Limping is a common sign of pain in dogs. Our San Jose vets explain some reasons why your dog could be limping, what you can do to help your dog, and when a vet appointment is needed.
Why is my dog limping?
As with people, there are countless reasons why your dog may be limping. Unlike people, however, your dog can't explain how it is feeling or why it is limping. This means it's up to you to assess the cause of your dog's limping and determine whether your pet requires veterinary care. Below are a few common reasons why dogs limp and more serious causes of limping in dogs that require urgent veterinary attention.
Common Reasons For Limping In Dogs
- Something painful stuck in one of their paws
- An insect bite or sting on a leg or foot
- Strains or tears (ligaments, tendons, muscles)
- Trauma, such as broken bones
- Osteoarthritis joint pain in hips, legs, or feet
- Infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease
- Inflammatory conditions
- Vascular conditions such as aortic thromboembolism
Veterinary Emergencies
The following situations require urgent emergency care for your dog. If your veterinary emergency occurs outside of standard vet hours, take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital to receive the critical care it requires!
- A broken limb (will be at an irregular angle)
- A dangling limb (this indicates dislocation)
- Any moderate to severe swelling
- Limbs that feel hot to the touch
- Limping in combination with a fever
- Sudden paralysis and pain in the rear legs
How can I help my limping dog?
When you first notice that your dog is limping, try to rest it as best you can if it isn't severe. That means limiting its mobility to avoid causing further strain on the injury. Exercise should be limited to short on-leash walks for bathroom breaks until your dog has healed.
Never give your dog any medication without consulting your vet first! Many pain medications that work well for people are toxic to dogs. Your vet will recommend any treatments you can do at home and prescribe proper medication and dosage information for pain relief.
Check the sore leg and foot for any signs of bleeding, and look for swelling, bee stings, cuts, or anything stuck in the pad of your dog's paw, between their toes, or an injured nail bed. Bee stings can be iced and monitored.
Any cuts must be cleaned with soap and warm water and kept clean. If your dog has a cut paw, it's a good idea to visit the vet to have the wound thoroughly cleaned and bandaged if necessary. Your vet will be able to examine the cut to look for signs of a foreign body lodged in the wound.
If you notice swelling, alternating between heat and ice packs may reduce swelling and discomfort. Swelling is a symptom of an injury or other condition. Painful joint conditions, as well as ligament or muscle tears, can all cause swelling. Consult your vet's office for recommendations on whether your dog is showing symptoms severe enough to require an examination.
When should you seek veterinary care for a dog limping?
If your dog's limp isn't severe, you can monitor its progress at home for 24 to 48 hours. That said, it's typically better to be safe than sorry, and scheduling an appointment with your vet may help pinpoint the cause of your dog's limp so that the underlying condition can be treated effectively.
If the limp doesn't resolve within 48 hours, worsens, or your dog is whining or yelping, it's time to call your vet to book an examination.
Your veterinarian is best equipped to determine the cause and severity of your dog's pain. Depending on what your vet spots during a physical examination, further diagnostic testing may be required, including blood work, tick testing, and X-rays.
The diagnosis and prescribed treatment for a limping dog will be determined by your dog's overall health, age, breed, and medical history.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.