Pet Blogs, Pet Health Care Advice, Symptoms | Pet Care Tips, Info



Dog Sprained Paw Treatment | Dog Foot, Paw Sprain Relief

Filed under: Dog Health — Tags: , , — Nik @ 5:32 am

Dog Sprained Paw

Just like human beings and especially children, dogs can sprain their paws too, when they hurt themselves while jumping, running, bouncing or playing. A dog’s sprained foot is caused by injury or damage to the tissues that support the joints in a dog’s foot. Identifying a sprain in a dog can be a bit stressful for any pet owner, as most animals cannot communicate and let their owners know exactly where they are hurt. At most times, the only indicator of a sprain may be a cry or a limp. A dog’s sprained paw could range from mild to severe.

Dog Sprained Paw Treatment

It is not advisable to treat dog paw sprain injury at home. In case you notice your pet limping or suspect that a foot may be sprained, you need to take your dog to a vet, without any delay. Even the smallest limp should not be ignored, as it could indicate a serious injury. Allow the vet to check the paw along with the joints, hips, legs & toes carefully to confirm if there is a sprain. Painkillers & anti-inflammatory medication should only be given to the dog, upon a vet’s recommendation. At times, the vet may also suggest that a supplement be added to the dog’s diet, to prevent any further injuries and to strengthen the dog’s bones and joints. It is usually difficult to get dogs to take pills and supplements. Check with your vet if they can be hidden in peanut butter, just so that your dog can take them.

Regular activities should be restricted until the time when your dog’s sprained paw heals. Your dog should only be allowed to walk to the bathroom and back. This could be a problem for younger puppies or dogs that are usually very active. Do not take your dog for walks and avoid playing games like tug of war and fetch. Instead, try to reinforce activities for your dog that are much calmer. You could encourage your dog to stay in one place, by purchasing an edible bone and a mat that he could lie down and chew on.

Most paw sprains take approximately 2 weeks to heal properly. Make sure that you keep revisiting your vet for follow-up appointments till the time that your dog’s paw has completely healed. At least one follow-up appointment is important, even if your dog appears to have healed, as some dogs are good at adapting to the pain. In case the paw has not healed the way it should have, further x-rays and instructions may be required.