As our dogs are unable to speak, it is often difficult for us to tell if they have strained a muscle or their symptoms are signs of another condition. Here is a list of signs that your dog may have a muscle injury.

Before assuming a soft tissue injury in a dog with any of these symptoms, a veterinary diagnosis should be sought. Your vet will also be able to let you know about any contraindications to treatments like massage at this time.

1. Not weight bearing including limping

The 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. Weight bearing capability may vary from the dog holding the leg off the ground completely to toe touching as they move. Observe your dog carefully for signs of weight shifting off a limb.

2. Sensitivity and guarding

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. These responses could be signs 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 collisons.

3. Swelling or heat

Inflammation is typified by swelling and / or heat in an area of your dog’s body. Inflammation is a good sign of injury or other medical condition and warrants an immediate visit to your vet.

Swelling and heat can typically be observed in the acute phase of a soft tissue injury – when the injury has just occurred. It 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. Depending on the severity of the injury, particularly when the dog is not weight bearing normally, they will shift their weight off the affect limb, which is alter the dog’s gait. Changes in gait may be a sign of muscle injury and warrants a vet diagnosis.

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 go for a walk, jump up on the couch or participate in their normal dog sports.

If you have observed any of these symptoms, please seek veterinary diagnosis and contraindications for treatments. Where your vet diagnoses a muscle strain, then canine massage can assist the healing processes after the acute stage of injury.

For more information about how canine massage may assist your dog please see:

http://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/Pain+management+for+dogs
https://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/how-can-myofunctional-therapy-help-dogs-with-a-soft-tissue-injury
https://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/what-is-the-cause-of-intermittent-lameness-in-dogs-and-how-to-treat-it