Dogs love to play and exercise, but sometimes the activity can cause sprains and sprains that need to be treated. While sprains are common in dogs, these injuries can impede movement and cause excruciating pain. By learning how to treat sprains and sprains in your dog's muscles, you can reduce the pain he is experiencing.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Providing First Aid
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a sprain
Before you give your dog help, identify the symptoms of sprains, which are most common in the wrist and knee. This can help you identify your dog's needs before seeing the vet and the presence of other disorders. Symptoms of sprains in dogs include:
- limp
- Unable to walk
- Swelling
- Pain and sensitivity to pain.
- Misformed foot (usually not from a sprain, but from a fracture or dislocation)
Step 2. Limit the dog's movement
As soon as your dog feels sick, implement various ways to prevent the dog from moving around a lot. If the dog continues to run and play, the injury may get worse.
If the dog has been trained to use a crate, it is best to put him in a crate for a while. If your dog is not being trained, put on a leash to prevent running too much
Step 3. Examine the dog very carefully
No matter how gentle your dog is, when injured it can still bite or hurt you. Animals that are in pain and fear can be dangerous.
- Keep your face away from your dog's mouth and don't try to hug him.
- Perform the examination slowly and gently. Calm the dog in a gentle voice and stop if he is agitated.
Step 4. Call the vet
Once you've had the chance to examine your pet, call your vet and make an appointment. Explain the situation and get the dog checked as soon as possible. You will also announce your arrival to the doctor.
- Call the emergency clinic if you can't get to the vet.
- Tell the dog's symptoms to the vet and ask any questions he has, including how to take the dog.
Step 5. Take the dog to the vet
The only effective way to treat a sprained dog is to see a vet. After you have examined the dog and informed the veterinarian of your arrival, take the dog to the clinic for treatment.
Take your dog in a carrier (carry), kennel, or designated area of the car. You can minimize the risk of your dog injuring himself
Part 2 of 3: Getting Veterinary Care
Step 1. Visit the vet
A veterinarian can diagnose a sprain and create a treatment program to cure the dog. Remember that visiting the vet is the only way to make sure your dog is getting the best care.
- Tell the dog's symptoms, how the injury occurred, and the dog's behavior since the injury to the veterinarian. For example, you might say, “He's limping and I'm not sure why. He seems to be putting his weight on his right leg, and isn't as excited to go outside as usual."
- If possible, have a copy of your dog's medical history ready to give to your veterinarian when you visit.
- Ask the vet any questions you have.
Step 2. Let the vet do the examination and tests
The doctor will examine the dog and request further testing so that he can find out exactly what is causing the problem and design the best treatment.
- The vet can look at the dog and touch or press a specific spot to find swelling, sores, warm areas, or abnormalities.
- The vet may ask the dog to walk, sit, and lie down.
- The vet may perform an X-ray scan or other scans such as an MRI or CT.
Step 3. Ask for treatment options
After the vet has examined the dog and made a diagnosis, he or she can suggest a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the injury. Follow all doctor's instructions. Make sure you give all the medications your doctor prescribes. Your veterinarian can suggest treatments such as:
- Giving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat pain
- Use an ice pack or heat.
- Forcing the dog to rest and not move much
- Massaging the injured area
Step 4. Consider physical therapy
Dogs may need physical therapy to improve the dog's movement and speed healing. Take the pet to a canine physical therapist and follow up with all of the recommended home exercises for dogs.
- The number of sessions a dog needs depends on the severity of the injury.
- Sessions usually last 30-60 minutes and should not be painful.
- Most patients will be given “PR”. For example, a dog therapist may suggest putting your dog on an exercise ball and gently rocking it forward to increase its range of motion.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for an Injured Dog
Step 1. Rest the dog
Give the dog time for the injury to heal. This step speeds healing and reduces pain and discomfort.
- Wear a harness when walking for 2-4 weeks after the injury or as directed by your doctor.
- Watch the dog's behavior. If you seem tired, take it home by walking slowly, or carry it home.
Step 2. Apply ice to the injury
Apply an ice pack to the dog's injury if it swells or the dog appears to be in pain. Ice can relieve inflammation and injury and help the foot heal.
- Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Wrap a towel around the ice pack to protect the dog's skin from the cold.
- Examine the dog's skin for white or stiff fur, which may indicate the ice pack is too cold.
Step 3. Give pain medication
Dogs can experience pain or discomfort. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog can be given commercial medication. You may be able to give a pain reliever to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Make sure you know your dog's weight and check with your veterinarian for the correct dosage.
- Ask your vet to prescribe a stronger medication if your dog seems to be in a lot of pain.
Step 4. Take a leisurely stroll
Once approved by the vet, take the dog for a leisurely walk. Be sure to keep a leash on so you can monitor and protect your dog.
- Consider letting your dog swim or walk on a treadmill in the water to get him active.
- Avoid all challenging activities such as climbing or running.
- Stay away from the dog park while your pet recuperates.
