Marianne Martinez
Dogs can be prone to muscle strains due to their active nature and the stress they put on their muscles and joints. Strains are injuries to the muscles and tendons, which can occur during athletic activities, such as running, jumping, or even just playing. Sprains, on the other hand, are injuries to the ligaments that connect bones. Both can cause pain and limping in dogs, and it is important to help them heal properly. Treatment for muscle strains in dogs includes rest, cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. Dog braces can also help support the injured area. Let's explore the options for easing your dog's muscle strain and getting them back to their playful self.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | A veterinarian will perform a full physical exam, checking for pain, heat, swelling, discomfort, and restricted movement. |
| Treatment | Rest, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and controlled exercise. Surgery may be required for severe cases or torn tendons/ligaments. |
| Prevention | Maintain a healthy weight, provide regular exercise, and ensure safe play areas to reduce the risk of injury. |
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What You'll Learn
Help your dog rest and heal
Rest and recovery
Rest is vital for healing strained muscles. Depending on the severity of the injury, it usually takes around one to two weeks for a muscle strain to heal. In the first few days after injury, use cold therapy for 10-15 minutes, two to three times a day. Mild compression bandages can also be used initially.
It is important to give your dog's muscles time to heal so they don't worsen the injury. You might need to take your dog on shorter walks or let them play in shorter bursts until they're feeling better. As long as they're showing signs of improvement, you're on the right track.
Pain medication
Your veterinarian might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help with pain and swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Make sure to ask your vet what is safe to give your dog, as some over-the-counter NSAIDs for humans can cause serious illness and even death in dogs.
Physical therapy
Complete inactivity and immobilization of the injured muscle can lead to permanent muscle contracture (tightening), so controlled movement during healing is essential. Once the swelling has gone down, your dog might need to do some rehabilitation exercises to help them regain their strength and mobility.
Support and brace
Dog braces are an excellent way to support the injured area and help your dog recover quickly.
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Use braces or support to hold the injured muscle
Braces and supports are an effective way to manage your dog's pain and help them recover from muscle strain. They are designed to provide joint support, prevent further injury, and minimise discomfort. Dogs are naturally active, and leg injuries can significantly impact their quality of life.
There are different types of braces and supports for different joints and injuries. For instance, a stifle (knee) brace is used to increase the stabilisation of rear legs, knees, and kneecaps, while a tarsus (rear foot) brace helps protect the Achilles tendon, tarsal, and metatarsal areas post-injury. A carpus (front leg) brace is effective in stabilising and fixing bones, ligaments, and joints to promote healing and long-term mobility. Elbow braces can be used to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis or dynamic elbow luxation, and spinal or cervical braces can help support and reduce spinal sagging and assist in surgical recovery. Hock splints are used to stabilise the dog's lower back leg, providing support in cases of hyperextension, hock joint instability, or soft tissue injuries in the tarsal joint.
The type of brace or support your dog needs will depend on the joint location and the nature of the injury. The brace may be used before and after surgery, or to avoid surgery altogether. Dogs typically adapt quickly to the support of a brace, and it can help them bear weight on their injured limb. Braces can also be used in conjunction with structured exercise and therapy.
It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the right brace, splint, or support for your dog's injury, and for how long it should be used.
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Try physical therapy
Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for dogs suffering from muscle strains. It is important to note that complete inactivity and immobilization of the injured muscle can lead to permanent muscle contracture (tightening), so controlled movement during healing is essential.
After the initial inflammation and pain period, which can last 4-6 days, passive physical therapy can be introduced to prevent complications during healing. Your veterinarian will recommend physical therapy or refer you to a rehabilitation practitioner, depending on the severity of the injury.
Some physical therapy exercises that can aid in your dog's recovery include:
- Walking on an underwater or land treadmill: This low-impact exercise helps your dog maintain mobility and improve strength without putting too much strain on their injured muscle.
- Balancing on a ball or board: This type of exercise helps improve your dog's balance and coordination, engaging their core muscles and aiding in recovery.
- Controlled exercise: Light and controlled exercise, such as short walks or play sessions, can be reintroduced after 7 to 14 days. It is important to avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping during this period.
In addition to physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is crucial in reducing the risk of future injuries. Overweight dogs put more strain on their joints, making them more susceptible to injuries. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your dog at a healthy weight and lower the chances of muscle strains.
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Give anti-inflammatory medication
If your dog is suffering from a muscle strain, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain and swelling. This is more likely to be the case if your dog's strain is moderate to severe. Make sure you follow your vet's instructions when giving your dog any medication.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is important to ask your vet what is safe to give your dog, as some over-the-counter NSAIDs for humans can cause serious illness and even death in dogs.
In addition to anti-inflammatory medication, your vet may recommend muscle relaxants, other pain medications, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage, stem cell therapy, or laser therapy.
If your dog has a mild strain, medication may not be required. Strict rest, cold therapy, and limiting outdoor time to 5-10 minutes on the leash for wees and poos may be sufficient for the strain to resolve within a week.
It is important to give your dog's muscles time to heal so they don't worsen the injury. You might need to take your dog on shorter walks or let them play in shorter bursts until they're feeling better. As long as they're showing signs of improvement, you're on the right track.
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Put your dog on a diet
If your dog is experiencing muscle strain, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The vet will examine your dog and determine the best course of treatment, which may include rest, cold compresses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial in reducing the risk of injuries like muscle strains.
Now, here are some tips on how to put your dog on a diet:
It is important to first determine if your dog is actually overweight. You can do this by feeling their backbone and ribs. If the spine and ribs are difficult to feel, your dog may be overweight. Additionally, look at your dog from the side and check if their stomach is sagging, which is another indicator of excess weight.
Before putting your dog on a diet, it is crucial to consult your veterinary healthcare team. Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, can contribute to weight gain. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, nutritional assessment, and recommend blood tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They can also advise on the best weight-loss food for your dog.
To put your dog on a diet, choose the right food by consulting your veterinarian for recommendations on ingredients and portion size. It is important to avoid over-the-counter "light" dog food as it may not provide the necessary nutrients. Reduce portion sizes gradually and cut back on treats to prevent your dog from consuming too many extra calories.
Increasing your dog's exercise can also help with weight loss. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of exercise, twice a day. This can include walking, playing fetch, or tossing around balls and Frisbees. Remember that weight loss is a gradual journey, so be patient and consistent with your dog's diet and exercise plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Signs of a muscle strain include pain, limping, swelling, bruising, and heat around the injured area. Your dog may also yelp if they are in pain.
Take your dog to the vet. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend treatment.
Depending on the severity of the injury, your vet may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, pain medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, stem cell therapy, or laser therapy.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest and follows any treatment plan recommended by your vet. You can also apply a cold compress to the injured area to help control pain and inflammation.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight and make sure they get regular exercise. Warm up your dog before any intense exercise, and be careful when exercising your dog off the lead.
