DR. JEREMY PROSSER, D.V.M.

brewertonvet@gmail.com

It can be worrying when your dog suddenly shows signs of discomfort or pain, but the limping seems to come and go without explanation. You might wonder if it’s just a minor issue or something more serious. Understanding the possible reasons behind this on-and-off limping can help you determine when to seek help and how to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. 

Understanding Limping in Dogs

Limping is a common problem that most dog owners encounter, as it is often a sign of pain or discomfort that results in the inability of their pet to walk normally. When a dog limps, they usually shift most of their body weight onto one or more legs which affects their walking capability. Sometimes, it also results in the dog’s inability to run or even stand on its own.

When a dog begins limping, it is important to distinguish whether it happened suddenly or gradually. If you notice that your dog limps suddenly, this typically points to acute injuries on their leg, such as sprains, torn ligaments, or trauma that came from a fall or rough play.

What are the Possible Reasons for Limping in Dogs

There is a wide variety of causes that may lead to limping in dogs. Narrowing down the causes is beneficial for pet owners to pinpoint why it is happening. The common reasons why your dog is limping include:

1. Wounds

Dogs tend to wound themselves easily while walking, running, or playing, especially if they step on sharp objects like glass, thorns, or metal. Even minor cuts or abrasions can lead to infection causing the dog to avoid putting their weight on the affected area. 

2. Foreign Sharp Object Stuck in Paw

If you’ve ever experienced having a small piece of glass in your foot, you should know how it feels. The feeling of pain due to the sharp object stuck in your dog’s foot may be the reason why it starts limping. Foreign objects like glass, sticks, or thorns can affect your dog’s ability to walk. One of the signs that your dog has something stuck in his foot is when they start licking it constantly.

3. Injuries

The most common reason for limping in dogs is injury, which frequently happens during everyday activities such as playing, running, or jumping. Traumatic injuries from accidents, for example, being struck by a car or falling, are also common causes of injuries in dogs. Broken bones, sprains, or spinal injuries can result in moderate to severe limping. 

4. Muscle or Tendons Inflammation

Muscle or tendon inflammation, in other words, a strain, is also one of the common causes of limping in dogs. This type of injury can develop if a dog’s muscles or tendons are overworked without proper warm-up or conditioning. 

5. Insect Bites and Stings

Stings or insect bites can also be the reason why your dog is limping, especially if they occur on a paw or leg. Stings from bees, wasps, or ants mostly happen during walks or playtime. These bites can cause discomfort, making it painful for the dog to put weight on the affected paw. 

6. Joint Disease

On some occasions, a dog’s limping can be the result of some joint disease. There are various joint diseases that your dog may be experiencing if they gradually show signs of limping. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, dysplasia, and ligament disease are some of the many that may lead to your dog’s difficulty walking normally.

7. Bone Disease

Your dog's breed may sometimes have an underlying effect on its health. Even if they are young, large-breed puppies can develop bone conditions such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis, which are painful and usually result in your dog limping.

First, you need to assess the situation to understand how severe the issue is. If the limping is minimal and has happened recently, it is important to observe their signs while letting them rest for a while. You can inspect the limping leg to see if something is stuck. If you notice that the signs are not improving after a few days, then it's time to call or visit your veterinarian to determine the reason why your dog is limping. 

Don’t forget to take video clips of your dog limping, as some dogs tend to hide their pain at the veterinary clinic. 



Always remember that limping is caused by pain. No matter how mild or severe it is, you should always contact your veterinarian for the sake of your dog’s health.

When to Call the Vet if Your Dog is Limping

If your dog is seriously injured, it's crucial to reach out to your vet immediately. Broken bones and dislocated joints require urgent medical attention, and delaying treatment can lead to further complications. Seeking help from a professional is the best thing you can do to ensure your dog receives the proper care needed to recover. 

On the other hand, dogs tend to hide their pain because of their instinct to avoid showing weakness and protect themselves from predators. Therefore, if they are experiencing mild injuries such as bruises or sharp foreign objects in their paws, they are more likely to hide them from you. Be very observant of your dog’s behavior. If you notice that the situation is getting worse, you should immediately go to the veterinary clinic.

Treatment for Limping in Dogs

The treatment will vary depending on the result of your dog’s diagnosis and his overall health. In some cases, the treatment could be as simple as a few days of rest and pain relief. Veterinarians prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for pain that are safer for dogs than the ones made for humans. Sometimes, it could also require surgery and further medication to improve the recovery. Although this may sound terrifying, the sooner your dog gets medicated, the better it is for him. 

Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Recovery

Dog limps often improve with rest and appropriate medications. After treatment, your veterinarian will provide specific guidelines, including restrictions on certain activities. It's crucial to ensure your dog rests adequately and avoids running, jumping, or rough play until they fully recover. 

Here is what you can do to help your pup recover faster:

• Follow your vet’s post-treatment instructions carefully.
• Provide a comfortable resting area.
• Limit physical activity until cleared by the vet.
• Monitor for any signs of pain or swelling.
• Use prescribed pain medications as directed.
• Avoid walks on slippery surfaces.
• Schedule follow-up visits for progress checks.
• Keep your dog hydrated and maintain their regular diet.