A dog limping usually means a serious problem. If your furry friend is limping, it means that his paw or leg may be badly injured and unable to bear weight, which may cause you concern! However, not all lameness is caused by serious problems. Sometimes, dogs can limp for harmless reasons. For example, stepping on a bee may cause a temporary limp that will quickly return.
As a pet parent, it’s natural to be concerned when you notice your dog limping. But how can you tell the difference between a minor problem and one that requires a visit to the veterinarian? Here are a few key factors to help you determine if your dog needs professional care:
Duration
The duration of your dog’s limp can be a good indication of the severity of the problem. If a dog steps on a bee or gets a minor scrape, it may only limp for a short period of time – usually less than 30 minutes – and then return to normal.
If your dog continues to limp for an hour or two or more, it may mean that the problem is more serious and lasting longer. You can watch your dog for a while, but don’t wait too long to take action. If the lameness persists for several hours or longer, you should contact your veterinarian.
Other Symptoms
Minor injuries or irritations are not usually accompanied by other symptoms. For example, a simple sprain may cause lameness, but otherwise, your dog should appear to be fine.
However, if your dog is experiencing other worrying symptoms, it may be time to take him to the vet. Keep an eye out for these symptoms that may require urgent attention:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Excessive swelling
While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious condition, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any serious conditions. For example, even a minor bee sting may be worsened by excessive swelling, as this may signal an allergic reaction. Even if the initial cause seems minor, an allergic reaction can quickly evolve into something dangerous.
If your dog is experiencing skin irritation or discomfort, it may also be helpful to know how to help an itchy-skinned dog rule out potential causes that could be contributing to his lameness.
Physical Assessment
If it’s safe to do so, a gentle physical assessment of your dog’s leg can provide insight into the injury. Nonetheless, in most cases, it’s best to leave it in the hands of a veterinarian.
Even normally docile and friendly dogs may react unpredictably when in pain. Normally well-behaved dogs may resist being petted when injured, which can trigger aggressive behavior. Many well-meaning pet owners have been bitten instead when trying to help an injured dog. If your dog seems nervous or reactive, it’s best to forego an at-home evaluation and take him straight to the vet.
Signs of Injury
If your dog allows you to examine his legs, look carefully for obvious signs of injury. If there are visible cuts or broken bones on the leg, this is an indication that immediate medical attention is needed. If it’s just a minor issue such as a scrape or bump, it may be a minor injury, such as a bite or puncture wound, that may not require medical attention but still needs to be closely monitored.
Check the paws
Don’t forget to scrutinize your dog’s paws and the area between them. Sometimes, foreign objects such as small stones or burrs can get stuck between the toes and cause discomfort. These foreign objects can usually be easily removed at home without veterinary attention. Ticks can also attach themselves to these areas, causing discomfort or spreading disease.
Insect bites and stings are usually not serious, but they still need to be monitored. Most bites will heal within an hour, but watch for signs of swelling or allergic reactions, which may require medical attention.
If your dog suddenly starts limping after strenuous exercise, it’s a good idea to see a veterinarian. Injuries from over-exercise are sometimes more serious than they initially appear.
By looking at the timing of the injury, symptoms, and visible signs, you can better determine if your dog’s lameness is minor or if it requires specialized care. At Zera, we know you care deeply about your dog’s health, and we’re ready to help you make informed decisions for their health and well-being.
Dogs participating in their favorite activities, such as agility sports, can often overcome pain during moments of excitement. For example, a dog running or biking with its owner may ignore discomfort and not show lameness until after it has calmed down. This ability to mask pain can sometimes make it challenging to recognize injuries early.
Recognizing the severity of lameness
There is a big difference between mild lameness and a dog dragging its leg. If your dog is dragging their leg along, seek veterinary care immediately. On the other hand, if they are still putting weight on their legs, they may just have a sore leg.
A sign of particular concern is when a dog is dragging their leg without showing much awareness or pain. This could indicate nerve damage, which is a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. Any time nerve damage is suspected, a veterinarian must be consulted.
In addition, if the dog becomes lethargic or refuses to move, medical attention may be necessary. Keep in mind, however, that some dogs act out when they suddenly feel pain (such as stepping on a bee or being stung by an insect). This usually doesn’t last long and the dog usually recovers within a few minutes. If your dog remains reluctant to move for 30 minutes or more, it may indicate a more serious problem.
Underlying Diseases to Watch for
Certain underlying health issues can make a dog more susceptible to lameness. For example, back problems can sometimes cause instability in the hind legs, which can lead to difficulty coordinating movements or dragging the legs. If your dog is suffering from a known condition and the symptoms worsen, it’s best to contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is familiar with your dog’s medical history and can best advise you on whether an appointment is necessary.
When caring for your dog, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s advice and determine if emergency care is needed.
Common Causes of Lameness
There are many causes of your dog’s lameness. Understanding some of these common causes will help you assess the situation and determine if veterinary care is needed. The following are common causes of lameness:
- Arthritis
- Animal or insect bites
- Congenital deformities
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Wounds or cuts on paws or feet
- Degenerative spinal cord disease
- Dislocation, subluxation or hallux valgus of a joint
- Elbow dysplasia
- Fractures
- Hip dysplasia
- Immune-mediated polyarthritis
- Infection
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Foreign body stuck in paw
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Osteochondritis dissecans (commonly known as “growing pains”)
- Dislocation of the patella
- Sprains or strains
- Tick-borne diseases
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Damaged or broken nails
While some of these conditions require veterinary treatment, others may not. For minor leg injuries, supportive aids such as dog leg braces or splints can help stabilize the joint and promote healing.
Helping Your Dog Recover
Your dog’s recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Injuries to the paw, leg, hip, knee or elbow can cause difficulty and discomfort in walking. Dogs that limp will often compensate through other parts of the body, which can lead to other problems. In this case, tools such as a lifting harness or dog wheelchair can help take the pressure off of the injured leg, allowing the dog to move around more comfortably and avoid further injury.
Assistive Products for Dogs with Limps
Zera offers a variety of products to help dogs recover:
- Zera Mobility Wheelchair
- Elevating Support Rear Harness
- Comfort Assist Dog Harness
Final Thoughts
Lameness can be a sign of a serious illness or a minor problem. Often, a severely injured dog will show obvious symptoms such as a persistent limp or obvious physical damage. If your dog’s symptoms don’t improve or seem severe, consult your veterinarian to make sure they are getting the care they need.
When to Seek Veterinary Care When Your Dog Limps
Always consult your veterinarian if your dog has been limping for a long period of time or is exhibiting other symptoms. Persistent lameness or unusual behavior, such as when your dog can’t seem to feel his legs, may indicate a neurological problem or other serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Caution is always good when it comes to your pet’s health. Even if it turns out to be unnecessary, it’s better to take your dog to the vet than to delay treatment when it’s really needed. If you are unsure if your dog’s lameness requires medical attention, consult your local veterinarian.
Zera related article:
- Why is my dog limping?
- Lumps and Bumps in Dogs: When Should They Be Noticed?
- How to help a dog with arthritis: expert advice
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- 8 Common Pet Injuries and How to Treat Them