Why Is My Dog Limping?
Should I Worry if My Dog is Limping?
Dogs aren’t pets; they’re family members. Thus, when your four-legged companion suddenly starts limping, it’s a cause for immediate concern.
But it’s not always a big deal. Then again, sometimes it is.
In this piece, we’re going to talk about why your dog may be favoring a leg and help you determine if you need to see the vet right away.
Limping in Dogs
Just like you, your dog is subject to muscle aches and joint pain. This can come on suddenly, in what is known as acute limping, or it can have a gradual onset, which is known as chronic limping.
Limping can also be mild and severe cases. A dog that is experiencing mild limping is still using the affected leg but is not putting as much weight on it as usual.
A severely limping dog will refuse to put any weight on an injured leg or may barely touch the ground with that paw.
Remember, dogs instinctively hide pain, so it may take careful observation to even notice anything is wrong.
The cause of your pet’s reluctance to put its full weight on one or more legs can depend on its activity level, age and health. If you notice yours suddenly isn’t moving right, it’s time to ask some questions.
What Causes Dogs to Limp?
There are lots of reasons why your dog might be limping. These include:
- Bone fractures
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Muscle strains
- Bruises or wounds
- Insect bites or stings
- Materials embedded in paws
- Joint dislocations
- Infections or inflammation
Your dog may also be dealing with disorders like shoulder or hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, dysplasia occurs when the joints become loose and no longer fit well together.
Older dogs are subject to degenerative bone diseases like osteoarthritis, though certain autoimmune disorders like immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) can also affect younger dogs.
Other possibilities include cancer that impacts joints, bones, or soft tissues and nervous system problems.
What to Do When Your Dog is Limping
If you notice your dog’s gait is off, the first thing you should do is evaluate the severity of it. If it is mild and you see no other signs, it’s okay to wait a few days to see if he or she recovers.
If your pup is limping more severely or doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s time to see your vet.
Your animal doctor can do a thorough examination, including any necessary x-rays, MRIs or blood work tests necessary to identify the causes of your dog’s limp. He or she will also be able to offer treatment options to ease your pet’s pain.
Do Not Medicate Your Dog Without Vet Approval
Whatever you do, do not give your dog an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever or muscle relaxer unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), naproxen (e.g., Aleve) and acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are all be harmful or even fatal to dogs.