5 easy and effective home remedies for dog sprains

Dogs are always full of energy and have a knack for being playful. They’ll jump at any chance to play with you. However, this cheerful nature can quickly vanish when they’re injured.

If your dog suddenly yelps or starts limping, it may be a sign that something has gone wrong with its limbs. Sprains are a major source of discomfort for dogs. They hamper a dog’s movements and restrict them from doing what they enjoy.

The good news is that leg sprains can be nursed back to fitness. Sprains can be treated with pain relievers or natural home remedies. While pain relievers aren’t bad in themselves, they’re known to have side effects. 

This is why we often recommend home remedies. Home remedies for dog sprains are cost-effective and easy to administer.

In this article, we’ll discuss five home remedies for dog sprains to get your pet running again.

Sprain causes for dogs

Like any active animal, dogs can sprain their legs while running, playing, or exercising. 

Sprains are soft tissue injuries involving damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around a joint. Although sprains can occur at any joint, they are common in dogs’ ankles, elbows, and knees. 

A sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on the ligament’s damage level. There are two major forms of sprain.

• Acute sprains happen suddenly and often require immediate medical attention. 
• Chronic sprains, on the other hand, occur over time and can be hard to diagnose because they are often painless. 

This is why you must always look for signs of injury to this area in your dog. Detecting a sprain early is vital in treating it before it develops into a bigger problem. 

Now, what causes sprains?

Sprains occur from physical trauma to the ligaments and other soft tissues. This trauma may result from any of the following: 

• Minor accidents
• Joint degeneration
• Fierce dog fright
• Strenuous or dangerous play
• Slipping on ice or a wet floor
• Attempting an ambitious jump

However, some dogs are prone to sprains for various reasons. For instance, overweight dogs are prone to muscle injuries due to excessive pressure on the joints. An unfit dog may sprain its leg if you take it for a hike or long walk. 

Similarly, fast-growing dog breeds are prone to sprains of all sorts, while dogs with long backs can also develop sprains in the neck and back regions. 

Sprain symptoms 

Sprained legs in dogs have symptoms similar to those of other injuries, such as minor fractures, muscle strain, or joint discomfort. 

So, the first warning sign that your dog may have sprained its leg is that it starts to limp. Your pet may suddenly become lame or unable to sustain its weight on the paw or leg. 

Other common signs of sprains in dogs include:

• Loss of appetite 
• Low activity level
• Being irritated or grumpy 
• Swelling of the affected joint
• Redness of the affected joint
• Reluctance to stand or walk
• Sensitivity around the injured area
• Excessive licking the affected area
• Excessive vocalization or quietness

These symptoms in dogs can range from mild to severe, depending on the pain level and type of strain. So, if you notice any of this for a day or two, it’s time to visit the vet for a proper evaluation. 

5 home remedies for dog sprains

If your dog sprained its leg, don’t panic. You can treat it effectively at home without costly surgery or medication. 

Simple home remedies work wonders for minor muscle injuries, such as sprains. Here are some techniques to help your furry buddy get better quickly.

1. Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapies are effective dog sprain home remedies. While simple, these techniques can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote circulation. Heat therapy is commonly used for chronic, long-term injuries, while cold therapy works for acute injuries within 24 to 48 hours. 

But first, how do they work? 

Heat therapy

Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, involves applying warmth to an injured area. It can help to improve blood and oxygen flow to the injured area, thereby reducing muscle spasms. It can also help prevent stiffness and pain in the joint. Heat therapy can also enhance muscle and joint flexibility and stimulate sensory receptors in the skin.

How it works

Heat therapy works by dilating the blood vessels to improve blood flow to the injured area on your dog’s leg. Increasing the temperature of the injured area will make the muscles more flexible and reduce discomfort. 

Gently applying heat to your dog’s sprained leg will relieve the pain and heal the damaged tissues. This is especially beneficial for chronic conditions. 

How to apply heat therapy 

Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Take breaks at intervals and repeat the process two to three times daily. 

However, ensure the temperature of the heat pack or material is moderate to avoid burns. Also, like ice therapy, some dogs may not enjoy heat therapy. So do not force it. 

Cold therapy or cryotherapy 

Cryotherapy, known as cold therapy, involves applying cold to a sprain or an injury. 

Cryotherapy is particularly effective for managing pain. It can also help reduce inflammation and is often used to minimize muscle strain spasms and speed up post-surgical recovery.

Ice therapy is best used immediately after surgery on an acute injury, i.e., when the injury site is still warm. Fluids accumulate in injured tissues up to 48 hours after injury.

How it works 

Cold therapy reduces fluids by constricting the local blood vessels. This process reduces swelling and mitigates the risk of secondary tissue injury. 

Applying cold therapy to your dog’s sprained leg will reduce blood flow to the area and prevent swelling. It also decreases tissue metabolism and reduces the risk of cell death and tissue damage. Numbing the injured area with an ice pack will make your dog feel less pain.

How to apply cold therapy

Ice packs, gel packs, and frozen vegetables can be effective for minor sprains. Place a cold compress or ice pack on the injured area for 10-15 minutes. However, the cooling material must cool the tissue to 10-15°C for this procedure to be effective. 

Remember to place a damp towel as a barrier between the cold compress and the dog’s skin. Also, give your dog periodic breaks between applications. If the cooling procedure irritates your dog, don’t force it.

Instead, use alternatives like heat therapy.

2. Massage the dog’s leg

Massage therapy is a natural remedy. It involves applying gentle pressure and movement to the muscles and joints. The aim is to promote relaxation, reduce tension, facilitate full-body relief, and improve blood circulation. 

Moreover, studies have proven that massages can help alleviate the pain from injuries like sprains and improve their overall quality of life.

So, how can you massage your dog in case of sprains?

Find a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to relax. Then, gently pat your dog to help it feel comfortable and calm. When it’s relaxed, start massaging the dog’s leg slowly and gently. 

Focus on the area around the sprain and use gentle circular motions and light pressure. Gradually increase the pressure as your dog becomes more relaxed. However, be careful to stay within their comfort level.

Massage the leg for several minutes, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. Finish with gentle petting and praise to reassure your dog and reinforce positive associations with the massage.

3. Special and natural diet

To deliver a natural, special diet for your dog, select high-quality pet health products that support their overall health.

Consider natural dog supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to strengthen their immune system and promote healing. 

Natural foods such as lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies with abundant essential nutrients are good for your dog. You may also consider glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant supplements. 

However, steer clear of artificial additives or processed foods. Such ingredients can compromise your dog’s health and cause inflammation. 

Furthermore, consult with your veterinarian before planning any special diet. Changing your dog’s diet or introducing new supplements may cause serious digestive problems. 

4. Other types of bodywork for dogs

This is one of the other effective dog sprain home remedies. It involves manipulating the dog’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. 

Besides massage therapy, regular exercise and alternative treatments like chiropractic adjustments are considered bodywork for dogs. When done properly, these techniques can improve your dog’s physical fitness, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being. 

Although bodywork is effective, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why you should consult a veterinarian, vet chiropractor, or bodywork practitioner to determine the best technique for your dog.

A professional will thoroughly evaluate your dog and recommend an effective home treatment plan based on its needs. 

5. Use a recovery sleeve

Last on our list of dog sprain home remedies is recovery sleeves. These are stretchy fabrics that provide support and protection to injured animals. 

Recovery sleeves are shaped specifically to fit and provide natural pain control around affected areas. This is why they are primarily used to support injuries around the joints of the neck and limbs. 

As the name implies, recovery sleeves help during the recovery phase of an injury. They help reduce swelling and stabilize the joint. They also provide comfort and prevent the dog from licking the Injured leg. 

You can DIY or let a professional put the recovery sleeve on your dog. To DIY, choose a size that fits your dog. Clean and dry the affected area before placing the sleeve on the dog. 

Final thoughts on using home remedies for dog sprains

The most important element of your dog’s recovery from a sprain is keeping it inactive. This prevents setbacks on the road to recovery.

Another crucial point is to keep the injury site dry and free from dirt to avoid infection from external parasites. 

With all this in place, you’ll have your dog up and running before you know it.

Adrienne Schafner is the proud pack leader of Pet Control HQ and Pet & Livestock HQ. Growing up as a vet’s daughter, her lifelong passion for animals was nurtured at a young age. Assisting in her father’s pet shop, she combined knowledge and love to create Pet Control HQ and Pet & Livestock HQ, providing top-notch care for your beloved animals.