Dog Limping: When to Worry and When to Rest

Call your vet now if

• Your dog will not put any weight on a leg at all
• The leg looks bent, misshapen or is held at an odd angle
• There is obvious swelling, heat, a deep wound or bleeding
• The limp started after a fall, a jump from height, a fight or a road accident, even if your dog seems otherwise fine
• Your dog is in severe pain — crying out, panting, trembling, or snapping when the leg is touched
• The limp comes with lethargy, not eating, or your dog feels hot and seems generally unwell
• Your dog is suddenly weak or wobbly in the back legs, or struggles to stand

Why dogs limp

A limp is your dog's way of taking weight off something that hurts. The cause can be anywhere from the tip of a toe to the hip or shoulder, and sometimes the spine. Common possibilities include:

• Paw problems: a thorn, grass seed, splinter or bit of glass, a cut pad, a torn or broken nail, or a sore between the toes
• Soft tissue injuries: sprains and strains from running, twisting or landing awkwardly
• Joint problems: stiffness and arthritis, particularly in older or larger dogs
• Ligament injuries: some knee injuries cause a sudden limp in a back leg, often after play
• Bites, stings and infections: these can cause swelling and tenderness
• Fractures and dislocations: usually after trauma, and usually very painful

You cannot always tell which of these is behind a limp just by looking, which is why a vet's examination matters if the limp is severe or does not settle.

Checking your dog's paw gently

If your dog is calm and the limp is mild, a careful look at the paw is a sensible first step. Choose a quiet spot with good light, and have someone help hold and reassure your dog if you can.

• Look at the top and bottom of the paw, including between the toes and around each pad.
• Check the nails for any that are split, torn or bleeding.
• Feel gently for any thorn, grass seed or sharp object. Grass seeds are a particular nuisance in summer and can work their way into the skin.
• Notice any swelling, redness, heat or a spot your dog clearly does not want you to touch.

If you find a small thorn that is sitting loosely on the surface, you may be able to remove it carefully. Anything that is embedded, a deep cut, a wound that keeps bleeding, or a grass seed you cannot see the whole of should be left to your vet. Please stop if your dog becomes distressed. Even the gentlest dog may bite when in pain, so do not force it.

Rest and restricted exercise

For a mild limp with no warning signs, rest is often the most helpful thing you can do.

• Keep walks short, slow and on the lead, just long enough for toilet breaks.
• Avoid running, ball games, jumping on and off furniture, and stairs where possible.
• Give your dog a comfortable, soft bed in a warm, draught-free spot.
• Keep a quieter routine for a day or two and watch how the limp changes.

If the limp is clearly improving, you can gradually return to normal activity over several days. If it is not improving, or gets worse, book a vet appointment.

Never give human painkillers

It is very tempting to reach for something from your own medicine cabinet, but please do not give your dog any human pain relief. Several common human painkillers are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause serious damage to the stomach, kidneys or liver. Giving them can also make it harder for your vet to treat your dog safely afterwards. If you think your dog is in pain, call your vet, who can prescribe pain relief that is designed for dogs.

Gradual limping and stiffness in older dogs

Not every limp starts suddenly. In older dogs, you may notice stiffness that comes on slowly over weeks or months. Signs can include:

• Stiffness when getting up, which eases once they are moving
• Slowing down on walks or lagging behind
• Reluctance to jump into the car, climb stairs or get on the sofa
• Limping that is worse after rest or after a long walk
• Licking at a particular joint
• Changes in mood, such as being less tolerant of handling

These changes are often put down to "just getting old", but they can mean your dog is uncomfortable. Joint stiffness is common, and there is a lot your vet can do to help, from pain management to advice on exercise and weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight takes pressure off sore joints, and our pet calculators can help you think about daily food and activity. For more on supporting an older dog, see our guide to caring for a senior dog.

Keeping a record

Limps can come and go, which makes them hard to describe in a consultation. Note which leg is affected, when the limp started, whether it is worse after rest or after exercise, and anything that seemed to trigger it. A short video of your dog walking and trotting on a flat surface can be very useful to your vet, as many dogs walk normally in the excitement of the consulting room. Logging these details in Petopedia helps you give your vet a clear picture over time.

When to book a vet visit

Even if your dog does not need emergency care, book an appointment if:

• The limp lasts more than a day or two
• It keeps coming back, even if it settles in between
• It is getting gradually worse
• Your dog is licking or chewing at one leg or paw
• You notice a lump, swelling or change in the shape of a joint
• Your dog seems stiff, slow or reluctant to exercise

The key takeaway

A mild limp that improves with a day or two of rest is often nothing serious. A dog who will not use a leg, is in obvious pain, has been in an accident or seems generally unwell needs a vet straight away. If you are ever unsure, it is always fine to ring your vet and ask.