- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Just like humans, dogs can experience the occasional pulled muscle or strain. In fact, dog pulled muscles are more common than you may think. Whether your pup bursts into a sprint at the dog park or lands awkwardly after jumping off the sofa, dog pulled muscles can happen in a variety of everyday situations.
Pulled muscles in dogs usually result from overexertion, sudden movements, slips, or even repetitive activities that result in overuse. Active breeds, overweight, and aging pups may be especially prone to injuries, but any dog can experience a strained muscle—and a full recovery can take up to six weeks of rest and care.
To learn about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention of dog pulled muscles, we recruited the expertise of Dr. Adam Christman, DVM. Dr. Christman is the Chief Veterinary Officer for dvm360 and advisor for pet wellness brand Vetnique.
Symptoms
Are dog pulled muscles really all that common?
“Yes, they are relatively common, especially in active breeds, sporting dogs, or pets that experience a sudden change in activity level,” says Dr. Adam Christman. “They’re part of what we call ‘soft tissue injuries,’ which include strains (muscle or tendon) and sprains (ligaments).”
While some dogs are more at risk for a pulled muscle than others, injuries can occur to any dog at any time. Left untreated, dog pulled muscles can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even worse injuries down the road. Because of this, it’s important to learn how to tell if a dog pulled a leg muscle and to get them the treatment they need.
Symptoms of a muscle injury in dogs include:
- Limping
- Avoiding putting weight on the leg
- Resistance to jumping or climbing stairs
- Vocalized pain, such as whining or yelping in pain
- Being less active than usual
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Struggling to sit or get up after laying down
Some dogs are better at hiding their hurt than others. It’s important to know your dog well and watch for any unusual behaviors that may indicate that they’re in pain, especially after a hard activity session.
Teamjackson via iStock
Causes
“Pulled muscles in dogs often occur from sudden movements like jumping, sprinting, slipping, or rough play,” says Dr. Christman. “They can also result from overuse, especially in active dogs or those not properly warmed up before exercise.”
While you may not think about warming up your dog before play, Christman says it’s an important part of a dog’s exercise routine, especially with intense activity. Consistent daily activity is also better than bursts of exercise once or twice week. The so-called “weekend warriors”—whether human or canine—are more likely to experience injury than those who exercise regularly.
Dogs that are overweight, out of shape, or have joint issues may also be at greater risk of a pulled muscle, as the body is simply not conditioned to handle the activity. While many dogs pull a muscle in the midst of fun activities, muscle injuries can also result from accidents. Slips or falls that cause abrupt or unusual movement can also cause muscle strains or pulled muscles.
At-Home Care
For a minor pulled muscle, a visit to the vet may not be necessary, at least not right away. “If your dog is mildly limping but still bearing weight, seems alert, and is eating and drinking normally, it’s okay to monitor for 24–48 hours with rest,” says Dr. Christman.
Keeping your dog still during this period is essential. “No running, jumping, or stairs,” Dr. Christman warns.
He suggests applying a cold compress to the injured area. To do this, you can wrap a cold pack in a towel and hold it to the injury for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day for 48 hours after the injury starts.
In the meantime, consider scheduling an appointment with your vet. While at-home treatments can be helpful in stabilizing your dog and soothing their symptoms, advanced care can help your pup heal more quickly.
If your dog isn’t putting weight on the injured leg, is showing signs of severe pain, or is struggling to move within the 48 hours, a trip to the emergency vet may be needed. With severe injuries, it’s important to start treatment right away.
James E Bailey via iStock
Vet Treatment
At the vet’s office, X-rays may be used to determine the severity of your dog’s strain. This also helps to rule out more serious issues. “Conditions like ligament tears, joint dislocations, hip dysplasia, fractures, or even neurological issues can mimic a pulled muscle,” says Dr. Christman.
For the treatment of a dog pulled muscle, Dr. Christman says, “A multimodal approach is truly best.”
Healing from mild pulled muscle usually requires 7-10 days of rest and treatment. That timeline can double for moderate injuries. For severe muscle strains, a full recovery can take up to 6 weeks.
Common treatments for mild and moderate dog muscle strains include:
- Rest
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Hip and joint supplements
- Cold compresses
- Heat therapy
Additional treatments may be recommended based on the severity of the injury, says Dr. Christman. “Oftentimes laser therapy can be beneficial. Depending on the type of injury and location, shockwave therapy can be helpful as well.”
For more severe muscle injuries, your dog may benefit from physical therapy, hydrotherapy, muscle relaxants, and acupuncture. Targeted pulse electromagnetic field therapy (tPEMPF) is another treatment that some will use for dog pulled muscles.
After treatment, your dog should be feeling better—but you don’t want risk them getting injured again. “A gradual return to activity is key,” recommends Dr. Christman. “Reintroduce exercise slowly and watch for signs of re-injury.”
Prevention
Most dogs aren’t good at regulating their own activity, so preventing a dog pulled muscle requires pet parents to be thoughtful about their activity.
“Warm up your dog before intense play or exercise,” says Dr. Christman. “Maintain a healthy weight, provide regular low-impact conditioning, and avoid sudden bursts of activity after long rest periods.”
It’s also important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed, as too-long nails can change the way your dog walks. You can also use rugs or non-slip pads to reduce the risk of sliding on hard surfaces like concrete or tile.
As dogs age, the risk of overdoing it also becomes higher. “Work with your dog, not against them,” says Dr. Christman. “As they are aging, they may not go that typical mile they used to do—and that’s A-OK!”
