Shoulder Injury in Dogs – What to Do When Your Dog Is in Pain

Learn about shoulder injuries in dogs, recognize the signs of pain and discomfort, and discover the best steps to relieve and care for your canine companion.

As well as pulled leg muscles, it is also possible for dogs to injure their shoulders. Dog shoulder injuries usually occur after intense physical activity and can cause discomfort, neck pain, and forelimb lameness to your furry friend.

That’s why it’s better to recognize the signs and act on them to return your dog to their quality of life. This article covers the signs and symptoms of shoulder injuries, how to render aid, and when to consult the vet. Let’s go!

Shoulder Injuries in Dogs: Understanding It

The dog shoulder is not as versatile as the human shoulder nor as easy to locate. Your dog’s shoulder blade rests in front of its chest and can be challenging to identify, especially when dealing with muscle mass and furry coats.

Common causes of shoulder injury in dogs include indirect causes such as overexertion, which applies to an agility dog more, for example, as they often run on uneven terrain.

There are also more severe direct causes, such as trauma from a previous injury or congenital disease. Some puppies are simply born with a canine shoulder with issues; of course, these more severe cases require consistent, lifelong care.

But considering the mystery of the dog shoulder, let’s look at how to identify the issue. Remember that each listed symptom could just as easily be applied to pulled muscles, standing on a sharp branch, and other issues. So, it’s imperative to get a proper diagnosis from the vet.

Signs & Symptoms

Lameness or limping

The usual telltale sign of a shoulder injury is lameness and limping. If your dog is limping on one leg, this could be caused by a shoulder injury.

But hold the leash a moment because dogs have many other causes of lameness. Simply observing your dog’s gait won’t tell you everything, although this is something to pay attention to.

Difficulty or reluctance to move

Shoulder injuries will also cause your dog to become reluctant to move, especially on the affected limb. If your pooch exhibits this, you can aid them by using harnesses that lift the strain from the affected leg. To assess your dog’s mobility, observe their gait and consult a vet when necessary.

Vocalization & Signs of Pain

Affected dogs may also vocalize their shoulder pain by whining or whimpering. Again, this is pretty tell-tale. If your dog is behaving this way, take action to address the cause.

First Aid & Home Remedies

Rest and limited activity

Helpful and manageable activity is important, but it’s also important to allow your dog to rest. Shorten walks and use harnesses and bandages and seek the relevant treatment option.

Cold compress or ice pack

You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected shoulder to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Allow two hours between each icing session.

If your dog has other issues like TPLOs, don’t put the cold compress or ice pack around the knee. The metal plating will absorb the cold, making your dog severely uncomfortable.

Consulting the Vet

When it comes to a tendon injury in the shoulder, it is imperative to consult a vet. Home remedies are all well and good, but you are rudderless without professional expertise.

Due to the elusiveness of a dog’s shoulder, it is essential to have a physical examination, such as an evaluation of the shoulder joint. Your vet might also require X-rays, ultrasound, arthroscopy, MRI, or musculoskeletal ultrasound to decipher the extent of the injury.

Medical Treatment for a Dog Shoulder Injury

Depending on the nature of the injury, your pooch could be ascribed an assortment of treatment options, including physical therapy, surgery, home remedies such as anti inflammatory medication, or in extreme cases, a total shoulder replacement, which also involves surgical treatment.

It could be a soft tissue injury such as a torn ligament, in which case more minor treatments will be considered.

The Furr-dict

Identifying and dealing with your dog’s shoulder injuries or any injury or issue your furry friend is experiencing, including muscle atrophy, is highly important 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.

Then, seek the vet! This is a situation where expert diagnosis is vital. 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

How can I prevent shoulder injuries in my dog?

Avoiding high-impact activities goes a long way, as does training and a healthy home life. If your dog is naturally likely to run off over crazy terrain, try training them to stay by your side during walks.

Is it safe to give pain medication to my dog at home?

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol are generally ill-advised as they are designed for humans rather than dogs. To find out how best to treat your dog’s injury, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can physical therapy help dogs with shoulder injuries?

Yes. Plus, your dog should retain some form of exercise. If they stop altogether, this can cause more significant problems, such as muscle tightening, which can be lifelong.

How long does it usually take for a dog’s shoulder injury to heal?

This can depend on the breed, nature of the injury, and treatment applied, but you can generally expect a shoulder joint to heal within 12 weeks.

What are the potential long-term effects of a shoulder injury on a dog’s mobility?

Again, it depends on the nature of the injury. But an injury can leave in its wake a tendency for limping.