How to Make a Homemade Splint for Dogs

- Two pieces of wood, cardboard, or PVC pipe that are at least as long as your dog's leg but not too wide

- Soft padding material such as foam, cotton batting, or rolled up bandages

- Adhesive tape or duct tape

- Scissors

- A pen or marker

Instructions

1. If using wood or cardboard, cut the two pieces to the same length. If using PVC pipe, cut it to the desired length.

2. Pad the splints with the soft padding material. Make sure the padding is thick enough to provide support but not so thick that it is uncomfortable for your dog.

3. Wrap the splints with the tape, sticky-side out, to secure the padding.

4. Place one of the splints alongside the bone with the padding against it and the tape facing you.

5. Place the other splint on the other side of the bone, parallel to the first. If there are no fractures then wrap the entire leg so that the splints are touching along the entire leg.

6. Hold the splints in place and tightly wrap them with tape, starting at the top and working your way down. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.

7. Check your dog's circulation below the splint. Ensure that the toes and nails are visible and not turning blue.

Tips

- If you are unable to make a homemade splint, you can improvise by using a rolled-up newspaper, a piece of cardboard, or a sturdy stick.

- If you are using tape, make sure it is not too sticky as it may be difficult to remove later.

- If your dog is in a lot of pain, you may want to give them a pain reliever before splinting their leg.

- If you cannot splint both sides of the leg, place the splint so it’s against the longer bone in the leg rather than the smaller one.

- If the dog attempts to chew or scratch at the splint, put an Elizabethan collar on the animal to prevent this from happening.

When to take your dog to the vet

If your dog's leg is broken or severely injured, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Signs that your dog's leg may be broken include:

- Limping or refusing to walk

- Swelling, bruising, or deformity

- Pain or tenderness when you touch the leg

- An open wound or skin laceration above or near the injured leg

- The leg feels abnormally cold or hot to the touch

If your dog's leg is not broken but is still injured, you can try splinting it at home. However, if the injury is severe or your dog is in a lot of pain, it is best to take them to the vet.