Canine Sports Injuries: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Every working dog, whether on the farm, performing prison or police duties, flyballing, searching and rescuing, running agility or working on a shoot will doubtless incur an injury at some point. The handler or owner's objective is to help their dog to recover as quickly as they can and prevent the injury from happening again. This is where natural health approaches can work well with your vet treatment. This is integrated medicine in practice.

Let's face it, we're talking about canine athletes - not just ANY dog! Unfortunately, they can be prone to sports-related injuries such as strains, sprains, torn ligaments, and joint inflammation. Conventional treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery can be supported by holistic therapies. These are complementary or alternative (CAM) approaches which can accelerate healing and enhance overall well-being. Our personal experience on the WHAg team is a marked speed of healing of skin wounds, bone and tissue repair especially when homeopathy or another CAM is employed.

Homeopathy has been widely used in veterinary medicine to support tissue repair and reduce pain. The kind of remedies one might choose include Arnica Montana which is widely credited with helping reduce trauma, shock and bruising, while Rhus Tox has the reputation for aiding ligament and tendon injuries. Ruta Graveolens has an affinity for connective tissue and thus aiding in joint and muscle pain. Hypericum Perforatum, known for its nerve-healing properties, is beneficial for injuries involving nerve damage, while Ledum Palustre is effective for puncture wounds and joint injuries. You can see how a homeopathy kit in the van or tractor is a good protocol for those with active dogs.

All these remedies carry their own specific pictures and are chosen when the symptoms match the remedy picture. The choice of potency is important along with repetition. Our Foundation Course in Pet Homeopathy teaches students this approach in considerable depth and introduces the wide variety of veterinary CAM options available. (The next course starts in Autumn 2025 - look out for details this Summer).

Jen at Healthy Hound Galen Myotherapy treats German Shepherd, Kane, with hip dysplasia

Canine massage therapy improves circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and promotes relaxation. Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can alleviate discomfort and restore mobility by breaking down adhesions and improving range of motion. Regular massage sessions also help prevent injuries by maintaining muscle elasticity and flexibility.

Mia at Voodoo K9 Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy works with Retired RAF Police Dog Amigo

There are many body work approaches you can explore for your working dog. CAM4animals have eleven options listed giving you signposts to the appropriate professional bodies. These include Hydrotherapy, TTouch, Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Sacro-Cranio Therapy, all of which are not covered in this article but are well worth exploring if you have a practitioner locally.

Green Clay from Hedgerow Hounds

Herbal medicine offers powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing benefits. Herbs like Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) act as natural pain relievers, reducing inflammation without the side effects of NSAIDs. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) can be used externally to support ligament and tendon healing. Additionally, Arnica-infused oils and salves can be applied topically to reduce swelling and bruising. Even products your great grandmother may have used, such as Green Clay work very well in controlling infection and abscesses, calming and soothing irritated skin.

Border Collie, Bec, with arthritis and back pain enjoys relaxation from Lyndsay Brazil, acupuncture vet at Cotswold Equine.

Acupuncture, a staple of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), stimulates the nervous system, enhances blood flow, and promotes pain relief. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain and expedite post-injury recovery. Electroacupuncture, a modern adaptation, further enhances pain modulation and speeds up tissue regeneration.

Integrating these holistic approaches with conventional veterinary care can optimize healing and prevent recurrent injuries, allowing dogs to return to peak performance safely. A well-rounded approach, including dietary support, physical therapy, and customised rehabilitation exercises, ensures long-term joint and muscle health.

References:

• Schoen, A. (2001). Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine. Mosby.

• Wynn, S.G., & Fougere, B. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Elsevier.

• Marsden, S. (2010). Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and Tradition. Elsevier.

Further Information:

Visit the WHAg Learning Centre for a range of webinars and downloadable documents on complementary and alternative health modalities for the farm. You can access a little more if you sign up as a free member and pro members get EVEN more!

Information on the Foundation Course in Pet Homeopathy is here.

Also CAM4animals provides a one-stop-shop for pet and livestock owners seeking more information on all forms of CAM and help with finding appropriate qualified practitioners.

A British Army Military Search Dog