How to Treat a Sprained Ankle in Dogs

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles around the dog's ankle joint are injured. Dogs who run excessively or experience minor accidents are susceptible to spraining their ankles. Promptly identifying the sprain is essential for effective treatment and to prevent the injury from worsening.

Understand the Dog's Skeletal Structure. In fact, dogs stand and walk on their toes both on the front and hind legs. When a dog stands, the ankle is located between the knee and the toes. The dog's ankle position resembles that of a human ankle when we stand on our toes (instead of on our feet).

• Dogs do not have a 'front ankle' just as humans do not have 'wrist ankles.' The front legs can also suffer a different type of sprain and should be treated similarly to an ankle sprain.

Understanding the Causes of Sprained Ankles in Dogs. Many dogs are highly energetic. Overactivity puts significant pressure on their joints, which can lead to injuries.

• Continuous running, jumping, or making quick turns can strain the joints.
• Not all dogs are energetic, but the pressure on their joints can exceed their capacity, leading to sprains. A sprain may also result from slipping, falling, stumbling into holes, or other simple accidents like jumping onto or off furniture. Any of these factors can cause a sprained ankle in a dog.

Be Aware of Limping Signs. The most common and noticeable sign of an ankle sprain in a dog is limping on the injured leg.

• A dog with a sprained ankle will often try to avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
• The dog may either raise the injured leg high or keep it low, depending on the severity of the injury. The dog will also try to avoid using the entire foot.
• It's important to be aware that other issues, such as hip, knee, or paw injuries, may cause limping as well.

Look for Visible Signs of Injury. If a dog has a sprained ankle, you may notice swelling or redness around the ankle area.

• Additionally, the dog may lick the sprained ankle frequently.

Observe Changes in Behavior. Dogs who are injured may exhibit behavioral changes. Some common signs that a dog is in pain include:

• Loss of appetite and eating less.
• A change in activity levels, such as increased sleeping or reluctant movement.
• Vocal changes, such as whining, growling, or whimpering when the ankle is touched or moved.

Allow the dog to rest. Resting is the first crucial step in treating a sprained ankle. To ensure the dog gets sufficient rest, it's important to limit its activity. You can confine the dog indoors or in a small area where it cannot run or play. The less movement, the quicker the recovery.

• If necessary, you can attach a leash to the dog's collar and take it for a short walk. Be sure to keep the walk slow and brief, then return the dog to its resting space as soon as possible.
• Limit the dog's activity for 48 hours to allow proper recovery after the injury.

Apply an ice pack. To reduce swelling, ease pain, and help the injury heal faster, you can apply an ice pack to your dog's ankle for 10-15 minutes.

• Wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent the dog's skin from becoming too cold.
• Repeat this process as needed, making sure to leave at least two hours between each application to prevent skin irritation, improve circulation, and avoid hindering recovery.
• Alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables like peas to wrap around the dog's ankle. This method helps distribute the cold more evenly and effectively to the injured area.

Use heat therapy. For older dogs, those with chronic conditions, or those prone to injuries, it's better to avoid ice. Instead, you should apply a warm compress.

• Heat can help improve circulation, relax muscles, and relieve pain.
• Use a damp towel heated by a hair dryer or microwave, ensuring it’s not too hot to avoid burning the dog’s skin.
• Apply the warm towel to the injury for 10-15 minutes. You can repeat this after at least an hour.
• Do not use heat therapy immediately after physical activity.

Monitor the injury for progress or deterioration. During the 48-hour rest period, closely observe whether the injury is improving or worsening. Most sprained ankles recover quickly with rest and proper treatment.

• If the dog's condition does not improve within 48 hours or if it worsens, seek advice from a veterinarian.
• If there’s no sign of improvement, the dog may require additional rest and medication as prescribed by the vet.
• Sometimes, the dog may have another injury that interferes with the healing process. If the injury is more serious, such as a dislocation or a minor fracture, a thorough examination or X-rays may be needed.

• It’s crucial to treat the dog’s sprain as soon as possible. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and helps prevent further tissue damage that could make the injury more severe.

• Do not attempt to bandage the injured area without consulting a veterinarian. Improper bandaging can cause other issues such as skin irritation. Wrapping the bandage too tightly can restrict blood flow, slow down healing, and potentially cause more damage to the surrounding tissue.
• Do not give any medication to the dog without veterinary approval. Human medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Some human anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for dogs, but the dosage is very different.
• If you don’t see any signs of improvement within 48 hours, take the dog to the vet immediately. You should also contact a vet if the condition worsens. Like many other serious injuries, it’s essential for the dog to receive prompt treatment if the sprain gets worse.