Why Knee Protection Matters After ACL Surgery

Recovering from ACL surgery is a big milestone, but what happens next? Many pet owners assume once their dog is healed, they’re fully protected from future injuries. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Dogs who’ve had one ACL tear are at higher risk of tearing the ligament in the other leg. Studies show that up to 50% of dogs will experience a second ACL injury within two years. That’s why preventing ACL injuries in dogs should be a top priority.

By strengthening muscles, maintaining joint health, and making small lifestyle changes, you can help protect your dog’s knees and prevent future injuries.

Why Do Dogs Tear Their ACL a Second Time?

Once a dog suffers an ACL tear, their body naturally shifts weight to the opposite leg, putting extra strain on the healthy knee. Over time, this weakens the other ACL, increasing the risk of another injury.

📍 Top Risk Factors for Future ACL Tears:

✔️ Overcompensation – Favoring one leg increases stress on the other.
✔️ Lack of muscle strength – Weak leg muscles don’t stabilize the knee properly.
✔️ Obesity – Extra weight puts added pressure on joints.
✔️ High-impact activities too soon – Running or jumping too early increases injury risk.
✔️ Poor joint health – Arthritis, inflammation, or aging joints make injuries more likely.

Taking steps toward preventing ACL injuries in dogs can lower the risk of another painful surgery and help your pet stay active.

A strong muscular support system is key to knee protection. When the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles are well-developed, they reduce stress on the ACL and provide better joint stability.

🐶 Best Strengthening Exercises for Dogs:

✔️ Controlled leash walks – Short, steady-paced walks improve mobility.
✔️ Sit-to-stand exercises – Encourages controlled weight-bearing.
✔️ Cavaletti poles – Low-impact stepping exercises to rebuild coordination.
✔️ Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) – Builds strength without excessive pressure.

💡 Tip: Always introduce exercises gradually. Overworking weak muscles can do more harm than good.

Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints, making ACL injuries more likely. If your dog is overweight, losing just 10% of their body weight can significantly reduce knee strain.

📍 Tips for Healthy Weight Management:

✔️ Feed a balanced, joint-friendly diet – Omega-3s and glucosamine support joint health.
✔️ Measure food portions – Prevent overfeeding with controlled servings.
✔️ Limit high-calorie treats – Opt for healthy snacks like carrots or green beans.
✔️ Regular, low-impact exercise – Swimming and slow walking help burn calories without stressing the knees.

Maintaining an ideal weight is one of the most effective ways of preventing ACL injuries in dogs.

Dogs love to run, jump, and chase—but high-impact activities put extreme stress on healing or previously injured knees.

🚨 Activities That Increase the Risk of ACL Tears:

❌ Rough play or wrestling with other dogs
❌ Jumping off furniture or high surfaces
❌ Running on slippery floors
❌ Playing fetch on hard pavement

🐾 Instead, try these safer alternatives:

✔️ Slow, controlled walks
✔️ Swimming (low-impact and joint-friendly!)
✔️ Gentle, supervised play on soft grass

By modifying daily activities, you’re actively preventing ACL injuries in dogs and keeping their joints healthy.

4. Provide Joint Supplements & Anti-Inflammatory Support

Dogs recovering from ACL surgery or prone to knee issues benefit from joint supplements that keep cartilage healthy and reduce inflammation.

💡 Best Supplements for Joint Protection:

✔️ Glucosamine & Chondroitin – Supports cartilage repair and joint lubrication.
✔️ Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduces inflammation and strengthens connective tissue.
✔️ MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – Eases joint pain and promotes healing.
✔️ Turmeric & Green-Lipped Mussel – Natural anti-inflammatory ingredients.

📍 Talk to your veterinarian about the best joint support options for your dog’s specific needs.

5. Improve Your Home Environment to Prevent Injuries

Small adjustments at home can make a big difference in protecting your dog’s knees.

✔️ Use non-slip rugs or carpets – Prevents slipping on hardwood floors.
✔️ Install pet ramps – Helps dogs get onto furniture or in the car without jumping.
✔️ Elevate food & water bowls – Reduces awkward joint positions.
✔️ Provide an orthopedic dog bed – Reduces joint stress during sleep.

These simple environmental modifications can reduce joint strain and prevent re-injury.

Veterinary follow-ups help ensure your dog’s joints are healthy and strong after surgery. Many dogs benefit from ongoing rehab and physical therapy to maintain mobility.

🐶 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Dogs:

✔️ Prevents muscle loss after surgery.
✔️ Improves range of motion & flexibility.
✔️ Reduces pain & inflammation.

If your dog is at high risk for another ACL tear, working with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist can help prevent future injuries.

Can You Fully Prevent Another ACL Tear?

While preventing ACL injuries in dogs is possible, there’s no guarantee that a second tear won’t happen. However, by taking proactive steps—strengthening muscles, controlling weight, modifying activities, and providing joint support—you can significantly reduce the risk.

🚨 What NOT to Do:

❌ Allow your dog to return to full activity too soon.
❌ Ignore limping or mild discomfort.
❌ Skip rehab exercises or physical therapy.
❌ Let them gain excess weight.

Your best defense against another ACL tear is consistent prevention and joint care.