Muscle Injuries in Dogs: Signs to Look Out For
Muscle injuries in dogs can happen during surprisingly ordinary activities. Jumping on and off furniture, slipping, pulling on the lead, chasing a ball or simply overdoing exercise can all place strain on muscles and other soft tissues.
Just like us, dogs can experience muscular pain, stiffness and restricted movement. However, recognising the problem isn’t always straightforward.
Dogs can’t tell us that something hurts. In addition, the first signs of a muscle injury in dogs can be quite subtle. This is why changes in movement, posture and behaviour are worth paying attention to.
Changes in Gait
One of the first things I look at is how a dog moves.
A change in gait may indicate pain, weakness or a musculoskeletal problem. You might notice limping, an uneven stride, stiffness or a change in the way your dog walks or runs.
However, gait changes can have many causes. Therefore, persistent or sudden changes should always be investigated by your vet.
Changes in Posture
The way your dog stands can also provide useful information.
Are they consistently shifting their weight onto one side? Are they standing differently through the back legs? Does their back appear more rounded than usual?
Sometimes dogs alter their posture because they are trying to reduce discomfort somewhere else in the body.
Changes in Everyday Activities
Often, owners notice these changes before they notice an obvious limp.
Your dog may suddenly hesitate before jumping onto the sofa. Perhaps they are slower on walks or reluctant to climb the stairs. They may also become sensitive about being touched in an area they previously enjoyed having stroked.
These small changes from your dog’s normal behaviour can be important clues.
Changes in Behaviour
Pain and behaviour can also be closely linked.
A normally sociable dog may become withdrawn or restless. Others may turn their head towards you, move away, growl or even snap when you touch a painful area.
A sudden behavioural change doesn’t automatically mean your dog has a muscular injury. However, pain is one possibility that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Changes in Performance
For sporting and working dogs, the signs can be even more subtle.
An agility dog may start knocking poles, become reluctant to weave, miss contact points or simply perform more slowly than usual.
Owners sometimes assume these are training or behavioural problems. However, an unexplained change in performance can also be a reason to investigate how the dog’s body is feeling.
How Can Canine Massage Help Muscle Injuries?
If you suspect your dog has an injury, veterinary assessment should come first. This is particularly important with sudden lameness, significant pain or an unexplained change in movement.
Once serious injury has been ruled out or your vet has diagnosed the problem, canine massage may form part of your dog’s recovery and ongoing care.
Depending on the individual dog, professional massage can:
- Help reduce muscular tension
- Support flexibility and comfortable movement
- Encourage healthy circulation through the soft tissues
- Address areas of muscular overcompensation
- Help maintain healthy muscle function
- Support the body as it recovers from certain soft-tissue problems
Importantly, I don’t just focus on the area where a dog appears uncomfortable.
Dogs frequently adapt the way they move when something hurts. As a result, other muscles may start working harder to compensate. These areas can then become tight, tired or uncomfortable themselves.
That’s why I look at the whole dog — their movement, posture, muscles and response to touch — rather than treating one muscle in isolation.
Muscle injuries in dogs aren’t always obvious, so recognising small changes early can make a big difference. If your dog isn’t moving or behaving quite like themselves, it is always worth asking why.