Common Injuries in Active Dogs and How to Avoid Them

As a rehab practice, we see it all too often—dogs who love to run, jump, and play, sidelined by injuries that could have been prevented. Whether your pup is a weekend warrior, agility athlete, or simply enjoys off-leash adventures, active dogs are prone to overuse injuries. The good news is that with the right knowledge and preventative care, many of these injuries can be avoided, keeping your canine companion moving comfortably for years to come.

Read on to learn about some of the most common injuries that we see in active dogs, including their causes, risk factors, and treatment options. And we’ll give you some practical tips for injury prevention so that you can help your dog stay safe and sound while enjoying their favourite activities.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the canine equivalent of the human ACL. It stabilizes the knee (stifle) joint, preventing excessive forward movement of the shin bone (tibia). CCL injuries—whether partial or full tears—are among the most common orthopedic issues in active dogs. These injuries often occur due to repetitive stress from activities involving quick stops, sharp turns, and jumping. Dogs who are overweight or have poor conformation are particularly prone, as excess body weight and biomechanical imbalances place additional strain on the ligament.

Common signs of a CCL injury include lameness, difficulty rising, and a reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg. You may also notice swelling around the knee joint or intermittent limping that worsens after activity. Many dogs with CCL injuries will develop a characteristic “side sit” whereby they sit with the sore knee extended out to one side in an attempt to avoid fully flexing it.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear. For partial tears or minor instability, conservative management with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical rehabilitation can be effective. A knee brace is frequently recommended to provide additional stability to the joint externally, however are often ineffective if not custom made by a certified orthotist (checkout our favourite in the Toronto area—Pawsability). Other treatments like shockwave therapy and injections of platelet rich plasma can help to manage pain and inflammation. For full ligament ruptures, surgical repair—such as a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)—is often recommended in order to quickly stabilize the joint and minimize additional strain on other structures on the same or opposite limb. Regardless of the treatment path, post-operative rehab is crucial for restoring strength, stability, and range of motion.

Iliopsoas Strain (Groin Muscle Injury)

The iliopsoas is a deep muscle group that flexes the hip and stabilizes the spine. Strains to this muscle are common in athletic dogs, particularly those involved in sprinting, jumping, or sharp directional changes. Lack of proper warm-ups, muscle imbalances, or poor core strength increases the risk of strain.

Dogs with iliopsoas injuries can show subtle signs of lameness, which may be intermittent, or with more severe strains can be profoundly lame. Other more subtle signs include a reluctance to jump or go up stairs, decreased performance, or discomfort when the hip is extended. Since this muscle group is deep, diagnosing iliopsoas strains can sometimes be difficult, requiring a thorough physical exam and, in some cases, advanced imaging.

Treatment typically involves several weeks of rest and activity modification to allow the muscle to heal. Rehabilitation plays a key role in recovery, using therapeutic exercises, laser therapy, shockwave therapy and manual therapy techniques to reduce pain, improve flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Gradual stretching, strengthening and core stability exercises help prevent re-injury by improving hip function and overall stability.

Supraspinatus and Biceps Tendinopathy (Shoulder Injuries)

Supraspinatus and biceps tendinopathies frequently occur together in active dogs due to their anatomical proximity and shared biomechanical function. The supraspinatus tendon is responsible for shoulder extension, while the biceps tendon aids in elbow flexion and shoulder stabilization. Overuse from repetitive jumping, retrieving, or sudden stops can lead to inflammation or degeneration in these tendons. Agility dogs, retrievers, and working breeds are particularly prone to these injuries, as are dogs with underlying chronic shoulder and elbow pain.

Dogs with shoulder tendinopathies often present with subtle, intermittent lameness that worsens with activity. Pain on shoulder extension (supraspinatus) and flexion (biceps) is a hallmark finding during physical exams, and pain can also often be elicited with direct palpation of the tendons. Over time, you may notice muscle atrophy and reduced performance.

Much like with iliopsoas tendinopathies, treatment typically involves rest and physical rehabilitation. Laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound are commonly used to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises improve shoulder stability and help to prevent future injuries. In chronic or severe cases, regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections may be considered. Gradual reintroduction of activity and ongoing maintenance exercises are essential for long-term recovery and injury prevention.

Carpal Hyperextension Injury

Carpal hyperextension injuries occur when the wrist (carpal) joint is overstretched, causing ligament damage and instability. This injury is common in dogs that repetitively land from jumps, make sharp turns, or run on slippery surfaces. Agility and flyball dogs are particularly susceptible, as the repeated impact places stress on the carpal joint.

Symptoms include swelling, pain, and decreased weight-bearing on the affected limb. You may notice your dog limping or appearing stiff after activity, particularly after lying down for a period of time. In more severe cases, the joint may appear unstable.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may respond well to conservative management with rest and rehabilitation therapy. For more severe ligament damage a brace is often recommended, or in extreme cases surgical intervention may be required. Physical rehabilitation is essential throughout the recovery process, helping to restore strength, stability, and range of motion.

Lumbar or Thoracolumbar Strain (Lower Back Injury)

Lower back injuries, including lumbar and thoracolumbar strains, are common in active dogs, especially those that engage in twisting, jumping, or high-impact activities. Dogs with weak core muscles or that are overweight are more prone to these types of strains. Repeated or improper jumping technique and underlying spinal conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), also increase the risk.

Signs of a lower back strain include stiffness, reluctance to move, and discomfort when the back is touched. Dogs may also exhibit a rounded posture or struggle to jump or climb stairs.

Treatment typically begins with rest and anti-inflammatory medication for acute pain, and in some cases the use of a muscle relaxant may be beneficial. Physical rehabilitation focuses on core strengthening, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises to restore mobility and prevent further strain. Chiropractic care can additionally help to minimize lower back pain by improving spinal alignment, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing mobility. Long-term management often includes regular chiropractic care and rehab sessions to maintain strength and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

✅ Injury Prevention Tips: Keep Your Active Dog Safe

Preventing injuries is always better than treating them. Here are our top tips—based on our "8 Ways to Prevent Injuries in Active Dogs" guide—to help keep your dog safe and active.

1. Warm Up: Always begin with 5-10 minutes of light activity, such as walking or trotting, to increase circulation and prepare muscles for exercise.

2. Proper Technique & Obedience: Teach proper form and obedience commands to prevent abrupt or unsafe movements during activities.

3. Listen to Your Dog: Watch for subtle signs of fatigue, stiffness, or discomfort and adjust activity levels accordingly.

4. Activity-Specific Training: Tailor your dog’s conditioning program to the specific demands of their sport or activity.

5. Nutrition & Hydration: Ensure your dog stays hydrated and receives a balanced diet to support muscle function and recovery.

6. Optimal Weight: Maintain your dog at a healthy weight to reduce joint strain and prevent overuse injuries.

7. Cool Down: Gradually decrease activity intensity at the end of exercise to prevent stiffness and promote recovery.

8. Muscle Maintenance: Regular rehab sessions, chiropractic care, massage, and strength exercises keep muscles strong, flexible, and injury-resistant.

In Conclusion….

Active dogs thrive when they are free to run, play, and explore—but high impact or high intensity activities come with the risk of injury. By understanding the common injuries in active dogs and by taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can help your canine companion stay healthy, strong, and ready for their next adventure.

If you notice any signs of lameness, discomfort, or reduced performance, don’t wait—early intervention with a certified rehabilitation practitioner can make a world of difference.

For personalized rehab plans, injury prevention strategies, and expert care, visit us at Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre or follow us on Instagram @torontovetrehab and @the.fit.dog.movement.