The Most Common Reasons Dogs Tear Their ACL

​Keeping dogs active is the best way to ensure a good quality of life, but this also comes with risks. Learn the most common reasons dogs tear their ACL.

Dogs have strong muscles, great agility, and high endurance; these qualities vary depending on the breed. Taking care of your dog by feeding it a healthy diet, giving it time to exercise, and going to the vet is the key to a happy pet.

Your dog’s legs are prone to injuries over time, including tears in the ACL ligament that connects the bones of the knee. Learning the most common reasons dogs tear their ACLs will help you monitor your furry friend and stay aware of any red flags that signify injury.

Trauma from an Accident

Trauma from car accidents, falls from a considerable height, or fights can cause a dog to sustain an ACL injury. Dogs rely on their fight or flight instincts, and their legs can take them away from trouble or get them into it. If your dog goes throw a traumatic experience, check its body to ensure it hasn’t sustained an injury.

Degeneration of Ligaments

Over time, your dog will experience physical health problems. Constant activity is the best way to ensure a healthy lifestyle, but it could also develop the degenerative process of the knees and ACL, which could take its toll in the future. Vet orthopedic surgery is the most viable solution for a weak ligament. To reduce the possibilities of this problem, keep your dog on a balanced diet with vitamins, maintain a healthy weight, and give it plenty of exercise.

Unusual Positions and High Jumping Heights

Your dog should stay on all four legs most of the time because that is natural comfortable for them. Forcing a dog to walk on its back legs or perform tricks without proper training or guidance could cause severe damage to its ACL. Constantly jumping on and off a coach or a bed could also cause an injury, depending on the height.

Performing Exhausting Activities

Most dogs require frequent activity to burn energy and maintain a healthy body. One of the most common reasons dogs tear their ACL is from performing exhausting activities for long periods, like taking them on long bike rides while they run alongside you. Dogs are strong and resilient but have limits, just like you. Learn about your dog’s limits to keep them healthy.