When you first notice that your dog is limping, if it isn't severe try to rest your pup as best you can. That means limiting their mobility to avoid causing further strain on the injury. Exercise should be limited to short on-leash walks for bathroom breaks until your pooch has healed.
Gently touch your dog's legs because you may feel some heat coming from the sore one and look at him when he is standing still as he may use the normal leg to lean on which would indicate the other side was painful. Can I walk my dog if it has a limp? You should rest your dog for at least two days if you notice a limp.
Typically, if the limp isn't severe, you can simply monitor your dog's progress at home over 24-48 hours, watching for more symptoms or to see whether the limp becomes more pronounced.
With minor limps, dogs still use the leg but just won't put all their weight on it. If your dog seems otherwise comfortable and not in pain, he may not need veterinary care. However, if the limping persists for more than 24 hours, you should call your vet.
If your pup is still limping after a day, take them to the vet. “I can't emphasize enough that lameness is a sign of pain,” Dr. Devitt says. Limping isn't a typical behavior (even after a long day at the park) and should be recognized as your pup needing care.
If your dog has a sudden limp after exercise or an outing and the limping is mild, you may be able to simply monitor your dog over a day or two to see if the limp improves. If the limping does not improve or is in conjunction with other symptoms, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
A dog limping but not crying or showing other signs of pain should still be taken seriously. Dogs are tougher than you think, and just because your dog isn't howling in pain doesn't mean there isn't any pain. It would be best if you still got your dog to a vet for a check-up.
Signs You Need to Head to the Emergency Veterinarian
If your dog shows any of the following symptoms while limping, it's time for an emergency room visit: Dragging one or more limbs on the ground. Sudden inability or unwillingness to move. Extreme lethargy.
Causes For Limping In Dogs
Strains or tears (ligaments, tendons, muscles) Something painful stuck in their paw. Insect bite or sting. Trauma, such as broken bones.
Lameness may be constant or occasional, mild to moderate, or severe with the dog unwilling to bear weight at all. Many small dogs live with this condition with it never resulting in arthritis nor pain, nor interfering with the dog's life. However, in other cases, surgical treatment is necessary.
Treatment for dog limping usually depends on the cause. Some limping will resolve on its own. In many cases, the first step of treatment includes rest and medication (especially if your vet suspects a sprain/strain, arthritis, or minor issue).
If your dog is limping but no pain, it is likely that a strain or sprain has occurred. Your dog may limp but continue to act, run and play as normal; however, pay close attention when your dog lands when running and jumping, as they will likely wince when they land on the injured foot.
It's possible for the limp to go away on its own within a day if the injury is mild. On the other hand, if your dog can't use their leg or move around for more than a day, or if this happens chronically, we recommend scheduling a visit with your veterinarian.
Symptoms of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
If your dog has a soft tissue injury, they may show the following signs: Lameness (not putting full weight on a leg) Difficulty getting up from sitting or slow to sit down from standing. Decreased activity.
Let your dog rest and prevent it from performing vigorous activities like jumping and playing for at least two weeks. Remember, damage can worsen if your dog moves too much or improperly while recovering.
Check for any unusual lumps or bulges in their leg, which can indicate a broken bone or a dislocation. You can also gently palpate your dog's leg. If you feel any places that are abnormally tender or seem to indicate a lack of continuity in the bone, these signs could also indicate a broken bone.
After pulling a muscle, your dog needs time to rest and heal. Make a special area specifically for them so that they will feel comfortable enough to rest. Taking your dog out on slow walks should be okay (always ask your veterinarian first) but try to make sure your dog does not move around aggressively.
A sprain will cause your dog to favor the injured leg, just as a fracture would. However, in many cases a less severe sprain may permit a certain amount of weight bearing. Your dog may barely touch the toes of the injured limb to the ground when standing or walking.
If your dog has sprained their leg, most usually recover with rest, pain medication, and ice. Some dogs have severe sprains and end up tearing a tendon or ligament. These will then need surgery to correct.
Massage for Pain Relief.
A massage can be very relaxing and soothing to a dog with inflamed joints and is thought to be a natural way to treat mild lameness. According to the Whole Dog Journal, use a natural arnica along with the massage for pain relief.
When to Call the Vet If Your Dog Is Limping. In general, it is usually better to play it safe and call your veterinarian for a dog's limp that lasts more than a few minutes. But as with people, dogs seem to have a knack for getting hurt outside of normal office hours.
Some light activity such as short, on leash walks and gentle stretching would be tolerated well at this point. This stage can be as short as three to six weeks, or it could last up to a year, depending mainly on the severity of the damage as well as the quality of care.