What should I do if I accidentally kicked my dog?

If you accidentally kicked your dog, you need to check and assess the damage, if any, you caused your dog. Calm your dog down by talking to them gently and giving them first aid if needed. However, if they want to be alone, let them be. Dogs can get defensive when they get hurt.

What happens if I accidentally kicked my dog?

I’m sorry this has happened to you, but accidents do happen.

Each dog will react differently to physical pain, especially from the person they trust and love.

Some canines will yelp and run away but will be okay once they no longer see you as a threat. They quickly forget what happened and will just forgive you right away.

There are others, however, that get traumatized because of the accident. This is especially true for dogs who are victims of physical abuse. This is why if your pup is adopted from a shelter, you must be extra careful around them. You’ll never know how they might react to accidents like these.

We’ll list down some common reactions when dogs get hurt accidentally.

Fear and anxiety

Your pup might still feel fearful and anxious around you, which can lead to them avoiding you altogether.

In some cases, dogs leave the room when the person who accidentally hit them is around. Others may even get aggressive and growl when the person who kicked them gets near.

This behavior, while concerning, can sometimes go away after some time.

Appetite loss

Another reaction dogs might have from getting hurt accidentally is a loss of appetite.

Eating is an activity for dogs that makes them feel vulnerable. It may have stemmed from their ancestor’s behavior of being extremely aware of their surroundings when their pack was feeding in the wild.

When your dog suffers accidents like getting kicked, their instincts might kick in, leading them to not eat for a while.

Sensitivity to loud noises and fast movements

Being highly sensitive to loud noises and fast movements around them is another reaction your dog might have after getting hurt accidentally.

You might notice them hiding under the couch, whining, and fleeing the scene when they hear loud sounds.

People running around may also start to frighten them.

How can I make my dog trust me after I accidentally kick them?

The best thing you can do at first is to let your pup react how they want to. As long as their life isn’t in immediate danger after the incident, you can let them be for a while.

After they’ve calmed down, try to talk to them gently. Don’t force yourself on them, and try to pet them if they don’t respond positively to you first.