If you’ve noticed your once-bouncy best friend looking a little less sturdy in the legs or struggling to jump on the couch, you might be seeing signs of muscle atrophy, also called muscle wasting. This is when your dog’s muscles shrink or weaken over time, leading to muscle loss and a decrease in muscle tone.
For older dogs and especially large breeds, muscle atrophy can sneak up on you. One day, they’re chasing tennis balls like a pro, and the next, they’re moving slower, with a little more wobble in their step.
But here’s the good news: with the right care, a healthy exercise program, and some extra TLC, you can help your pup keep strong muscles and live a comfortable, happy life, even if they’re experiencing muscle atrophy.
What is Muscle Atrophy in Dogs?
Muscle atrophy happens when a dog loses muscle fibers in certain areas of their body, leading to weaker, smaller, or flabby muscles. Affected muscles can cause problems with mobility, stability, and quality of life.
The loss can be gradual, like in the aging process, or sudden, which might signal an injury or more serious underlying medical conditions. It can affect any part of the body, but the hind legs and thigh muscles are often hit hardest because they’re responsible for supporting most of your dog’s weight.
If left untreated, muscle atrophy can impact your dog’s joints, put stress on the spinal cord, and even make simple movements like lying down or climbing stairs painful.
Common Causes of Muscle Atrophy
Muscle atrophy in dogs can develop for several reasons. Some are part of normal aging, while others are linked to medical issues that need treatment.
Age
As dogs age, their metabolism slows, they move less, and their weight and muscle mass naturally decline. Just like people, older dogs may lose muscle tone simply because they’re not as active as they once were.
Injury
When a dog injures a leg, hip, or back, they tend to favor their good side, and the unused muscles start to weaken. This “use it or lose it” scenario can cause weakness in the affected muscles.
Chronic Conditions
Certain long-term health problems, like hip dysplasia, severe arthritis, or degenerative myelopathy, can cause ongoing muscle atrophy in dogs. These conditions make movement uncomfortable, leading to a decrease in regular exercise and further muscle loss.
Poor Nutrition
If your dog’s diet doesn’t provide enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, their body may break down muscle for energy, especially during illness or recovery from injury. Over time, poor nutrition can contribute to severe muscle atrophy.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Muscle atrophy can be subtle at first, but you’ll usually notice:
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A visible reduction in muscle size, especially in the hind legs or thigh muscles
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Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping
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Wobbliness or instability when walking
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Weight loss without changes in appetite
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Flabby muscles or uneven muscle tone between limbs
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Reluctance to play, run, or take walks
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Signs of pain or stiffness in your dog’s joints
If you notice a sudden onset of these symptoms, it’s time to call your vet, as this may indicate an underlying condition.
Diagnosing Muscle Atrophy in Dogs
Your vet will start with a physical examination, checking the affected muscles for size, firmness, and flexibility. They may also run tests to rule out underlying medical conditions like nerve damage, degenerative myelopathy, or metabolic issues.
In some cases, imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) can help spot problems in the spinal cord, joints, or bones. Bloodwork can check for nutritional deficiencies or disease markers.
Treatment Options to Strengthen Your Dog's Muscles
The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of muscle wasting, but most dogs benefit from a combination of these approaches.
Physical Therapy
A customized healthy exercise program designed by your vet or a canine rehab specialist can help rebuild strong muscles.
This might include:
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Underwater treadmill therapy (great for low-impact joint support)
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Balance exercises to improve stability
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Gentle stretching for flexibility
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Targeted strengthening exercises for weak areas
Adjust Your Dog’s Diet
Proper nutrition fuels muscle recovery. Make sure your dog’s food is high in quality protein and includes essential vitamins and minerals. Your vet might also recommend a joint supplement to protect your dog’s joints during recovery.
If your dog is experiencing muscle atrophy due to age or illness, you may also want to add a multivitamin or omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation support.
Orthopedic Support
A supportive sleeping surface like an orthopedic dog bed can make a world of difference for dogs with severe arthritis, hip dysplasia, or post-surgery recovery. For big pups, dog beds for large dogs with thick, pressure-relieving foam can reduce stress on your dog’s joints and make getting up easier, especially if they’re recovering from surgical treatment.
Maintaining a comfortable rest area helps protect good muscle structure by preventing unnecessary strain on the affected muscles when lying down or getting up. In cases where muscle biopsies have been done to investigate muscle atrophy, having proper support while healing can speed recovery and encourage your dog to keep using their muscles instead of avoiding movement due to pain.
Joint Aid Medications
For older dogs or those with severe arthritis, your vet might recommend anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, or supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. These help reduce discomfort so your dog can keep moving and maintain good muscle structure.
Sometimes, medication is part of a larger treatment plan that also includes physical therapy, mobility support, or even surgical treatment for more advanced cases. If your vet has performed diagnostic tests such as imaging or muscle biopsies to better understand the cause of your dog’s muscle weakness, the results can guide which medications will help most in supporting long-term mobility.
At-Home Mobility Aids
If your dog struggles with hind legs or muscle weakness, ramps, harnesses, and non-slip mats can help them move safely around the house while protecting good muscle structure. These tools reduce the risk of slips and falls, which is especially important if your dog is recovering from surgical treatment or healing after muscle biopsies.
Mobility aids also encourage movement rather than avoidance, which helps prevent further muscle wasting. Even small adjustments, like elevating food bowls or adding extra rugs on slick floors, can give your pup the confidence to keep moving and maintain better muscle tone.
Tips for Preventing Loss of Muscle Mas
While not all muscle atrophy in dogs is preventable, these habits can help your dog maintain better muscle tone throughout their life.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Encourage daily walks, light play sessions, and fun activities that match your dog’s age and health. Consistent, regular exercise is key to avoiding muscle loss, keeping muscle tone strong, and supporting your dog’s joints.
For large breeds, even short but frequent movement breaks throughout the day can help prevent stiffness and keep the hind legs and thigh muscles engaged. Try mixing things up with gentle hikes, swimming, or interactive toys to keep your pup’s mind and body sharp—the goal is to make activity something they look forward to, not a chore.
Regular Vet Checkups
Catching underlying medical conditions early can help prevent long-term damage and slow muscle wasting. Your vet can spot subtle changes in your dog’s body, like uneven muscle tone or signs of muscle weakness, before they become major problems. They can also recommend strengthening exercises, diet changes, or even early physical therapy if they see early signs of muscle atrophy. For older dogs, scheduling visits at least twice a year can make a big difference in maintaining overall health.
Quality Bedding
Since rest is just as important as activity, invest in a supportive orthopedic dog bed that cushions your dog’s joints and promotes good posture while sleeping. For big pups, dog beds for large dogs with memory foam or pressure-relieving support can help prevent flabby muscles from getting worse by keeping the affected muscles comfortable and properly aligned. A good bed also encourages your dog to rest more deeply, which supports recovery after exercise and helps keep muscle tone intact.
Bonus: a washable cover makes it easier to keep your pup’s sleeping space fresh and clean, which is especially helpful if they’re dealing with severe arthritis or incontinence.
When to See a Vet For Muscle Disorders
Call your vet if you notice:
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Sudden onset of weakness or muscle loss
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Severe difficulty climbing stairs or standing
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Noticeable weight loss and decreased activity
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One limb that looks smaller or weaker than the others
The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your dog’s chances of regaining strong muscles and mobility.
Support Your Aging Dog's Muscles
The aging process doesn’t have to mean giving up fun or freedom. With the right healthy exercise program, good nutrition, orthopedic support, and regular vet care, your dog can enjoy many active, tail-wagging years.
Because at the end of the day, your dog doesn’t just want to walk, they want to walk beside you. And you can help make that possible for as long as their paws will carry them.
