Why does my dog limp after lying down?

The observation of a dog limping after getting up may indicate the onset of arthritis. Usually the dog will be stiff and sore and walk with a limp after having been lying down for a while. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues and is quite painful. Other possible causes can be traumatic injury to the joint, a ruptured cruciate knee ligament, or broken or fractured bones, which in time will heal and the limp will disappear. Infections, herniated spine discs and tumors can also cause temporary limping if they affect the limbs.