Sprain in the dog – what to do?

Especially dog people with active dogs know this all too well: your dog is running wildly across the meadow with another dog and then suddenly a yelp and your dog comes running to you yelping and limping. But older dogs are also often affected, for example, when they stretch on the stairs or step into a hole in the ground that they have overlooked. A careless jostle in play, a trip or a fall are the most common causes of a sprain in a dog.

How did the sprain occur?

As a result of the trauma, the joint partners, i.e. the joint-forming bone ends, are displaced in relation to each other and are subjected to a very high load. The joint capsule, ligaments and tendons are also affected. This is how bruising often occurs.

How do you recognize a sprain?

acute pain
Swelling of the joint
Bruise
Mobility restriction
Redness
Touch sensitivity

If your dog shows one or more signs of a sprain, please be sure to present him to the veterinarian. The diagnosis should definitely be confirmed by a veterinarian and other injuries should be ruled out. An x-ray is usually taken to rule out joint dislocations and fractures. During a clinical examination, the veterinarian can also rule out injuries such as torn ligaments and capsular injuries.

This is what you can do for a sprain in a dog

The PECH rule applies:

Break
Ice cream
Compression
Elevate = immobilize

This means for your actions:

Cool the affected joint. This way you relieve pain and also get the swelling under control. At home after a visit to the vet, cooling compresses such as curd compresses also help him very well.
Go easy on your dog. The veterinarian will decide if the sprained joint should be put in an additional resting position with taping, casting or support bandage.
Light massages are a great way to help your dog recover at home, as you can relieve and relax overworked areas of the body.
In any case, give your dog enough time to recover. A sprain is painful and long lasting. Therefore, please increase walks and other stress only slowly and in consultation with your veterinarian.