How does a Muscle Work?
Muscles are like little engines in the body that allow movement. Imagine muscles as stretchy bands made of thousands of tiny fibers. When your dog wants to move, the brain sends a signal to the muscle through nerves, telling it to contract or shorten. This contraction pulls on the bones, which causes the body to move. Once the movement is done, the muscle relaxes and goes back to its original length.
For example, when a dog wants to lift its leg, the muscles in the leg contract, pulling the bones and lifting the leg off the ground.
What Is a Tendon?
Tendons are like tough, flexible cords that connect muscles to bones. They act as anchors, helping transfer the force created by muscles to the bones, which makes movement possible. Without tendons, muscles wouldn’t be able to move the bones.
Muscles Prone to Injury in Dogs
In dogs, certain muscles are more prone to injury, especially those that cross two joints. These muscles must stretch and work harder because they’re involved in multiple movements. When they’re overused, strained, or stretched too far, they can get injured.
Some of the most injured muscles in dogs include:
1. Hamstrings (Back of the Thigh):
o These muscles run from the hip to the knee and help with movements like running and jumping.
2. Quadriceps (Front of the Thigh):
o These muscles extend from the hip to the knee and are important for standing, walking, and running.
3. Biceps Brachii (Front of the Upper Arm):
o This muscle runs from the shoulder to the elbow and helps with bending the leg.
4. Gastrocnemius (Calf Muscle):
o This muscle runs from the knee to the heel and is involved in movements like running and jumping.
5. Iliopsoas (Hip Flexor):
o This muscle crosses the hip joint and helps with lifting the leg and flexing the hip. It’s particularly prone to injury in active dogs.
NOTE: Because these muscles cross two joints, they’re under a lot of stress during activities like running, jumping, and playing. That’s why they’re more likely to get strained or injured if a dog overexerts itself or makes a sudden, sharp movement.
Preventing Muscle Injuries
Regular exercise, proper warm-up, and conditioning can help keep these muscles strong and flexible, reducing the risk of injury. Book your dog in with a professional canine massage therapist who not only knows massage, but can also do some acupressure, near infrared laser therapy, stretching, and guided exercise to maintain muscle health and prevent problems. By the age of 6, large (75lbs +) breed dogs are prone to ligament tears especially in their stifle and hip joints, and even medium (40lbs) sized dogs by the age of 8 will experience more injuries and arthritis. Prevent and manage it by knowing which muscles are typically affected, and the usual injuries that occur and keep your healthy dog limber and flexible by booking a professional massage therapist.
1. Iliopsoas Muscle (Hip Flexor)
Injury Risk:
• Common Exercise or Situation:
o The iliopsoas muscle, located deep within the hip, can easily be strained or sprained during activities that involve sudden, extreme stretching or overextension of the hind legs.
• Example:
o Splaying on a Slippery Surface: When a dog slips and splays their legs on a hardwood or tile floor, the iliopsoas muscle can be overstretched. This is especially common in active dogs who take sharp turns or make sudden stops on slippery surfaces.
2. Hamstrings (Back of the Thigh)
Injury Risk:
• Common Exercise or Situation:
o The hamstrings are heavily involved in activities like running, jumping, and climbing. They can be strained if the dog overexerts itself or makes a sudden movement.
• Example:
o Sudden Sprinting: If a dog suddenly takes off at high speed, especially if they haven’t warmed up properly, the hamstrings can be overstressed, leading to strains or tears.
3. Quadriceps (Front of the Thigh)
Injury Risk:
• Common Exercise or Situation:
o The quadriceps help with extending the knee and are crucial during running and jumping. Injury can occur if a dog lands awkwardly or suddenly changes direction.
• Example:
o Jumping Over Obstacles: Dogs that participate in agility training or play fetch and have to jump over obstacles can injure their quadriceps, especially if they land poorly or on an uneven surface.
4. Biceps Brachii (Front of the Upper Arm)
Injury Risk:
• Common Exercise or Situation:
o The biceps brachii is involved in bending the front leg at the elbow. Repetitive motions or sudden stops can put this muscle at risk.
• Example:
o Pulling Hard on a Leash: Dogs that pull suddenly or strain against a leash, especially when they lunge at something, can overstretch their biceps, leading to strain or injury. Playing in a dog park can also lead to this type of injury during an innocent wrestle. In fact, many parts of the body can get injured in a dog park. Supervise. Supervise and…you get the point.
5. Gastrocnemius (Calf Muscle)
Injury Risk:
• Common Exercise or Situation:
o The gastrocnemius muscle, part of the calf, is involved in pushing off the ground during running and jumping. It’s prone to injury when a dog makes sudden, powerful movements.
• Example:
o Leaping for a Ball: When a dog leaps high to catch a ball or toy and lands awkwardly, the gastrocnemius muscle can be strained, especially if the landing is uneven or the dog twists in the air.
Preventive Measures:
• Warm-Up Exercises:
o Just like athletes, dogs benefit from warm-up exercises before engaging in strenuous activities. Gentle walks, light jogging, or stretching can help prepare the muscles. As your massage therapist or a vet tech to show you how to stretch these muscles.
• Avoid Slippery Surfaces:
o Keep dogs off slippery surfaces, especially during playtime. If unavoidable, consider using rugs or traction mats to prevent slips.
• Proper Training:
o For dogs involved in agility or fetch, proper training on how to land correctly and avoid sharp turns can reduce the risk of injury.
• Hydration:
o Ensure your dog is well-hydrated, as proper hydration supports muscle function and recovery.
• Moderate Activity:
o Ensure that dogs don’t overexert themselves, particularly if they are not conditioned for intense exercise. Weekend warriors are the biggest client at vet’ offices on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings. Gradually build up their stamina and strength.
By being aware of these exercises and situations, you can take steps to minimize the risk of injury to these vulnerable muscles.
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