What to Do if You Dropped Your Puppy

If you accidentally dropped your puppy, don't panic just yet. Puppies are tougher than you think and dropping him doesn't automatically means he's seriously hurt. You should, however, check him thoroughly to make sure everything's OK. If you notice any pain or signs that he might be seriously hurt, a visit to the vet might be in order.

If the puppy is screaming in pain -- a little yelping is normal, but it should stop after a few seconds -- head to the vet for a checkup right away. Serious bleeding, something that looks like a bone break or an obvious limp are also good reasons to head to the vet.

Even if there are no obvious signs of injury, a hard fall can cause a skull fracture and even brain damage -- especially if your puppy fell on his head. A way to check normal neurological response is to shine a flashlight in the puppy's eyes -- if the pupils don't contract, there's something abnormal going on and you should rush to the vet. A puppy who seems to stumble or wants to fall asleep as a response to the fall could have a brain injury and needs to be checked by a vet.

If the puppy seems OK -- and especially if the fall wasn't from very high -- take care of any obvious injuries, such as cuts or scrapes. Puppies tend to cry a lot when they are scared -- and falling is scary -- so hold him for a while and give him a few kisses to help get over the situation.

If you do notice a serious injury, restrain the puppy immediately. Wrap him in a towel if possible to prevent him from moving any more than necessary. Too much movement can worsen an injury. If you suspect a head, neck or spine injury, set up a stretcher-like surface to transport the puppy. Use a flat piece of wood or a large wooden tray and set the puppy on his side. Cover him with a blanket or a thick towel and take him to the vet immediately.