Winter play can trigger a common “hidden” injury in dogs: iliopsoas strain. Learn early signs, what to avoid, and simple at-home steps to protect your dog.
The Winter Injury Most Dog Parents Miss: Iliopsoas Strain
Snow brings out the wild joy in our dogs bounding, twisting, launching, and sliding like tiny athletes.
And it’s adorable… until you notice a weird limp that doesn’t quite make sense.
One of the most common injuries I see spike in winter is iliopsoas strain—a deep hip flexor muscle group that helps your dog lift the leg, stabilize the spine, and power forward.
It can look like a knee issue, a “pulled groin,” or just stiffness. But if you miss it early, it can quietly become chronic, showing up again and again.
What is the iliopsoas?
The iliopsoas is made of two main muscles (iliacus + psoas) that connect the low back/hips to the femur. It’s heavily involved when your dog:
- accelerates (zoomies)
- jumps into the car
- climbs stairs
- twists quickly
- stabilizes on slippery or uneven surfaces
Winter creates the perfect storm for overload: traction changes, unexpected slips, and power moves on unstable footing.
Why winter increases risk
Common winter triggers include:
- launching off packed snow or ice
- slipping on hardwood/tile after coming inside
- sprinting and sharp turns in the yard
- rough play with sudden wrestling/twisting
- jumping in/out of cars more often for adventures
Early warning signs (the ones people miss)
Iliopsoas strains often show up as subtle changes first. Watch for:
- bunny hopping (both back legs move together)
- short-striding in one back leg
- toe-touching (barely putting weight down)
- hesitation to jump into the car
- difficulty with stairs
- sitting crooked or frequently shifting positions
- warming out of a limp (looks better after a few minutes, then returns later)
- pain after play, especially the next day
If you’re thinking “but my dog’s knee seems fine” , this is exactly the moment to pause. This is the injury that masquerades as others.
The 3 biggest mistakes that make it worse
If you suspect iliopsoas strain, avoid:
- Stretching the back legs hard (especially “frog legs” or big hip extensions)
- Forcing long walks to ‘work it out’
- Letting your dog keep doing zoomies/jumping because the limp comes and goes
This injury is often aggravated by hip extension and fast powerful push-offs.
What to do at home in the first 72 hours
This is the “protect it early” window.
Step 1: Reduce intensity (not all movement).
Short, calm leash potty breaks. No fetch, no wrestling, no stairs if possible.
Step 2: Traction upgrade immediately.
- throw down rugs/runners in high-slip areas
- wipe paws coming inside
- use dog boots or paw wax if helpful outdoors
Step 3: Keep the spine + hips warm.
Warmth can help comfort and reduce guarding (use common sense and your dog’s tolerance).
Step 4: Track the pattern.
Write down: when it happens, what activity preceded it, which leg, and what improves it.
When to seek help (don’t wait too long)
If you notice any of these, get a vet or rehab evaluation:
- limp lasts more than 48–72 hours
- pain increases
- your dog won’t bear weight
- repeated “mystery limps” after play
- your dog is an athlete / sport dog (these become chronic fast)
A rehab vet, sports medicine vet, or qualified canine conditioning professional can help confirm the pattern and build a plan.
The good news
Most dogs do very well when this is caught early and handled smartly.
The goal isn’t to stop your dog’s joy.
It’s to protect the hip flexor system so winter play stays fun and your dog stays confident.
Want help building a simple winter-safe plan?
If your dog is slipping, bunny hopping, or hesitating to jump, you don’t have to guess.
Book a session and I’ll help you:
- identify what’s really going on
- adjust exercise safely
- build strength without flare-ups
- create a traction + movement plan that fits your real life
