Health

Dogs

Limping and lameness

Limping means your dog is not using a leg normally, usually because of pain. Minor injuries and arthritis are the most common causes, but fractures, ligament injuries and growth problems can also cause lameness. Dogs often hide pain, so even a mild limp is worth checking.

What you might notice

• Not putting full weight on a leg, or holding it up.
• Stiffness, especially after rest.
• Licking or chewing a paw or leg.
• Swollen joint or leg.
• Reluctance to walk, jump or use stairs.

Common causes

• Sprains, strains and cuts.
• Broken or torn claws and objects stuck in the paw.
• Arthritis.
• Cruciate ligament injury in the knee.
• Hip or elbow dysplasia and other growth problems.
• Fractures or dislocations.

What you can do at home

• Rest your dog and use short lead walks only until seen by a vet.
• Gently check the paw for thorns, cuts or broken claws.
• Stop running, jumping and ball games.
• Use non-slip mats on slippery floors.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any limp lasting more than a day or two.
• A limp that comes and goes, or stiffness after rest.
• Swollen joints or slowing down in an older dog.

Don't

• Do not give human painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Do not exercise a limping dog to 'walk it off'.
• Do not give leftover pain medicine prescribed for another pet.

Prevention

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
• Build up exercise gradually and warm up before hard activity.
• Keep claws trimmed.
• Choose puppies from health-screened parents in at-risk breeds.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.