Pulled Muscle in Dogs: 6 Signs to Watch for and How to Provide Relief

Learn about the signs of a pulled muscle in dogs, how to provide relief, and when to seek veterinary care for your furry friend’s comfort and well-being.

Nothing’s more fun as a dog owner than seeing your pooch race around the local park and burn off that excess energy. But sometimes, this exertion can lead to injury such as muscle tear, causing neck pain, your dog limping, and generally taking a back seat in life.

It’s important to recognize when your dog has a pulled muscle, take action and seek care for a full recovery. This article covers the cause, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options for this type of injury.

Pulled Muscles in Dogs: Understanding It

A muscle strain injury in a dog is very similar to a pulled muscle in a human. It occurs due to over-exerting the particular muscle to the point where your pooch experiences a muscle tear, muscle injury, or muscle strain.

As a dog owner, it’s essential to recognize discomfort in your furry friend. In the case of pulled muscles, it comes in the form of lameness, limping, and physical discomfort.

Injury brought on by physical activity such as jumping or running (or both!) is known as indirect injury. In contrast, bone fractures, deep cuts, and other scar tissue are known as direct injury.

Signs & Symptoms

Limping or favoring one limb

If your dog is visibly limping or exhibiting lameness, a pulled muscle is one possible cause. If you suspect an issue of this nature, observe your dog’s gait to determine if there is an affected muscle. Minor injuries or severe cases can harm your dog’s quality of life.

Decreased activity levels

If your dog appears lethargic, this is a sign that they are experiencing pain, resulting in them being less active or reluctant to engage in physical activity. Again, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s behavior.

Your dog is likely to hide their pain very well in most cases, and it’s up to us to decipher whether they have a tendon issue, strain, or acute injury and to seek the appropriate treatment.

Difficulty getting up or lying down

Dogs with hind limb lameness, torn ligaments, or strained biceps tendon will struggle to change positions, lie down, or leap onto the sofa (if you allow this, and your dog is in the habit). It’s essential to assist your dog to move without causing additional strain.

You can set up a safe zone for them to rest or purchase the appropriate harness to assist them with their physical activity. After all, it’s crucial for your dog to keep moving as best they can for muscle recovery and to maintain their healthy mind.

Muscle Stiffness & Sensitivity

Your dog will exhibit signs of muscle stiffness if they have torn ligaments or tissue issues and will react when you touch the affected area. You can purchase cream for joint pain relief that will soothe the area. Also, gentle massages will be good for your dog’s muscle sensitivity.

Healing Your Dog’s Pulled Muscle

Rest and restricted activity

While helpful and manageable activity is important, allowing your dog to rest is equally important to promote healing. You can shorten walks, and use harnesses and pet bandages to help with resting. It’s also essential to seek treatment options.

Cold compress or ice pack

You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. To do so safely, let two hours pass between each session. This enables the muscle to regenerate tissue from the previous session.

If your dog has other issues, such as TPLOs, don’t put the cold compress or ice pack around the knee, as the metal plating will suck the cold in, and your dog will be in severe discomfort.

Gentle massage & heat therapy

Gentle massages and heat therapy can relax muscles and improve blood flow, creating even better pain relief. To apply heat, don’t place it directly on the skin, as this will not be comfortable for your pooch. And only keep the material pressed to your dog for 10 to 15 minutes per session. Any more could be overwhelming to your dog.

When to Talk to the Vet

If your dog’s symptoms persist or appear more severe than they should, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that is specific to your dog. The importance of expert care by professionals can’t be understated. Severe injuries can also be symptomatic of other underlying issues that must be addressed.

The Furr-dict

In summary, recognizing pulled muscles, or any injury or issue your furry friend is experiencing, is significant for returning them to the high and pleasant quality of life they deserve.

Again, observe your dog’s behaviour. If they are limping, experiencing lameness, or are simply reluctant to engage in the bounding activity that they are likely to enjoy usually, then there could be a problem.

Seek the vet, too, if needed! And while you do, check out our previous articles on dog health. The more you know, the better equipped you will be as a pet owner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pulled muscles in dogs heal on their own without veterinary intervention?

Pulled muscles will generally heal on their own over time. Quicker if you provide effective relief practices and other options described above; if they persist, contact the vet.

Are certain dog breeds more prone to experiencing pulled muscles?

The more muscular dogs, such as Rottweilers, are at a higher risk due to larger muscle mass.

Can I give over-the-counter pain medications to my dog for a pulled muscle?

It is generally inadvisable to give human medications to your dog. Seek your vet, consult their expert advice, and go from there.

Is physical therapy beneficial for dogs with pulled muscles?

Gradual and manageable physical activity, such as physical therapy, is beneficial for your dog. If your dog remains immobile due to the injury, they are at risk of permanent damage such as muscle contracture. Movement is necessary.

How long does it usually take for a dog’s pulled muscle to heal?

This depends on the breed, treatment provided, and the severity of the injury. But generally, be prepared for your dog’s pulled muscle to last 4 to 6 weeks.