How to spot muscle atrophy in dogs

Muscle atrophy, or muscle loss, is the wasting away of your dog’s muscles. It can present in a number of ways and can be caused by ageing, illness or simply by reduced activity. Larger breeds can be more likely to suffer as they can age faster than small breeds, and are more prone to conditions like arthritis, but muscle atrophy can affect any dog. And although it's often seen in the legs, particularly the back legs, it can also be seen in the stomach or even the head.

If you are concerned that your dog may be suffering from muscle loss, here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Have your dog’s muscles got thinner?

If your dog is suffering from muscle atrophy, one of the first things you may notice are the muscles looking thinner - for example your hand might reach all the way round your dog’s leg when it didn’t before.

Has your dog lost weight?

If you have a dog that is losing weight and muscle mass you may notice that they feel lighter when you pick them up. Try weighing your dog to see if it has lost any weight. Regular weigh-ins can be a good idea if you are concerned about weight loss.

Have you noticed any muscle weakness in your dog?

For example your dog’s back legs may be unable to support its weight and you may notice that your dog is favouring the front legs.

Is your dog getting flabby or feel less firm?

Flabby muscles on your dog may indicate muscle loss. Strong muscles feel firmer, so if your dog feels softer it may be because of muscle loss.

Is your dog lethargic?

Muscle loss makes it more difficult to move about and a dog with muscle atrophy may also be suffering with painful joints, a lack of energy or an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Any changes in your dog's posture?

Is your dog dragging its paws or crossing the legs? Or have you noticed a sagging back? The muscles work with the bones to help the body stay upright and a loss in muscle mass makes it more difficult to support the body. Therefore if you notice a change in posture it could be down to muscle loss.

Can you reverse muscle atrophy in dogs?

Speak to your vet

Muscle atrophy can be symptomatic of a number of underlying conditions and if you do notice any of these symptoms the first step is to see your vet. This is vital so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Exercise your dog regularly

If your dog is suffering from muscle atrophy due to ageing or from disuse you can help them by maintaining a healthy exercise program. Even older dogs can still benefit from a daily walk as long as you pay attention to your dog’s signals and don’t overdo it. Again, talk to your vet before embarking on a new exercise regime for your senior dog.

Your dog's diet

The right diet is also vital for maintaining healthy muscles and joints for your dog. Make sure you are providing a good quality feed and following any guidelines with respect to your dog’s age, breed and lifestyle. Good quality protein is important for providing the right amino acids - key for good muscle structure and replenishment.

Support for your dog from supplements

Nutritional supplements like Joint Aid for Dogs + Muscle Maintenance can also be very beneficial in these circumstances to support the muscles, cartilage and synovial fluid. Again, look for high quality protein sources for branched-chain amino acids.

Consider alternative therapies

Therapies like hydrotherapy or acupuncture can be a good way of helping the muscles without putting pressure on the joints. Shop our range of Dog Feeds & Supplements.