Is your dog walking with an abnormal gait? Unfortunately, limping in dogs is very common.
If you notice your dog limping, the best thing to do is take action, and for good reason.
A limp may mean your pup has a sick or injured leg, or it could also signify a more severe problem, such as hip dysplasia or bone tumor.
If you’re worried about your limping dog, here’s a guide that details what to do about your pup’s discomfort.
Reasons why your dog is limping
- Reasons why your dog is limping
- How severe is your dog’s limp?
- What it means when your dog is:
- How can I help my dog before taking them to the vet?
- CBD oil for arthritis symptoms
- What can you expect from the vet?
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight
- Help your dog stay active
- Understand why your dog's limping
Limping in dogs is often due to various causes, including:
- Wounds
- Muscle strain
- Fracture
- Tears and ruptures
- Trauma
- Dislocation
- Paw fungal or bacterial infection
- Embedded foreign object in the paw
- A cut on the paw or foot
- Torn nail
- Arthritis
- An animal bite
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone tumor or cancer
How severe is your dog’s limp?
You can determine the severity of your dog’s lameness by watching how they walk.
Check if your dog can stand with the limping leg. If your pup isn’t willing to put any weight on the leg or has problems standing, the limp is severe and requires an immediate visit to the vet.
Also, consider the duration of the limp. How long has your dog been lame? Has the limp improved or worsened since the first day you noticed it?
For instance, sudden limping could be caused by an injury or trauma. Lameness that worsens with time may be caused by a degenerative condition such as dysplasia or osteoarthritis.
If your dog isn’t in pain, you can also try to examine the leg. Check between the paw pads for signs of bleeding, discharge, swelling, or a wound. If you notice swelling, wounds, or severe bruising, take your dog to the vet immediately.
If the limping accompanies other symptoms such as pain, fever, lethargy, diarrhea, or excessive panting, immediately take your pet to the nearest vet.
What it means when your dog is:
Limping on the front leg
A dog with a limp on the front leg raises its head whenever it tries to walk on the affected leg. The dog also arches its back and takes shorter strides with its hind legs.
Forelimb lameness is often caused by:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Shoulder instability
- Injury in the biceps
- OCD
Limping on the hind leg
Hind leg lameness may be characterized by increased vertical motion on the affected hip and a raised tail when your pet’s lame leg touches the ground.
Common causes of hind leg lameness include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Patellar luxation
- Lumbosacral disease
- Ligament rupture
Limping after running
Limping after exercising could be a sign of muscle soreness. A dog who starts to limp after a walk may also have an injury, a torn nail, or a foreign object stuck in her paw.
Limping after rest or when it’s cold
Lameness that occurs after resting may be a sign of osteoarthritis. This condition can also get worse when the weather is cold.
How can I help my dog before taking them to the vet?
If your dog isn’t in pain, you can try home remedies before transporting it to the vet.
With a swollen paw, you can put ice packs on the leg. If you can’t get an ice pack, place the leg in a tub of water or spray it with cold water for at least ten minutes.
You can clean a wound on your dog’s foot with antibacterial soap or an iodine-based solution. If the foot has an abscess, soak it in a warm iodine solution or use a warm compressor. Be careful not to rupture the abscess.
Moreover, restrict your pet’s movement by using a leash when walking them. Make your dog comfortable and limit other activities.
Use a dog e-collar to prevent your dog from licking or chewing on the wound.
CBD oil for arthritis symptoms
CBD oil is a natural, non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. When used medicinally, CBD oils are effective in relieving a wide range of ailments, including arthritis pain.
A recent study showed that CBD oil significantly reduced inflammation and pain in dogs suffering from arthritis. The study’s results indicated that CBD oil is a safe and effective treatment for canine arthritis.
Moreover, using CBD oil did not result in any adverse side effects. This is good news for dog owners looking for a natural way to relieve their pet’s arthritis pain. If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat your dog’s arthritis, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.
If arthritis causes your dog to be lame, give your dog a balanced diet to keep it at a healthy weight.
Anti-inflammatory foods from Timberwolf Organics can also help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
When transporting your dog to the vet, carry it to the car or use a sling if it cannot walk. If it can still walk, ensure you use a leash to protect the leg from further injury.
Don’t give your pup over-the-counter painkillers. OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin are dangerous for your dog.
What can you expect from the vet?
Be prepared to answer questions about your dog’s lameness at the vet.
Some questions they may ask you include:
- When did you notice the limping?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms besides lameness?
- Are there times when the limping gets worse?
- Have you given your pet any medication or first aid at home?
The vet will then perform a thorough physical examination, including an X-ray, a CT scan, or blood work.
Depending on the diagnosis, your provider may recommend restricted activity. The vet may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory or a pain reliever for the pain.
If your pet’s limping is caused by joint health, the vet will most likely recommend using supplements. If your dog has a fracture, the veterinarian may put a splint or a cast on the leg.
Surgery is also an option for dogs with serious tissue injury.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
It’s essential to monitor and maintain your dog’s healthy weight by observing its body condition and adjusting its diet and exercise as needed.
Regular weigh-ins
Weigh your dog regularly to track its weight and ensure it is within the healthy range for its breed and size. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for your dog.
Body condition scoring
Learn how to assess your dog’s body condition by feeling for their ribs and observing their overall body shape. A healthy-weight dog should have a slight tuck at the waist, and you should be able to feel its ribs without excess fat covering them.
Balanced diet
Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
Portion control
Measure your dog’s food portions to ensure they receive the right amount. Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer, or consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Regular exercise
Keep your dog active with regular exercise. Take them for daily walks, engage in play sessions, and provide mental stimulation to keep them physically and mentally fit.
Monitor changes
Watch for any changes in your dog’s weight or body condition. Sudden weight loss or gain could indicate an underlying health issue a veterinarian can address.
Help your dog stay active
Regular exercise and weight management are crucial in maintaining dogs’ joint health and preventing issues such as limping.
Dogs that exercise regularly tend to have better muscle strength and joint flexibility.
This, in turn, helps to support the joints and reduce the risk of developing joint problems.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential for reducing joint strain.
Excess weight can exacerbate joint issues and lead to limping in dogs.
Understand why your dog’s limping
Limping in dogs has many causes. It’s best to have your pet examined by a vet immediately after noticing any lameness.
Your vet will offer treatment to your pup, and they’re also the best person to advise on how to deal with your pet’s lameness.