Protect your dog from muscle spasms: Everything you need to know

Like people, dogs get muscle spasms when their muscle contractions are interrupted. They may be visible beneath your dog’s skin and look like tremors.

Typically, this happens when they exercise hard or get dehydrated.

While muscle spasms are not life-threatening, they can cause a great deal of pain. Some can also result from an injury and may require the help of a veterinarian.

Your dog’s health is the priority, after all.

Knowing whether worms, muscle problems, or other ailments cause the spasms is essential.

Co-existing symptoms 

When you can see or feel tremors on your dog’s body, it is a good idea to look for other symptoms that your dog may be experiencing. These can include: 

• Lameness
• Depression
• Pain

Causes of muscle spasms

In addition to physical exertion and dehydration, muscle spasms in your dog may be caused by:

• Neurological disorder
• Allergies
• Medication
• Strains
• Overexertion
• Slipped disc
• Physical injury

Do not confuse seizures with spasms. While muscle tremors exist in a specific area, seizures will cause your dog to have full-body tremors. 

Diagnosing muscle spasms in dogs

If rehydrating your dog and allowing her adequate rest doesn’t stop muscle twitching, or if you notice other symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

The vet will be able to find the cause of the spasms, which may require some tests, and provide suitable treatment to ease her suffering. 

Your vet will want to know what your dog has been involved with recently, including activity levels, any changes in medication or food, recent injuries, and the number of fluids she usually drinks versus what she has been drinking. 

When to seek vet care?

Knowing when to seek veterinary care for muscle spasms in your dog is crucial for their well-being.

Here are some guidelines to help you determine when it’s time to consult a veterinarian:

Persistent or worsening symptoms

If your dog’s spasms persist over time or worsen despite home care and management, seeking veterinary attention is essential. Persistent discomfort or increased frequency and intensity of spasms may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires professional assessment.

Sudden onset of symptoms

If your dog experiences a sudden onset of severe muscle spasms accompanied by signs of distress or discomfort, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary care. Sudden and intense spasms may indicate an acute or urgent medical concern.

Impaired mobility

Noticeable changes in your dog’s ability to move, walk, or stand due to muscle spasms should prompt a visit to the veterinarian. Impaired mobility may indicate an underlying musculoskeletal issue that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

Signs of pain or discomfort

If your dog exhibits signs of pain, discomfort, or distress associated with muscle spasms, such as vocalization, restlessness, or sensitivity to touch, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian. Pain management and relief are essential aspects of addressing muscle spasms in dogs.

Recurring or chronic spasms

Dogs experiencing recurring or chronic muscle spasms may require veterinary intervention to identify and address any underlying causes contributing to the persistent issue.

History of musculoskeletal conditions

Suppose your dog has a history of musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. In that case, monitoring it closely for any signs of muscle spasms and consulting a veterinarian to prevent potential complications is essential.

Concurrent symptoms

Suppose muscle spasms are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. In that case, seeking veterinary care to rule out underlying health issues is recommended.

If you observe any of these signs or have concerns about your dog’s muscle spasms, seek professional veterinary care to ensure the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and management of the underlying cause.

What will the vet do?

Your veterinarian may suggest that you don’t let your dog overexert herself for a while or to the same extent if he finds it causes muscle spasms.

The vet may also recommend increasing her water intake and ensuring your dog drinks enough. 

Also, your vet may show you some muscle stretching techniques and massage to help reduce muscle spasms. He may recommend you apply heat or cold to the affected muscles to help reduce the pain.  

If your dog is in obvious pain, your vet may prescribe muscle relaxers or pain medication to reduce the cramping and spasms. Your vet may also want your dog to take supplements.

These may include vitamins and electrolytes. Acupuncture and hydrotherapy also can alleviate pain. 

Surgery may be required if a neurological condition, such as a pinched nerve, causes your dog’s spasms. 

Recovering from spasms

While prevention is the best way to avoid muscle spasms in your pet, it’s not always easy. Be sure that your dog drinks enough water, especially on hot days.

Don’t run your dog on cold days without first warming her up.

A proper cool-down is also essential. If you do something for yourself, you should do it for your dog, too.

While exercise is great for your dog, be sure they aren’t overdoing it, resulting in injury. 

Preventing muscle spasms

Preventing muscle spasms in dogs is essential for their overall well-being. Here are some practical tips to help prevent muscle spasms in dogs:

Regular exercise

Providing your dog with regular exercise helps keep its muscles healthy and prevents spasms. To keep your dog active, walk, run, or play fetch.

Proper nutrition

Ensure that your dog is receiving a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Adequate minerals like calcium and potassium are crucial for maintaining muscle health and preventing spasms.

Hydration

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water. Proper hydration is essential for muscle function, and dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.

Warm up and cool down

Before strenuous physical activities like long walks or intense play sessions, warm up your dog’s muscles with gentle movements. Likewise, incorporate a cool-down period to help prevent muscle stiffness and spasms.

Massage and stretching

Regularly massage your dog’s muscles to promote circulation and flexibility. Gentle stretching exercises can also help prevent muscle spasms.

Orthopedic support

Provide orthopedic support for your dog, especially if they are older or have preexisting musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic beds and supportive surfaces can help prevent muscle strain and spasms.

Regular veterinary check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s muscle health and address any potential issues early on. Incorporating these practical tips into your dog’s routine can help prevent muscle spasms and promote overall musculoskeletal health.

Warning signs

To provide timely care and intervention, dog owners must recognize their pets’ warning signs of muscle spasms. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

Unusual limping or persistent limping

If you notice your dog limping or favoring a particular limb for an extended period, it could be a sign of muscle spasms or discomfort.

Stiffness and reduced mobility

Dogs experiencing muscle spasms may exhibit stiffness, particularly when getting up or lying down. Reduced mobility and a reluctance to engage in previously enjoyed physical activities could also indicate muscle spasms.

Sensitivity to touch

Your dog may display signs of discomfort or pain when specific muscles are touched or manipulated. This sensitivity to touch may indicate underlying muscle spasms.

Changes in gait or posture

Observe your dog’s gait and posture. Any noticeable changes, such as an uneven gait or abnormal posture, could indicate muscle spasms or discomfort.

Vocalization and agitation

Excessive vocalization, restlessness, or signs of agitation, especially during or after physical activity, may indicate that your dog is experiencing muscle spasms.

Muscle tremors or twitching

Visible muscle tremors or involuntary twitching of certain muscle groups may signal the presence of muscle spasms.

Reluctance to move or exercise

If your dog hesitates or is reluctant to engage in physical activities, especially those involving the affected muscle groups, it could be a sign of muscle spasms or discomfort.

Final thoughts on dog muscle spasms

Proactively preventing muscle spasms in dogs through regular exercise, proper nutrition, hydration, and supportive care is essential for promoting their musculoskeletal health.

Additionally, recognizing warning signs such as limping, stiffness, and changes in mobility and knowing when to seek veterinary care for persistent or severe muscle spasms are crucial responsibilities of a caring dog owner.

By incorporating preventive measures and staying vigilant for potential issues, dog owners can help ensure their pets lead healthy, active lives while addressing concerns promptly and effectively through professional veterinary care.

Protect your furry friend with our optimal dog health guide 🐾