Dog Sprains and Strains in Dubai | Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide

What are sprains and strains in dogs?

Sprains and strains in dogs are one-off injuries to soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and muscles in their body. These types of injuries cause pain, resulting in a limp or a change in their walking pattern.

Just like in people, sprains and strains are most commonly caused by slips and falls, overuse, or overstretching.

A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament, the band of tissue that supports the joint and connects bone to bone.

A strain refers to an injury to the muscle and/or tendon. A tendon is a strong cord of tissue that attaches a muscle to the bones.

Common locations for these types of injuries include:

• Wrist (carpus)
• Elbow
• Shoulder
• Hip
• Knee
• Hock (tarsus/ankle)

Living in Dubai presents unique challenges. The hot pavements during summer months can cause dogs to slip or move awkwardly to avoid burning their paws, potentially leading to soft tissue injuries. Indoor exercise on slippery marble or tiled floors can also increase the risk of sprains and strains.

Symptoms of sprains and strains in dogs

You might notice some or all of the following in your dog:

• Sudden limping
• Not bearing weight on the affected leg
• Pain: they may react when touched and sometimes even snap or bite
• Reluctance to exercise or difficulty jumping and using the stairs
• Stiffness when walking
• Swelling or heat around the injured area
• Changed behaviour: whimpering, hiding, or decreased appetite due to pain

Are some dogs more at risk of sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains are injuries that can affect any dog, regardless of age or breed. However, certain groups can be more at risk, such as:

• Athletic dogs who frequently jump or turn as they exercise
• Obese dogs: excess tension on the joints and limbs
• Older dogs (7 to 10 years) as the ligaments start to weaken
• Breeds with naturally weaker ligaments, such as Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff, Akita, and Saint Bernard
• Small breeds that jump on and off furniture frequently

How do vets diagnose sprains and strains in dogs?

Sprains and strains are diagnosed using a combination of:

• Assessing the way your dog walks
• Hands-on examination, including a thorough orthopaedic assessment
• Medical history review: to understand how and when the injury occurred

Your vet might recommend:

• Radiographs (X-rays) to rule out fractures or bone abnormalities
• Ultrasound scan to visualise soft tissue damage
• Advanced imaging, such as MRI or CT scans for complex cases

Modern Vet is fully equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess your pet’s condition.

Vet treatment for sprains and strains in dogs

Some mild sprains and strains will require no investigation or medication. Read more about this in the home treatment section below for tips on how to help your dog with a mild injury.

In moderate to severe cases, your vet might recommend one or more of the following, based on your dog’s specific needs:

Medical management:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Pain medications appropriate for your dog’s size and condition

Advanced treatments for severe cases:

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Acupuncture and massage therapy
• Laser therapy
• Referral to a specialist in sports medicine or orthopaedics

Home treatment for sprains and strains in dogs

Most mild sprains and strains will resolve within a week with strict rest. Here’s how you can help at home:

Strict rest includes:

• Not allowing your dog to use stairs, run, jump, or play roughly
• Limit outdoor time to 5-10 minutes on the lead and just for toileting (even if in your own garden)
• Choose cooler times of day for these brief toilet breaks
• Crate confinement may be necessary when your dog is not closely supervised
• After this resting period, gradually return to exercise through lead walking

Cold therapy:

• Apply a cold compress to the injured area to help control pain and inflammation
• Use cold therapy for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily for the first few days after injury
• Wrap ice packs in a towel; never apply them directly to the skin

Home care tips:

• Keep your home cooler (around 22-24°C) to make your dog more comfortable during recovery
• Use non-slip mats on tiled or marble floors to prevent re-injury
• Ensure fresh water is always available
• Consider raised food and water bowls to reduce strain

Important: Never give your dog human pain medication. Some common painkillers like ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

How to prevent your dog from getting sprains or strains

Care when off the lead

Dogs are most likely to injure themselves when off the lead, but it’s a balancing act since most dogs are happiest playing freely. Only exercise your dog off-lead in safe places.

Jumping down from high places

Jumping from heights risks injury, especially for small-breed dogs. Consider using pet ramps or steps.

Managing exercise in Dubai

• Walk your dog during cooler hours
• Check pavement temperature with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws
• Consider indoor play options during peak summer months
• Just like in humans, before a long and intense exercise session, you should warm up your dog by gently raising the exercise intensity.

Maintain a healthy body condition

Obesity puts more pressure on joints and makes your dog prone to injuries.

Flooring considerations

To prevent injuries:

• Use non-slip rugs or mats in high-traffic areas
• Consider paw grip socks for older or at-risk dogs
• Keep your dog’s nails trimmed for better traction

When should you be worried about your dog with a sprain or strain?

Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows any of the following signs:

Urgent concerns:

• Unable to bear any weight on the leg
• Severe swelling or heat in the affected area
• Visible deformity of the limb
• Persistent or worsening pain despite rest
• Your dog is crying or yelping when the area is touched

Modern Vet offers 24-hour emergency services. Don’t wait if you’re concerned, early intervention often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Recovery from sprains or strains

Recovery from a sprain or strain requires patience, but most dogs make a full recovery.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild injuries: 1-2 weeks
• Moderate injuries: 2-4 weeks
• Severe injuries: 6-8 weeks or longer

During recovery, maintain regular check-ups with your vet to monitor progress. Your vet may adjust the treatment plan based on how your dog responds.

Modern Vet is Dubai’s trusted multi-speciality veterinary hospital, providing compassionate care for your pets since 1995. With 24-hour emergency services and state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, Modern Vet is equipped to handle everything from routine check-ups to complex orthopaedic cases.