Symptom · Dogs
Dog limping: what it means and when to call the vet
Mild limping that improves over a day or two with rest is often a sprain or a sore pad. A dog that won’t put weight on the leg, has an obvious injury or keeps limping for more than a few days should see a vet.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Cuts, thorns or grass seeds in the paw
- Sprains and strains
- Torn cruciate ligament (sudden back-leg lameness)
- Arthritis in older dogs
- Growing pains and joint conditions in young large breeds
- Fractures
What you can do at home
- Check the paw and between the toes for cuts or seeds
- Rest on a lead for a few days — no running or jumping
- Never give human painkillers: ibuprofen and paracetamol are dangerous for dogs
What the vet may do
- Examine the leg and joints
- X-rays
- Dog-safe pain relief
- Surgery for ligament tears or fractures
Prevention
- Keep your dog lean — extra weight strains joints
- Warm up before intense exercise
- Check paws after walks in long grass
The details
Limping is a sign of pain. Dogs hide discomfort well, so a limp that is visible usually means more pain than it looks. A sudden back-leg limp in an active dog is often a cruciate ligament injury, the dog version of a knee ligament tear, and it rarely heals fully without treatment.
Questions owners ask
Is dog limping an emergency?
Often it can be watched at home for a day, as long as none of the warning signs appear. Go now if you see: not putting any weight on the leg; a leg at an odd angle, or bone showing; severe swelling, bleeding or crying in pain; sudden weakness in both back legs.
What causes dog limping?
Cuts, thorns or grass seeds in the paw; Sprains and strains; Torn cruciate ligament (sudden back-leg lameness); Arthritis in older dogs; Growing pains and joint conditions in young large breeds; Fractures.
What can I do at home?
Check the paw and between the toes for cuts or seeds. Rest on a lead for a few days — no running or jumping. Never give human painkillers: ibuprofen and paracetamol are dangerous for dogs.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts