Limping is one of the most common “should I go in today?” questions. Sometimes it’s a minor strain. Other times it can signal a fracture, ligament tear, or a painful condition that needs prompt care.
Here’s how to assess it safely.
➡️ Orthopedic surgery info: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/orthopedic-surgery/
➡️ Urgent care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/emergencies-urgent-care/
➡️ Request appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
First: don’t “test” the leg too much
Avoid excessive bending or squeezing. Dogs can bite when in pain—even friendly ones. If needed, use a leash, keep them calm, and prevent jumping.
Signs your dog needs urgent care today
- Won’t put weight on the leg at all
- Severe pain (crying, trembling, panting, cannot settle)
- Visible swelling, deformity, or dangling limb
- Limping after trauma (fall, hit by car, dog fight)
- Nail torn/bleeding heavily
- Limping plus fever, lethargy, or refusal to eat
- Limping that’s worsening over 12–24 hours
When it may be okay to monitor briefly (with limits)
If your dog is otherwise normal (eating, bright, no swelling) and the limp is mild:
- Restrict activity (leash walks only)
- No running/jumping/stairs if possible
- Monitor for 12–24 hours
If it doesn’t improve quickly—or returns—schedule a visit.
Common causes of limping
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Paw pad injury or foreign object (thorn, glass)
- Nail injury
- Arthritis flare-up
- ACL/CCL injury (often sudden limp, “toe-touching”)
- Luxating patella
- Fracture or dislocation (especially after trauma)
How we evaluate limping
Depending on the case, we may recommend:
- Exam of paws, joints, range of motion
- Pain assessment and safe pain control plan
- X-rays to check for fractures, arthritis, joint changes
- Next-step plan if orthopedic injury is suspected
If surgery is needed, we’ll talk you through options and recovery timelines.
➡️ Learn more about orthopedic surgery: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/orthopedic-surgery/
What NOT to do
- Don’t give human pain meds (many are toxic)
- Don’t force your dog to “walk it off”
- Don’t let them jump on/off furniture during monitoring
When to book an exam
If your dog is limping and you’re unsure, it’s safer to have them evaluated—especially if they’re not bearing weight or are in pain.
➡️ Urgent care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/emergencies-urgent-care/
➡️ Request appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
➡️ Contact: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/contact-us/
