Your Dog's Hock: What it is and What You Need to Know About it

Even the most loving pet owners have a pretty limited knowledge about their dog's anatomy. You know they have legs, a head, ears, a wet nose, paws, and a tail of course. There's a lot of other parts that humans don't have, which means the terms are unfamiliar to us. One of these are your dog's "hocks." This is a shame, because it's very important to know about for the sheer fact that sometimes the hock is injured and your dog needs medical care.

What is a Hock?

Your dog's hock joint is located on the canine’s back leg below the stifle, which is the official term for their knee. The hock joint connects the shin bones (tibia and fibula) to the bones of the paw. If you're looking for a human equivalent, their hock corresponds to your ankle joint. The hock creates that sharp angle at the back of the dog’s rear legs. While dogs don’t put any weight on their heels like we do, the two joints are comparable in function and basic structure.

How can a Hock be Injured?

After a sudden traumatic incident, your dog may tear any of four main ligaments on the inner and outer sides of the joint. This includes getting hit by a car or something as relatively simple as snagging their paw on a hole in the ground. Perhaps an older dog simply jumped off the couch and landed "wrong." However it happened, there are usually clear indications. Symptoms of hock instability include a sudden onset of lameness or swelling in the affected limbs. Is your dog limping? Have you noticed the hock joint swelling? Is their leg moving abnormally when they walk?

What can I do to Help?

Active dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to broken bones or ligament tears due to trauma, like a fall, or strenuous activity, including rigorous fun at the dog park. Especially for dogs who enjoy intense running or jumping, the small hock joints on the back legs can be extra vulnerable to an injury. It happens in an instant! If you suspect your dog has a hock injury, always consult first with your veterinarian. The doctor will do a physical examination, including bloodwork and stress X-rays to see if there is a bone fracture.

Fortunately, there are many options to help treat canine hock issues so your dog has the best chance to make a full recovery. One such option is a dog hock brace. A dog front leg brace holds the ligament and bones in place as their body naturally heals itself. While you can tell a person "Lay on the couch and avoid putting weight on your ankle," you cannot do this for a dog. They cannot use crutches either. They need a dog hock brace to avoid further injuries and complications. Thankfully, these are easy to get because you can order one online.