What to do for a dog that has pulled a muscle

Ensure that the injury is completely healed before allowing your dog to resume a normal routine. It may take anywhere from a week to a month for a pulled muscle to heal.

You can help prevent a groin pull in your dog through exercise practices similar to those of human athletes.

What to do for a dog that has pulled a muscle. Treatment of a pulled muscle in the dog usually involves anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers for alleviating pain and swelling. Surgery is often necessary in very severe cases. How to treat pulled muscles.

There are a few remedies you can try at home first before taking your dog to see a vet. Cold compresses compression bandages and letting your dog rest may do the trick to alleviate their pain and relieve the muscle soreness. A cold compress will help relieve any swelling your dog may be experiencing due to his pulled muscle.

If you dont have a chemical cold pack place some crushed ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel. Apply the cold pack to the injured area for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You can ice his injury up to four times in a 24-hour period.

Jim Baker DVM of the Wasola Animal Health Clinic baby aspirin can be given to a dog with a pulled muscle to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Baker said the best thing for your dog if she has a pulled muscle is rest. It may take anywhere from a week to a month for a pulled muscle to heal.

You might need to keep your dog in a confined area and take him outside on a leash to prevent further injury. Do not let your recuperating dog climb stairs. Ensure that the injury is completely healed before allowing your dog to resume a normal routine.

If your dog doesnt respond to normal treatment then surgery could be one course of action that is reviewed. Similarly if your dog has reoccurring muscle tear problems surgery might also be an option. Also known as DJD this describes a number of joint conditions that can present themselves in dogs.

The importance of rest cannot be overstated. Physical activity soon after a muscle pulling can transform a minor inconvenience into a chronic and major injury. Immediately after the injury confine your dog to a small yet comfortable space.

The next step is to apply ice packs. You can help prevent a groin pull in your dog through exercise practices similar to those of human athletes. Warm-up exercises and massage for your dog should be performed before any exercise training or competition.

End any active session with stretching exercises paying specific attention to the muscles in the hips. I think my dog pulled a muscle in his thigh what can i do for him - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website.

By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Dogs with muscle tears will likely benefit from physical therapy. Complete inactivity and immobilization of the injured muscle can lead to permanent muscle contracture tightening so controlled movement during healing is essential.

After successful treatment of the muscle tear no further aftercare is required. However when it comes to recovery the steps your dog will need to follow are much the same as what you would need to do after pulling a muscle. Unless your pet has torn a ligament or tendon theyll usually be able to avoid surgery.

Instead your vet will devise a thorough treatment plan for your pet which may include any of the following. Restrict unnecessary movement by confining the dog to a small space. The first day of treatment apply a chemical cold pack or crushed ice in a plastic bag to the injured area for 15 to 30 minutes three or four times over the course of the day.

Alternatively run cold water over the pulled muscle for five to 10 minutes also three or four times. Aloe Vera has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-viral properties. Keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Obesity strains the joints and puts your dog at greater risk for injury. Do not over exercise an overweight or sedentary dog. Start slowly to build muscle and flexibility.

I believe my dog has pulled a muscle in his back leg. It feels like it is a pulled muscle in the groin. What can I do to help him.

I lost my job two years ago and do not have the funds to go to the vet. Ask Your Own Dog Veterinary Question. Muscle relaxants are medications prescribed by a vet that relax the muscles within your pet.

They can reduce muscle spasms inflammation and relieve spinal cord conditions. Flabby muscles on dogs are one of the top and most overt signs of muscle loss. Strong muscles should be firm and sturdy so if your pets muscles are becoming soft and weak this is most likely muscle atrophy.

Although all dogs do tend to become more lethargic with age muscle loss can visibly heighten this phenomenon. How to treat a pulled muscle Once the diagnosis has been confirmed it is usually managed with anti-inflammatories muscle relaxers and targeted physical therapy says Dr. Heating pads have also been shown to be beneficial.