My dog is limping, what should I do?

If you notice that your dog is limping, you must react quickly to find out what they have and thus, relieve the pain.

My dog is limping, what should I do?

If you notice that your pet is limping, have them rest and observe them. Check their paws and legs to make sure that they have no wound, foreign body or an unusual lump.

If you don't notice anything unusual, offer your dog some rest. Most of the time, dogs will stop limping after two or three days of rest. If the limping persists for more than 3 days, you must consult your veterinarian.

The causes of limping

Limping may be caused by an accident, growth or a disfunction of your dog's body such as arthritis.

• Accidents 

When your dog is playing and running around, they may injure themselves. A broken bone, a ligament injury or a dislocation are common. Most of the time, resting is enough but do not hesitate to take you pet to the vet. X rays or ultrasounds will help to identify the reason for the limping.

• Growth

During their growth, your dog may start limping because their back legs hurt. This problem mostly affects big dogs. To relieve the pain, your must consult a veterinarian.

• Diseases 

Different diseases might cause limping: arthritis, Lyme disease or bone tumor. A dog who limps because of a disease will also show other signs, such as tiredness and lack of appetite.

Photo credit: Yummypets