Paws & Limbs

Hock and Achilles Injuries in Dogs

5 min read Vet-informed guidance

The hock is the ankle joint of your dog’s back leg, and the Achilles tendon above it does a huge amount of work every step. Strains and injuries here cause lameness and a dropped, flat-footed stance. Here’s how to recognise the problem and support recovery.

Understanding hock and Achilles injuries

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and powers the push-off in every stride. Injuries range from strains to partial or full tears, and can cause the hock to drop towards the ground. The hock joint itself can also be injured or affected by arthritis.

Signs to look for

Watch the back-leg stance and how your dog moves.

A dropped hock — the ankle sitting low to the ground
Limping or reluctance to bear weight on a back leg
Swelling around the hock or Achilles
Stiffness, especially after rest

Supporting recovery

Rest and support are key while the injury heals.

Rest and restricted activity as advised by your vet
A hock or tarsal support to stabilise the joint
Non-slip flooring to prevent slips and twists
Gradual, controlled return to exercise
Keep your dog lean to reduce strain

Signs to look for

Dropped hockLimpingSwellingStiff after rest

When to see your vet. See your vet for any back-leg lameness or a dropped hock, especially after exercise or a fall — Achilles injuries in particular need prompt assessment to give the best outcome.