Why is my dog limping?

Limping could be from almost anything. Check her pads for anything stuck in them, but definitely schedule an appointment to see a vet. They will be able to diagnose with Radiographs and also prescribe pain medications to keep her comfortable.

Yes, unfortunately, limping can be an indication of many underlying issues. It would be most beneficial to find out what breed of pet you have and how old. However, it is never a bad idea to go to the Vet if you are unsure of whether your pet has injured himself. Not only will your vet perform a physical exam, but x-rays may also be a vital part of the exam to make sure there are no underlying issues regarding joints or bones.

If you have a senior pet (over the age of 7), then the limping may be due to arthritis. Sometimes these pets may be a little slower to get up from a nap or may exhibit a limp after taking a long walk or playing.

Underlying issues that a Vet would need to diagnose could be anywhere from a torn ACL (cruciate) to a luxating patella (where the kneecap pops in and out). Sometimes pets just jump off of the couch or bed the wrong way and exhibit a limp for a few days and then it is gone.

Usually most clinics will provide a doggy anti-inflammatory and pain reducer called Rimadyl as long as there are no underlying liver issues. Sometimes Tramadol can be provided alone or in conjunction with Rimadyl as well. Some Petsmarts sell Aspirin also (doggy Aspirin) that give you the proper dosages on the label. However, Aspirin is NOT to be used long-term, as it can cause blood issues!

Limping can be caused by many different things, both minor and major. As Paige mentioned above, you should certainly examine your pups paws/legs to ensure there are no cuts/pokes/sticker burrs buried anywhere on their leg.

However, while you can examine your dogs leg to try to pin-point the source of the pain, this is something veterinarians are trained to do as orthopedic exams, and I would highly recommend taking your pup to the vet to have this done. If you can pinpoint the location of the pain on your own, that is great. But your veterinarian is going to be able to tell whether or not the pain is caused by something like a torn ACL, a luxating patella, or if there is just simple join swelling caused by too much exercise.

After they perform the orthopedic exam, they will go forward with their treatment, and 9/10 will send your pup on an anti-inflammatory and/or pain medication to relieve some of the swelling and pain to help them recover faster.

A lot of times with limb injuries, waiting too long can be detrimental to the damage already caused, so I don't recommend waiting too long. But if your pup seems to be recovering well, you can certainly monitor at home for a couple of days if you are comfortable.

Speedy recovery to your pup!

HI Lizzy!

So sorry to hear that you pup has developed a limp- this can be very scary as a dog owner!

If you know which limb seems to be bothering him, take a look at his paw and see if there are any cracks in the pads of his paws, anything like a thorn or needle sticking out, or if there is any blood or discharge. If there is an obvious problem you can then treat that and see how he does.

If there isn't anything visible, take some time to do a structural evaluation. Start at the shoulder a touch your pup's limb, taking time to see his reaction when you touch a new area or poke a little too hard in places. If there is yelping, twitching, or any indication that you pup isn't a fan of you touching that place, there might be something internal. You can evaluate a "good" limb (one without the limp) first to see the difference in reaction. I would try to have him rest as much as possible. However, if it doesn't clear up in a few days, definitely reach out to your vet.

Hope this helps!

Paige