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If your dog is limping, it could mean he has an injury on one or more legs. This could be caused by an injury, disrupted function or even a combination of both. An injured dogs limp can be subtle or very obvious. He may even lift up the paw to avoid putting weight down. Some dogs may even show intermittent signs of on and off limping.
Whichever category of limping your pup falls into, it’s important you investigate the cause. If left, a small limp could turn into a bigger, harder to treat injury. It’s important to assess the severity of your dog’s limp. If you notice swelling, bleeding, an obvious fracture or your pup refuses to get up, it’s imperative to get him checked by a vet.
Joint Disease
Joint infections, arthritis, cruciate disease and joint fractures are common causes of limping in dogs. Arthritis is thought to affect up to 80% of senior dogs. It can get worse over time if no preventative measures ae put in place. Ensure your dog gets a high quality dog food, gets enough exercise to stay trim and has a good quality joint supplement.
Sprains and Strains
Dogs love to play and jump about, meaning sprains and strains of the soft tissues are common. Small tears to the muscles, tendons or ligaments around the joints can be the cause of a limp. Minor strains will go away with a little rest. If it doesn’t go away, take your pup to the vet for a deeper examination.
Paw Injury
This includes injuries such as; a torn or ingrown nail, cuts, splinters, insect bites or a growth. If a foreign object has pierced the pad of your pup’s paw, this can cause extreme discomfort. You may notice him licking or chewing his paw constantly. Do an assessment of his foot yourself and clean any obvious wound. If you think he has a splinter you can’t reach, a trip to the vet is needed.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Limping?
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but we can notice the signs of discomfort. If he’s limping continually or even on and off, do an initial assessment of his leg. You may notice an obvious sign of a cut or splinter which you can clean up. If you can’t find the problem, take him straight to the vet for a checkup. The faster you find the cause of his limp, the easier it will be to deal with.