Muscle spasms happen when your dog’s muscle contractions are interrupted. This is frequently brought on by vigorous exercise or not drinking enough fluids. Even though these localized twitches aren’t life-threatening, they can still be painful for your pet, especially if he’s been experiencing them for a while. They may be a sign of muscle strain or damage. They may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention, such as a physical injury, slipped disc, pinched nerve, or even neurological damage.
Although the tremors beneath your dog’s skin may indicate the spasms, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary to properly diagnose them and identify the underlying cause of the spasms.
Treatment of Muscle Spasms in Dogs
Make sure your dog is well-hydrated and doesn’t overexert themselves to avoid a number of muscle spasms. If your dog experiences muscle spasms or cramps, give them plenty of fluids and gently massage or stretch the troubled muscles. Additionally, heat or cold therapy can lessen muscle spasms while easing any pain or discomfort they may cause.
To help your dog’s cramping muscles relax and reduce spasms, ask your veterinarian about muscle relaxants or pain relievers. Vitamins, minerals, herbal muscle relaxants, and electrolytes are examples of nutritional supplements that can support your dog’s muscular system while accelerating the healing process. Consult the veterinarian regarding the best treatment for your dog.
To address the underlying cause, additional treatment may be necessary depending on the cause of the muscle spasms. Physical therapy, massage, or surgery to cut the affected nerve or source of cramping are some of these.
Worried about the cost of Muscle Spasms treatment?
Many common pet health conditions are covered by pet insurance. Get a quote from top pet insurance companies to be prepared for the unexpected.
Diagnosis of Muscle Spasms in Dogs
The most likely cause of your dog’s localized twitches or ticks under the skin is likely muscle spasms. Rest and fluids may help the muscle spasm go away on their own, but if it doesn’t go away or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or lameness, you should take your dog to the vet. The veterinarian can examine the animal and identify the cause of the spasms, enabling effective treatment.
The veterinarian must establish a history and medical profile during this initial visit. Helpful information includes:
Depending on the cause of the spasms, additional tests might be necessary. In order to relieve discomfort and stop further spasms, ask the veterinarian to demonstrate where the spasms are coming from.
Treatment of Muscle Spasms in Dogs
Making sure your dog isn’t overworking himself while he’s active and that he’s getting enough water will frequently prevent muscle spams. You can offer him a drink and gently stretch or massage the affected muscles if he starts to cramp or spasm. Both heat and cold can ease the pain brought on by muscle spasms.
If your dog is cramping, talk to your veterinarian about muscle relaxants or pain relievers for dogs. Supplements like vitamins, minerals, natural muscle relaxants, and electrolytes can support and speed up the healing of your dog’s muscular system.
To address the underlying cause, additional treatment may be necessary depending on the cause of the muscle spasms. Physical therapy, massage, or surgery to cut the affected nerve or source of cramping are some of these.
FAQ
What does a muscle spasm look like in a dog?
Dog muscle spasms are typically simple to identify because they manifest as twitching or tremors in a specific body part. They can also be detected by touch. The spasms are typically a reaction to another injury or illness, which may result in additional symptoms on top of the spasms.
What would cause a dog to have muscle spasms?
Dog muscle spasms can be brought on by a variety of conditions, including sprains, injuries, neurological disorders, allergies, dehydration, and medication. Spasms can result from any of these things interfering with regular muscle contractions.
How long do muscle spasms last in a dog?
A dog will typically become sensitive in the area when a spasming muscle is touched. In some cases, a twitch beneath the skin can be seen in short-haired dogs. Spasms can last anywhere from a few seconds to up to 15 minutes, and they can keep happening until they are treated or the muscle heals.