How can I help my limping dog?
When you first notice any limping, try to rest your dog as best you can. Youll need to limit mobility, as any further strain can cause a more serious injury. Exercise should be put on hold until your dog has healed, and you should leash your pet to walk them outside for bathroom breaks as they may try to run if let out into the yard.
Examine your pups foot for signs of injury, such as cuts. Contact your vet if you notice something painful.
If you suspect your dogs limp is caused by inflammation, try alternating between heat and ice packs as a way to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Contact your vet for recommendations on which to apply and when.
Check for bleeding. This will usually provide insight into whether your dog has suffered an injury, puncture, or bite.
Typically, if the limp isnt severe, you can simply monitor your dogs progress at home over 24-48 hours, watching for more symptoms or to see whether the limp becomes more pronounced.
In most cases, its better to be safe than sorry, and scheduling an appointment with your vet may help both you and your dog to feel better. If the limp doesnt begin to resolve itself, is becoming worse, or is accompanied with whining or yelping, its time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet.
Your veterinarian has the training and knowledge to best determine the cause and severity of your pups pain. A thorough examination may include blood work, tick testing, or x-rays. Your dogs breed, history, age, and general health will all be considered in the diagnosis, as well as the prescribed treatment plan.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pets condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
What to Do If Your Dog is Limping
If you notice your dog is limping, but have determined it is not an emergency, there are a few things you can do to help.
First, examine the area. If your dog will allow it, try to get a closer look at the affected limb. Is there a certain spot your dog is licking? This could be the source of the problem. Gently handle the foot and leg, looking for cuts, bruises, swelling, heat, tender spots, instability, and any other unusual signs. Look at the paw pad and between the toes to see if there is a wound or a foreign object stuck somewhere. Check for torn toenails. Gently manipulate the joints to check for tenderness or stiffness. You may feel or hear grinding in the joints that might indicate arthritis.
If you find a minor wound, clean it with gentle soap and lukewarm water (no hydrogen peroxide or alcohol). You can apply an antiseptic ointment if desired, but make sure to keep your dog from licking it off.
Major wounds should be handled by a vet as soon as possible. If you cannot tell how deep the cut is, you should get to the vet soon for closer examination.
Mild swelling: if you notice swelling on the leg your pet is limping on, best call the vet for advice. Sometimes they may advise rest and to ice the area (with ice wrapped in a clean towel) for 15-20 minutes. If swelling on the leg or a limp persists beyond 12-24 hours or seems to worsen, it is important to see the vet. In some areas of the country where poisonous snakes are common, mild swelling and a sudden lameness may be the only sign that a poisonous snake bite has occured. If you suspect your pet has been bit by a snake, call the vet right away.
If your dog has a small object in his paw (like a tiny splinter or piece of glass) you can try to dislodge it with tweezers, but be very careful! Your dog might bite out of pain and you dont want to get hurt too. If you are able to pull out the item, clean it afterward as you would for a small cut. If you cannot remove the item (or are uncomfortable trying) go to the vet for help.
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. Avoid stairs or carry him up and down the steps. For potty breaks, take your dog out on a short leash just to do his business. At all other times, crate rest is the best plan, especially if you wont be home for part of the day. Alternatively, you may confine your dog to a very small area. Provide a soft bed that is low to the ground. If the limping does not begin to improve within 24-48 hours, bring your dog to the vet for an examination.
Never give your dog over-the-counter medications unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are toxic to dogs. Even aspirin can be harmful if used improperly and can prevent your vet from being able to start your pet on safer and more effective medication for them as they may want. In addition, do not give any prescription medications unless they have been prescribed to your dog for this specific problem. Contact your veterinarian before giving any medications.
Gradual Onset vs. Sudden Limping in Dogs
There are two types of limps in dogs: gradual onset and sudden onset. Gradual onset limps happen slowly over time. Sudden limps happen quickly, like their name implies, usually after an injury or trauma. Knowing whether or not your dog’s limping is sudden or gradual can help your veterinarian narrow down the possible causes of your dog’s limping, and can help you determine if your dog’s limping is a veterinary emergency.
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. Some causes of gradual limping, such as bone cancer or hip dysplasia, can be treated more effectively if they are caught sooner rather than later.
Why Is Your Dog Limping? (Natural Remedies to Help!)
There are many reasons that your dog could be limping out of the blue. Just like us, it could be as simple as something bothering them or it could be a more complicated health issue. The purpose of limping is to relieve some sort of pain that your dog is feeling. It can be hard seeing your four-legged friend in apparent pain, but as long as you stay calm and seek your vet’s professional opinion, you and your pup will be back up and running in no time.
Gradual onset is the type of limping that develops slowly over a long period of time. If you see that your dog is gradually starting to limp, you should consult a vet because letting a gradual limp fester can lead to additional complications.
Sudden limping is the type of limping that develops instantaneously. It’s usually due to some sort of injury or trauma. If you notice that your dog has started limping suddenly, you should take them to the vet right away to find out the cause and what can be done to help it.