It would be best if you still got your dog to a vet for a check-up. Remember, weakness isn't a good thing in the wild, so dogs are hardwired not to show weakness or vulnerability easily. So even if your dog is limping but doesn't seem to be in pain, you should still get it checked out.
In general, gradual onset limps in dogs are caused by an underlying, chronic or degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or dysplasia. Sudden onset limps, on the other hand, are usually caused by an injury or trauma. Just because your dog has a gradual limp does not mean you should put off making an appointment.
While it's possible that a dog limping with no pain could be a minor paw injury, such as a foreign object stuck or a broken toenail, your dog may have hurt any tendon, ligament, bone, or muscle in their leg or hip.
While severe dog limping should be evaluated by a veterinarian quickly, you should take your dog's personality into account. Some dogs will avoid bearing any weight on a mildly sore limb while others are stoic and will walk almost normally even though they're in a lot of pain.
Sometimes limping will go away on its own, especially if you provide some at-home support like a brace.
If your dog's limp isn't severe, you can monitor your pup's progress at home over 24-48 hours. That said, it's typically better to be safe than sorry, and scheduling an appointment with your vet may help to pinpoint the cause of your dog's limp so that the underlying condition can be treated effectively.
Dogs can limp for many reasons. Active or heavy pets can twist and strain things just like humans do. Any dog can jump or run and twist or turn a joint in a manner that causes temporary discomfort. Most injuries caused by such things are short-lived.
Generally, if your dog's limp isn't severe, you can just monitor your pup's progress at home over 24-48 hours, watching for more symptoms or to see if the limp becomes more pronounced. Most of the time it's best to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment with your vet.
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.
Swelling and Redness of the Joints
Redness can occur with or without swelling, although it is more likely to be found along with swelling. If you notice redness, swelling, or both around one of your dog's joints or anywhere on her leg, she may have a sprain that is contributing to these symptoms.
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.
Be prepared for a minimum recovery time frame of four to six weeks. The road to recovery for your pet must be a slow one. The prognosis is good, though sporting or working dogs may not recover to the level of ability present before the injury.
A simple rule of thumb to help determine the severity of the injury is that most dogs will not walk on a broken leg, torn ligament, or dislocated joint. A good exam requires two people: one to examine the leg and one to restrain the dog. Dogs that are in pain may bite, even people they love so be cautious.
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.
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.
Rest and confinement are best for healing.
In many cases of limping, there will be no external signs. If this is the case for your dog and the limping is not severe, try to keep him quiet and comfortable. Encourage your dog to rest and do not take him for a walk or run. Do not allow your dog to exercise or jump up.
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.
Superficial Injury/Trauma
Other paw injuries that can cause limping include bites or stings, infection, broken toenails, or burns. All of these cause pain which, as previously stated, is the main reason dogs limp. To relieve pain. You may also notice your dog licking the area nonstop.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
The vet may prescribe them a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like carprofen or meloxicam, cold packs and/or a weight loss plan. Occasionally, a vet will recommend surgery. While minor injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament may be treated with rest and medicine, most cases eventually require surgery.
They'll likely try to avoid surgery as a first line of treatment unless a tendon or ligament is torn. In a typical plan to treat strains and sprains, your vet may tell you to: Give your dog nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation. Make sure to ask what is safe to give them.
Instead of attempting to self-diagnose your dogs injury, the only way to tell whether a dog has a sprain or a broken leg is to take the dog for a complete visual exam by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can then determine if x-rays are needed.