traumatic epilepsy (recurring seizures). Seizures are more likely if the initial injury was severe, if seizures occurred during the acute phase, or if the dog has other neurological deficits.
