Strain

A strain in dogs occurs due to overstretching or overload of muscle fibres, tendons or ligaments during sudden movements.

Such injuries usually occur during play, sudden changes of direction, or upon landing after jumps. A dog with a strain often limps immediately, but sometimes symptoms only appear hours later – the muscle stiffness builds up gradually.

Unlike a bone fracture, a muscle strain heals through rest, controlled movement, and time. Most strains heal within 7 to 14 days; more severe ones can take up to 6 weeks.

How do I recognise a strain in my dog?

The first signs of a strain usually appear within 2 to 6 hours after the injury. Your dog puts less weight on one leg or limps slightly when walking.

Typical signs include:

• Cautious stepping or complete weight transfer to other legs
• Stiff gait after standing up or lying down for a long time
• Tenderness when touching the affected muscle group
• Swelling or warm areas in the injured region
• Hesitation when climbing stairs or jumping into the car

In older dogs, a strain may become more apparent the next morning – the muscles are often hardened and painful by then.

What distinguishes a strain from a sprain?

A strain affects muscles or tendons, whereas a sprain involves the ligaments around a joint.

Strain: Muscle pain, often in the calf, thigh, or back. The dog can usually still bear weight on the leg but avoids certain movements.

Sprain: Joint pain, usually in the ankle or knee. The affected joint swells noticeably and the dog avoids any weight-bearing.

In a sprain, the gait is significantly less stable than in a pure muscle strain.

What immediate measures help with strains?

Stop all activity immediately and slowly lead your dog to the car. Do not let them run or jump anymore.

First 48 hours – Cooling: Wrap ice packs in a thin towel and apply them to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow a break of at least 30 minutes between cooling sessions. Direct skin contact with ice can cause frostbite.

From day 3 – Heat: Warm compresses promote blood circulation and loosen cramped muscles. Use a warm (not hot) hot water bottle for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily.

Avoid human painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin – these are toxic to dogs.

How long does healing from a strain take?

Mild strains usually heal within 5 to 10 days. Your dog will limp noticeably at first; after 3 to 4 days, the gait becomes smoother.

Severe strains with muscle fibre tears require 3 to 6 weeks. They are recognisable by the fact that the dog still limps significantly after a week or does not bear weight on the leg at all.

Healing occurs in three phases: In the first three days, acute pain is predominant. From day 4 onwards, the gait improves noticeably. From day 8 to 14, full weight-bearing is usually possible again.

Older dogs or those with arthritis often need 50 % longer than healthy, young animals.

When should I go to the vet?

Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog no longer bears any weight on the leg or shows strong pain reactions when the area is touched.

Further warning signs:

• No improvement in lameness after 72 hours
• Noticeable swelling that does not subside after 24 hours of cooling
• Fever or loss of appetite in addition to lameness
• The dog whines or yelps during normal movements
• Visible deformity or unnatural positioning of the leg

The vet can rule out a fracture through X-rays and prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for severe strains.

How do I prevent strains?

Strains usually occur due to sudden peaks in load after longer periods of rest.

Warming up: Start intense play or hikes with 5 to 10 minutes of slow walking. This prepares the muscles.

Building fitness: Increase activity gradually. A dog that only gets plenty of exercise at weekends should not suddenly run through the mountains for 3 hours.

Consider the surface: Slippery floors or uneven terrain increase the risk of strains. Dogs should not run on frozen ground or smooth indoor flooring.

Age-appropriate activity: Dogs aged 7 years and over need longer warm-up phases and have longer recovery times after intense exertion.