Given the energetic nature of dogs, each and every individual would be a candidate for various injuries. All dog owners have to be competent in administering first aid to the pet as dogs tend to have broken bones, sustain wounds that range from being minor to serious and suffer from other various types of ailments and injuries. Dogs in pain have the tendency to hide from the human family. The only time a dog owner will be aware of the dog’s injuries is when the pet’s behavior changed because the injury has worsened. A dog owner therefore has to have a discerning eye, to be observant, to be able to spot the injury early on. Any kind of injury or ailment will be prevented from worsening if detected early on and immediate treatment will give the dog a good chance to recover fully.

Strain that happens to people can occur in dogs too. Muscle, joint, ligament or tendon strain, also known as soft tissue injury is most prevalent in dogs that join athletic competitions. This condition is more common in overweight dogs and in dogs suffering from arthritis as the muscles, joints and tendons receive more pressure every time the dog moves. Small or toy breeds and stay-at-home canine companions can develop soft tissue injury too.

The normal contracting and relaxing movements of the soft tissues would be changed when the dog jumps or runs and a strain will develop because the pressure either stretched or torn the soft tissues. Swelling, inflammation and pain especially when the affected limb or body part is moved are signs of strain. Strain will prevent a dog from putting on even a little pressure on the injured body part. The pain will make the dog limp or to favor the injured leg.

Serious and recurring cases of strain are usually corrected with surgery. To prevent a permanent damage to the muscles, tendons, joints and ligament that will maim the dog for life, a surgical procedure to repair the soft tissues may be necessary. However, rest is the simple but all important first aid treatment for a minor strain. Rest is supposed to make the strained tissues recover.

Strain resulting from a fall, from a collision with other dog or from overdoing an exercise can flare up quickly. To ease the pain associated with strain, hot or cold compresses can be used. Cold compress will reduce swelling and pain. Ice cubes and a small amount of water can be placed in a plastic bag and applied on the sore muscle. The ice pack must not be place directly to the skin as cold restricts circulation thus it must be wrapped in towel.

Read all about dog first aid and strains at Sarah’s Dogs.

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