Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Any dog or cat that has hit its head hard, been hit by a car, fallen from a height, or been kicked should see a vet right away, even if it seems fine. Signs of a head injury include dullness or confusion, unequal pupils, abnormal eye movements, wobbling, vomiting, seizures, bleeding from the nose or ears, or loss of consciousness. Brain swelling can worsen over hours, so early care matters.
Signs of a head injury
- Dazed, confused, or unusually sleepy behavior
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Pupils of different sizes, or pupils that don’t respond to light
- Eyes flicking side to side or up and down
- Stumbling, circling, head tilt, or inability to stand
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Bleeding from the nose, ears, or mouth
- Abnormal breathing
- Stiff or rigid legs, or unusual postures
What to do right now
- Stay safe: injured pets may bite. Use a towel or blanket to handle them, and muzzle a dog only if it’s breathing normally and not vomiting.
- Keep the head level or slightly raised, supported on a flat surface like a board or firm cushion. Avoid bending the neck.
- Don’t put pressure on the neck: remove tight collars and don’t carry by the scruff.
- Control bleeding from wounds with gentle pressure, but don’t pack the ears or nose.
- Keep your pet quiet and warm and go straight to a vet or emergency clinic. Call ahead if you can.
How vets treat head injuries
- Stabilizing breathing and blood pressure first, including oxygen and IV fluids
- Medications to reduce brain swelling in some cases
- Pain control and seizure control
- Frequent neurological checks to track improvement or worsening
- X-rays or CT scans to look for skull fractures and other injuries
- Treating other injuries, which are common after trauma
Many pets with mild to moderate head injuries recover well with prompt care.
Home care during recovery
- Rest in a quiet, dim room with limited activity, as your vet advises.
- Block stairs and furniture if your pet is wobbly.
- Use a harness instead of a collar for dogs.
- Check your pet regularly: alertness, pupils, walking, and appetite.
- Give medications as prescribed.
- Offer food and water once your pet is alert and able to swallow normally.
Call your vet immediately if
- Your pet becomes harder to wake or more confused
- Pupils change size or become unequal
- Seizures start or return
- Vomiting continues
- Walking gets worse
What to avoid
- Human pain relievers or sedatives: ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, and sleep aids can be dangerous.
- Waiting to see whether your pet gets better after serious trauma.
- Forcing food or water on a pet that is drowsy or vomiting, which can cause choking.
- Rough handling of the head and neck.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep my pet awake after a head injury?
You don’t need to keep your pet awake, but you should be able to wake it easily. If you can’t, or your pet seems unusually drowsy, go to a vet immediately.
How long does a pet concussion take to heal?
Mild injuries often improve within days. More serious injuries can take weeks, and some pets have lasting effects.
My dog bumped its head playing but seems fine. Is that OK?
A minor bump without any of the signs above is usually not serious. Watch your dog closely for the next 24 hours and call your vet if anything changes.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Head trauma in small animals
- Sande A, West C. Traumatic brain injury: a review of pathophysiology and management. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2010
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): First aid tips for pet owners
- Platt SR, et al. The prognostic value of the modified Glasgow Coma Scale in head trauma in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2001
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.