If only dogs could tell us when they have strained or injured a muscle….well perhaps they can. Here is a simple checklist to help you tell when your dog may have a muscle injury.

1. Not weight bearing

If your dog is not putting weight on a limb when they are standing still or if they are limping and holding a leg when they are moving, this could be sign that the dog has injured a muscle.

2. Sore to touch

When you attempt to touch a part of the dog’s body they move away from you, nudge your hand away, or mouth at your hand, this could be a sign of some discomfort in the area.

Dogs with a sore muscle may also “guard” or protect that area when playing with other dogs. They may rest the sore part of their body next to you or turn away from other dogs to avoid bumps.

3. Swelling or heat

Inflammation, typified by swelling and / or heat in an area of your dog’s body is a good sign of injury (or other illness). Swelling and heat can typically be observed when the injury has just occurred.

Inflammation can also occur when a long term injury is re-injured.

4. Change in movement

If your dog is not moving in the usual way, this can be a sign of muscle injury. Dogs with injured muscles may resist movement in a particular direction. They may not move their limbs in the normal pattern or place their feet in the normal way. Changes in movement patterns may be a sign of injury.

5. Inability to perform

Dogs with injured or sore muscles are just like humans in many ways. If they are sore, they may be unwilling to do their normal tasks whether that be going for a walk or performing their normal dog sports.

Remember to seek veterinary advice for diagnosis of all suspected injuries and illness. Canine Myofunctional (massage) therapy can assist the healing and rehabilitating processes after the acute stage of injury.

Full Stride offer in-home and clinic based canine myofunctional (massage) treatment to help heal muscle injuries in dogs. Please feel free to contact me or send me an email at jlconlon@fullstride.com.au to discuss how I may assist your dog.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.