How to Treat a Sprained Ankle on a Dog

A sprained ankle is an injury to the tendons, ligaments, and/or the muscles related to that joint. This can occur as a result of strenuous play or minor accidents. Quickly recognizing the signs of an injury to this area is key to treating it before it develops into a more significant problem.

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Recognizing the Signs of a Sprained Ankle

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1
Understand your dog's anatomy. Dogs actually stand and walk on the toes of their front and rear legs. When a dog is standing, you will see their ankle on their hind leg between the knee and the toes. This is similar to where your ankle is when you stand on your toes.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Dogs do not have ankles on their front legs, just as you don't have ankles on your arms. Other types of sprains can occur in the front legs, and they are treated similarly.
2
Know the causes of a sprained ankle. Many dogs are athletic. The activities they take part in can put an extreme amount of force and stress on their joints. This sometimes results in an injury.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Running, jumping, and making sharp and quick turns can put undue stress on a joint.
- While not all dogs are equally energetic, their joints can also be put under more stress than they can handle. A sprain can also be the result of slipping, falling, stepping in a hole, or something as seemingly minor as jumping on or off the couch. Any of these can cause your dog to end up with a sprain.
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3
Look for limping. The first, and usually the most recognizable, sign of an ankle sprain is limping on the affected rear leg.^{[3]XExpert SourceNatalie Punt, DVM
VeterinarianExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.}
- A dog with a sprain will often try not to put weight on the affected leg.^{[4]XExpert SourceNatalie Punt, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.}
- Depending on the severity of the sprain, the dog may carry the leg in a raised position and not use it at all.
- Be aware of other common reasons for rear leg lameness.^{[5]XExpert SourceNatalie Punt, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.} Injuries to the hip, knee, or foot can also cause a dog to limp.
- Take your dog to the vet to confirm that they have a sprained ankle. A vet can use radiographs to make sure there are no fractures or dislocations. They'll also try to rule out other possible causes of the injury.^{[6]XExpert SourceNatalie Punt, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.}
4
Look for a visible injury. You may see swelling or redness around the ankle or feel heat coming from the area if your dog has a sprain.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You may also notice your dog regularly licking the area.
5
Look for behavioral signs. An injured dog may also display changes in their normal behavior. Changes to look for that can suggest a sprained ankle include:^{[8]XResearch source}
- A change in their appetite, usually apparent in decreased food consumption.
- A change in their activity level, such as sleeping more or a reluctance to exercise.
- Vocalization related to the injury, such as barking, grunting, or whining when the ankle is touched or moved.

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Treating a Sprained Ankle

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1
Make your dog rest. Rest is the first step to treating a sprain. To ensure your dog gets enough rest, you will need to restrict your dog's activity. You should keep your dog inside or in a small area where they are unable to run or play. The less active your dog is, the better.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- As needed, you can take your dog outside on a short leash. Keep the walk short and slow. Return your dog to a confined area as soon as possible.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Restrict your dog's activity for a full 48 hours to give the injury enough time to heal.
EXPERT TIP
Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Canine Behavior Consultant
Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Canine Behavior Consultant
When your dog is having health issues, give them extra care and attention. Make your dog as comfortable as possible. Put them on a soft bed or blankets in a quiet spot where they can rest peacefully, like a crate in a quiet corner of the family room. Give them space and avoid forcing them to walk or play. These comforting gestures can make a big difference in how your dog feels while they're sick or uncomfortable.
2
Apply an ice pack. To reduce swelling to the ankle, help with pain, and aid in the healing process, apply an ice pack on your dog’s ankle for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your dog's skin from the cold.
- Repeat twice daily, waiting at least 2 hours between applications. This helps prevent you from irritating your dog’s skin and reducing their circulation, which can delay healing.
- You can use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas, in place of an ice pack. This helps you mold the ice around their ankle, allowing you to evenly and effectively apply the ice to all of the damaged tissue.^{[12]XResearch source}
3
Apply heat. If your dog’s ankle is no longer swollen, heat therapy can help reduce their pain, increase circulation, and limit stiffness. Swelling typically goes down after 72 hours.^{[13]XResearch source} Applying heat is often recommended for dogs who have a chronic or recurring ankle sprain.^{[14]XResearch source}
- To apply a warm compress, heat a damp towel or a dry sock filled with uncooked rice in the microwave. Test the towel or sock on your inner arm to ensure it’s not too hot. Then, apply the heat for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Reapply the warm compress every 6 to 8 hours.
- Don't use a heat treatment while your dog’s ankle is swollen or immediately after exercise, as this can increase inflammation.
4
Watch for signs of improvement or worsening. During your dog’s 48-hour rest period, watch them closely for signs that their ankle injury is improving or worsening. With rest, ice, and heat, many mild ankle sprains heal on their own.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- If your dog’s ankle is not better after 48 hours, or if it gets worse, call and visit your veterinarian.^{[17]XResearch source}
- At your veterinarian appointment, your vet will do a physical examination to diagnose the sprain. They might do an X-ray to determine the severity of the sprain or see if another injury, like a dislocation or small fracture, is delaying your dog’s recovery.
- After diagnosing your dog’s sprain, your vet will give you a treatment plan. If the sprain is mild, this might involve more rest or veterinarian-prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. If the sprain is moderate or severe, your vet might recommend a splint or surgery.

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Question
How do you tell if your dog's leg is sprained or broken?
Natalie Punt, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
Natalie Punt, DVM
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Diagnosing sprains is really difficult—it's best to let your vet figure out what's going on. For instance, a swollen ankle joint could be a sign of a sprain, but it could also be a sign of an infection in the joint.
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My dog hurt his leg jumping on the couch. Sometimes he walks on the leg, other times it buckles. What should I do?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
There are lots of different reasons a leg may give way from time to time, and truly a vet checkup is essential. In a small dog one common problem is wobbly kneecaps (luxating patellas) but also sprains, stretched cruciate ligaments, and hip pain can cause similar symptoms. If you dog is in discomfort then rest him (no walks and no jumping) and get a vet checkup.
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Question
Is treatment the same for a dog with a broken foot?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
The most important thing if the dog has broken bones in the foot is to rest the dog. A padded dressing will also help to support the broken bones so they don't move and cause pain when the dog places weight on the foot. However, take care applying a bandage as it's easy to put pressure on the wrong place and cause discomfort. Don't walk the dog and see a vet as soon as possible.
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Start treating your dog’s sprain as soon as you notice it. This helps give your dog the best chance of a quick recovery. It can also help prevent the injury from worsening and causing more damage.
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Warnings

Do not give your dog medication without your veterinarian’s advice. It can be extremely dangerous to give your dog over-the-counter or prescription human medications, such as Ibuprofen.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
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Do not attempt to bandage your dog’s injury without the advice of a veterinarian. Applying a bandage incorrectly can cause other problems, such as skin irritation. If wrapped too tightly, you might also restrict circulation. This can delay healing and cause damage to other tissue in the area.
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If you don't see any improvement within 48 hours, or your dog’s condition seems to be worsening, see your veterinarian immediately. Although the injury may be nothing more than a severe sprain, it’s best to treat it as soon as possible.
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