Move all of your dog’s things to this temporarily resting place so that it feels at home. If you have a multi-story home, it’s best to choose a location downstairs.

When you take the dog outside to go toilet, carry it out to the yard. Then, keep it on a short lead to prevent it from running. The dog will naturally redistribute its weight onto its 3 non-injured legs. Unfortunately, this strains the dog’s legs, making it less mobile. Your dog needs to rest.

You can also use the ramp to help your dog get up into your car if you need to drive it somewhere. Ramps are available at your local pet store or online. You can even find collapsible ramps.

Make sure the gate is high enough that your dog won’t try to jump over it. You know your dog best, so use your judgment to choose the right gate for it.

Don’t use items like towels or blankets to cover up the slippery flooring. These materials are also slippery, so they may injure your dog. Non-surgical treatment may cause your dog to develop early arthritis in the joint. Dogs larger than 10 kg (22 lb) may not be alleviated with home treatments and often require surgery.

Talk to your vet for a recommendation about the best food for your dog. Follow the feeding recommendations listed on the dog food you choose.

Talk to your vet before you take your dog swimming. Provide plenty of support for your dog as it swims so that it doesn’t overexert itself. This may not be an option during winter, as most indoor pools do not allow dogs. If you live in an area that has warm days during winter, you could take your dog swimming on these days.

It’s best to check with your vet before you begin exercising the dog.

Using a knee brace can help your dog recover from an ACL injury without surgery, but it isn’t always effective. Ask your vet if a knee brace is right for your dog. It’s best to use a custom knee brace from your vet, but you can find knee braces for dogs online.

Your vet may want to sedate your dog so they can examine the injury without causing your dog pain or discomfort.

Read all of the instructions provided by your vet and always follow the dosing requirements. NSAIDs must be given with food. In rare cases, NSAIDs can cause stomach issues in your dog. If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, or discolored feces, contact your vet immediately. Never give your dog aspirin or NSAIDs formulated for humans. [11] X Research source

Your dog may need surgery if its ACL is completely torn, as it’s unlikely to heal. It may also need surgery if it’s a larger breed, as they put more weight on their joints. Because they are larger, the joints need more stability to stay healthy. On a low end, an ACL surgery may cost $1,200. However, the surgery can cost as much as $8,000.

Normally active dogs will usually still try to be active after they’re injured. However, you’ll still notice reduced activity.

Symptoms of lameness can vary depending on how injured your dog is. Your dog may be slightly limping or it might not be able to bear weight on its leg at all. Both of these symptoms can indicate an injury in your dog.

Swelling can be caused by other injuries, such as a broken leg or sprain. Make sure you take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

Lying on its side doesn’t mean that your dog is injured. However, it can be a sign of injury if other symptoms are also present.