Lameness in dogs is not a disease. But it is often the sign of a painful condition, such as a pulled muscle, broken bone or sprained ligament. Most limps require veterinary attention and, in some cases, especially those in which the limp has suddenly appeared, emergency treatment may be needed as the dog’s injuries may be the result of a serious accident or trauma.
Potential causes of less sudden lameness in dogs include osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, inflammation of the bones, ligament disease and infections, all of which require veterinary attention.
Signs of lameness in dogs
- Pain
- Unusual gait when dog is walking, running or climbing stairs
- Swelling of limb
- Loss of muscle mass
- Obvious break or dislocation
- Unusual posture when standing, sitting or lying down
- Reluctance to exercise or perform normal activities such as climbing stairs
- Dragging or scuffing paws
- Confusion, trembling or falling over
- Grating sound when joints move
What should I do about my dog limping?
If your dog has a mild limp and you’re confident it’s due to a minor injury such as a cut paw or torn nail, you should seek veterinary advice about how to treat these injuries and encourage your dog to rest for a few days, before gradually reintroducing regular exercise.
Lameness that persists for more than 24 hours or a limp that’s accompanied by severe bleeding or swelling, dragging of limbs, a broken or dislocated bone, or an inability to stand, requires immediate veterinary attention. You should also call your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now, straight away if your pet has a limp and is exhibiting other unusual symptoms, such as sickness, diarrhoea, fever, loss of appetite, excessive panting or lethargy.
Front leg lameness in dogs
If your dog is suffering from forelimb lameness, it’s likely their head will rise when weight is placed on the affected leg and go down when they put their healthy leg on the ground. The hind legs may appear tucked under, and the back arched, and dogs suffering front leg lameness may also take shorter than normal strides with their hind limbs.
Dog limping on back leg
It’s more challenging to spot hind leg lameness. Signs include the tail rising as the lame leg contacts the ground and the hip on the unaffected side appearing lower than its opposite number. The hip on the lame side may also have an increased vertical motion. With longer-term back leg lameness, muscle wastage around the hindquarters may be visible.
My dog is limping but shows no sign of pain
If your pet is limping but not showing any signs of pain, it is still worth contacting your vet for advice. Because dogs can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they’re in pain, whether it be as a result of injury or an underlying issue. It is rare for a dog to limp without any underlying physical discomfort. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some pets may sporadically experience limping and then seem fine.
Limping puppies
Large breed puppies are more prone than smaller breeds to developing painful bone conditions, such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis, while they’re still growing. These can make walking uncomfortable. Treatment for both conditions consists mainly of pain management. If you’re worried about lameness in your puppy, speak to your vet.
How do I manage leg pain in dogs?
Lame dogs are likely to recover more quickly if their pain is well managed. Your vet is the best person to speak to regarding pain relief. They will typically prescribe non-steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs or other pain-relieving drugs. Please do not attempt to treat your dog’s pain yourself. Many human medications — and those prescribed for other pets — can be hazardous for dogs.
Preventing lameness in dogs
There are several risk factors for lameness. These include your dog’s breed. Some of the ailments and muscular diseases that can cause lameness are passed from generation to generation. Frequent, vigorous activity may also be a factor, as is your dog’s weight. Overweight dogs are more prone to developing some of the conditions that can lead to lameness.
