Why Is My Dog Limping?

Limping in Dogs

There are many reasons why a dog might start limping, and the symptoms can vary depending on the dog and what is going on around it. Some types of lameness start with a slight limp and gradually get worse while others appear suddenly. Some occur after rest, others after exercise.

In mild cases, the dog may still put weight on the limb, while in more severe cases, it avoids using the limb completely. Lameness is a sign that something isn’t right, often due to pain in the leg, paw, or sometimes the neck or back.

When Should I Seek Veterinary Care for Lameness?

Emergency Care

Seek immediate veterinary attention if:

• Your dog is unable to put any weight on the leg
• There is visible swelling or the leg/joint is painful to touch
• A puppy or young dog is limping
• If the dog seems uncomfortable at rest
• The limping is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, fever, or general lethargy

Book a Vet Appointment

•  If the lameness is mild and intermittent
• If the lameness doesn’t improve after one day

Monitor at Home

If you notice clear improvement within a day

Common Causes of Limping

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

A chronic joint condition where cartilage deteriorates and becomes thin, reducing cushioning effect in the joint. This can cause irritation, pain, stiffness, and sometimes bony growths can develop. Ligaments and muscles around the joint may also be affected. Dogs with arthritis often appear stiff after resting and they may struggle to stand up or jump into the car.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, in good condition, and well-exercised are some of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk of your dog developing osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is common in older dogs and certain breeds are more likely to develop the condition. It can affect both the joints in the limbs and in the spine.

2. Fractures

Fractures usually result from trauma such as falls, being hit by a car or even a kick from a horse. Fractures require emergency care as they cause severe pain and the dog will often not bear weight on the leg at all.  It is important to rest the dog completely and carry the dog instead of walking it until the veterinary examination has taken place.

3. Sprains

A sprain is a ligament injury, often caused by an awkward step or twist. If there’s no swelling and the dog is still weightbearing and only mildly lame, then a period of rest may be sufficient. There should be visible improvement by the next day; otherwise, a vet visit is recommended. It would be advisable to rest the dog with short lead walks until a few days after the lameness has resolved. 

4. Broken Nails

This area bleeds easily and is painful when exposed and touched. Broken nails are rarely an emergency, but an emergency appointment is recommended if the bleeding is difficult to stop or if the dog is very painful or unsettled. Keep the dog rested until the veterinary appointment. On rare occasions, the nail bone itself may be fractured. Keep your dog's nails trimmed and inspect the paws regularly to reduce the risk of broken nails.

5. Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

Elbow Dysplasia is caused by one or more developmental conditions that leads to abnormalities in the elbow joint. This results in stiffness and limping in one or both front legs. The condition is typically diagnosed in puppies and young dogs of the larger breeds.

6. Hip Dysplasia (HD)

Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, common in larger breeds. Symptoms include limping and stiffness of the back end. Symptoms can be seen in both young and adult dogs, and the condition is influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, growth rate, and diet. Hip dysplasia is diagnosed by x-rays of the hip joints and x-rays are also used to identify which dogs are unlikely to pass the condition on to their offspring.

7. Osteochondrosis (OCD)

Osteochondrosis is a developmental disorder affecting joints, especially in large, fast-growing breeds. The condition can be diagnosed with x-rays and most commonly affects the elbows. However, the  shoulders, hocks, and knees can also be involved. Limping often worsens after rest. Osteochondrosis can lead to arthritis and OCD is also a common cause of elbow dysplasia. 

8. Patellar Luxation

A condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Signs include skipping with a hind leg, holding the leg up briefly, or intermittent limping. The condition is hereditary and is more common in small breeds. Maintaining an ideal weight and choosing breeding dogs with healthy knees helps to reduce the risk of passing the condition to the offspring.

9. Cruciate Ligament Injury

The cruciate ligaments are important for the stability of the knee. Injury to the ligaments can result from trauma, sprains or long-term wear and tear. Studies have shown that some dogs can be genetically redisposed to a type of cruciate ligament injury. Sudden limping in a hind leg, swelling of the knee, or intermittent lameness may indicate a ligament issue.

Strong muscles and healthy weight can help prevent ligament injuries.

10. Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)

Bone Cancer, also known as Osteosarcoma, is a very serious and painful cancer that often affects specific bones and is more common in certain breeds such as Greyhounds, Great Danes and Rottweilers.

11. Snake Bites

Snake bites (such as from adders) can cause swelling and limping, especially if the paw or leg is bitten. Keep your dog still, carry it, if possible, to prevent the venom from spreading, and seek emergency care immediately.

Other Possible Causes of Limping

• Autoimmune Joint Diseases: Immune-mediated polyarthritis. This condition affects multiple joints and causes stiffness, limping, and swelling. Diagnosis involves clinical exams, blood tests, and sometimes joint fluid analysis.
• Cold-Induced Cramping: In winter, the cold can reduce blood flow to the paws, causing the dog to lift its paws or refuse to walk. Warm the paws gently and use booties on the coldest days.
• Debris Between Paw Pads: Gravel, pine needles, or sand can get stuck and cause discomfort. Rinse and inspect paws after walks.
• Cuts or Wounds: A deeper cut on the paw may bleed and cause lameness. Even shallow wounds can be painful. Keep the dog still, rinse the area, and apply a bandage if needed. Contact a vet for assessment.

Helpful Tip!

Regularly check your dog’s paws and legs to learn what’s normal and to train your dog to have the toes and nails manipulated. This helps you notice changes like swelling or heat that may require veterinary attention.