Anyone who has had sore muscles after intense physical activity, such as sport, will know only too well the sometimes enormous pain and the possible restrictions on movement.
But what about our beloved dogs? do dogs get sore from running and if so, how does it manifest itself? How can the symptoms be alleviated and can you do something preventive to prevent sore muscles in dogs?
Can Dogs Have Sore Muscles?
Opinions are divided on the question of whether dogs can get sore muscles or not. Some professionals believe that sore muscles are alien to man’s best friend. Others believe that dogs can suffer from muscle soreness as much as we humans. Because even in dogs, so-called lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle cells when they are subjected to excessive stress, which leads to the typical symptoms of sore muscles.
Assuming there is no muscle soreness in the classic sense, then it is definitely an overexertion of the muscles. Because even our beloved four-legged friends can have problems with their muscles after too intense physical exertion.
When Can Sore Muscles Occur?
If the dog’s body is stressed more than normal, this can have consequences. Here are some examples:
- One day your dog romps around with its four-legged friends more than usual and runs wildly back and forth.
- Your dog learns new exercises or movement sequences that they are not yet used to.
- For example, your dog will accompany you on a long hiking tour for the first time.
Do you see a change in your dog the next day? Does it limp the next day? Does it hate to be touched? It doesn’t like to sit down or does it have a harder time getting up? Will it go for a walk with you the next day just as happily and unencumbered?
If your dog shows the following symptoms after unusual physical activity, it may be that its muscles have been stressed too much and it’s simply “sore”.
What Signs Point To Muscle Overexertion?
A “sore muscles in dogs” can express itself as follows:
- The dog is tired.
- It doesn’t want to move around or take a long walk.
- Certain touches hurt him.
- It avoids certain exercises, such as “sitting”.
- It shows pain.
- Its movements are quite stiff.
- It limps or limps.
Normally, the symptoms of muscle overexertion are over in 2 days. If it takes longer or if the pain becomes more severe, go to a veterinary clinic. In this case, there may be other causes behind it.
What Can Help Dogs Against Sore Muscles?
If your dog shows the symptoms listed above after intense physical activity, here are some things you can do to get a hold of it:
- Care, care, care!
- Warmth (e.g. an infrared lamp) can promote blood circulation (be careful not to hold too close to the dog and give the dog the opportunity to walk away).
- Careful massages help relax the muscles.
- Slow walks, no further exertion.
Tip: Choose exercises that are adapted to your dog. Not every breed is suitable for long runs and not every dog enjoys dog sports. So base the activity on what your dog enjoys. While doing this, always pay attention to your dog. If it shows exhaustion, stop in time. You should also always provide it with enough water.
Preventing Your Dog From Getting Sore Muscles?
Better than treating the symptoms, its better to take preventive measures:
- Always warm up the dog before exercise. To do this, the dog can slowly start to trot along next to you. After about ten minutes of warming up, you can start the actual exercise.
- Slowly to the load used and increase performance. First, do short units and slowly increase the time and effort.
- It is also important to “ cool down ” after exercise. The dog should not stop suddenly after exertion. Again, let it walk (step or trot) next to you for about ten minutes to come down. Light stretching exercises can also be incorporated.
Sore muscles can be a pretty uncomfortable affair, and not just for us humans. In summary, one can say, regardless of whether the dog has sore muscles in the classic sense or not, overexerting or overloading the muscles is not good.
The symptoms are similar to humans, as are the treatment options. Always remember to prevent symptoms before combating symptoms!