Your dog is limping, and you're starting to worry. Why would your furry friend suddenly be favoring one paw or one side? There are many reasons that your dog could be limping out of the blue. Just like us, it could be as simple as something bothering them or it could be a more complicated health issue.

The purpose of limping is to relieve some sort of pain that your dog is feeling. It can be hard seeing your four-legged friend in apparent pain, but as long as you seek a vet’s professional opinion, you and your pup just may be back up and running in no time.

Let's run through the important things to know about limping in dogs; when to call a vet, and what to do next.

Limping in dogs

When a dog is limping, it's one of those pet problems that sneaks up out of nowhere. Right now, you might be asking the typical dog-owner questions:

• Is my dog in pain? 

• How long has your dog been favoring a paw or a leg? 

• Could the limping be a minor problem, like a little splinter in the toe, or something sticky that my dog stepped in?

• Is it something serious, requiring medical treatment?

If your dog is limping, it's time to play pet detective. This could be as simple as a mild irritation, like a bug bite. Or it could be due to an underlying condition needing medical treatment. 

Your best bet is to call your nearest VEG; but first, let's run through the possibilities of why your dog may be limping.

There are various reasons why a dog may suddenly start limping. Our emergency vets at VEG are available 24/7 to diagnose the cause of your dog's limp and provide compassionate care.

Why do dogs limp?

Your dog is limping to relieve some sort of pain or discomfort. Knowing this, try to determine by the type of limp how serious the pain could potentially be, before you move forward with an action plan.

Categories of dog limps: gradual onset vs. sudden limping

Veterinarians classify limping into two general categories: gradual, and sudden onset. Try to determine which of these matches your dog's current condition.

Gradual onset limping in dogs

Gradual onset limping develops slowly over a long period of time. One day your dog may be only slightly limping, and the next day he seems fine. Then it's another day of limping, and this time the limp is more severe.

If you see that your dog is gradually starting to limp, you should consult a vet. Letting a gradual limp fester can lead to additional complications.

Sudden limping in dogs

Sudden limping develops instantaneously. It’s usually due to some sort of injury or trauma. If you notice that your dog has started limping suddenly, you should take them to the vet right away to find out the cause and what can be done.

Ascertain the pain

How badly is your dog suffering? It's hard to know, and not knowing is quite upsetting! Your dog can't talk about it to you, but there are some ways you can provide immediate relief for your limping dog.

How to help a dog with a limp

What can you do right now? Be an observer.

• Is your dog crying?

• Panting heavily?

• Does they yelp when touched?

If you answered yes to any of these, do not wait and get to VEG immediately. They most likely are hurting pretty badly if they're displaying the above signs.

• Is your dog still okay with being petted?

• Does your dog seem relaxed?

These are good signs they are not in extreme pain. Nevertheless, if they're limping, make a game plan to call your VEG emergency vet and get your dog on the mend.

VEG vets are highly trained in emergency care, such as limping. Our ER vet will assess, diagnose, and recommend a care plan so that your limping dog can be comfortable and quite possibly limp-free once again.

Trauma or joint disease are just two reasons a dog might start limping. See an emergency vet at VEG to determine the cause and next steps to help relieve your dog's pain.

Causes for sudden limping in dogs

Dogs don’t start limping for no reason, and it’s important to find out the cause of why the limping started in the first place.

Some common reasons for a dog limping suddenly include:

1. Superficial Injury/Trauma 

2. Deeper Injury or Trauma 

3. Joint Disease

Superficial injuryor trauma in dogs

One reason for sudden limping in dogs could be a paw or leg injury.

Superficial injuries can include a cut or scrape caused by a sharp object such as stepping on glass, getting stuck by a thorn, walking on a nail, or running on hot pavement. Other paw injuries that can cause limping include bites or stings, infection, broken toenails, or burns.

All of these cause pain which, as previously stated, is the main reason dogs limp. To relieve pain.

Limping and licking the paw?

You may also notice your dog licking the area nonstop. It’s another sign of an injury. If your dog starts limping out of the blue, the first thing you need to do is to check his paws and legs for any abnormalities or signs of injury.

Deeper injury or trauma can cause limping

Is your dog one that considers himself quite the athlete but he’s actually unbelievably clumsy? Or is she a true athlete but didn’t see the sharp rock buried in the grass? If either sounds right and you’ve noticed sudden limping, it could be due to trauma.

Dogs oftentimes ignore their bodily limits to jump from heights, sprint fast and suddenly stop, or make a quick turn. This can lead to torn ligaments, bone fractures (broken bones), joint trauma, or sprains.

Trauma could also be something like being attacked by another animal, getting a leg stuck in the fence, or being hit by a car. 

Some of these injuries are more serious than others. So make sure to take your dog to the emergency vet if your dog seems to be suffering as a result of serious injury or trauma.

Joint disease in dogs can show up as limping           

Another situation that can cause your dog to suddenly start limping is if they’re suffering from joint disease. This is typically considered gradual onset limping; however, maybe your dog has been good at hiding it or there is a flare up of inflammation.  

Joint diseases include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ligament disease, osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, or intervertebral disk disease. I know, that’s a lot to take in. An emergency vet at VEG will be key in diagnosing exactly what’s going on and the best way to relieve the pain to take away the limping.

Some of these joint diseases, like osteoarthritis, are more common in elderly dogs. Others, like osteochondritis dissecans, happen in younger pups during periods of growth.

Read on for other causes for why a dog may start suddenly limping. VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 to care for dogs and all pets experiencing a medical emergency.

Other reasons for sudden limping in dogs

There are still other reasons for your dog’s limping. It could be a side effect of infection such as Lyme disease or a cancer like osteosarcoma that affects bones.

If you have a large breed puppy like a Great Dane, they might limp due to conditions such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy or panosteitis.

Limping may develop in your dog depending on seasonal changes. For example, a bee sting in the summer, or a foxtail weed stuck to the leg on a hike, a slip on the ice in winter or paw swelling from ice melt between the toe beans. Being aware of your dog's surroundings and potential dangers during each season is key.

Limping in dogs: treatment options, next steps

In order to decide exactly what’s going on, our vet will run a variety of tests. Radiographs, biopsies, and blood tests are all possible options we may use to decide exactly why your pup has started limping.

Treatment will depend on the physical exam and diagnostics. Rest and relaxation may be all that's required to get your buddy back to tip-top shape. In other cases, pain medications, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or surgery may be recommended.

VEG ER doctors will inform your primary care vet about every detail so that they can continue with your pet’s care for successful treatment.

It can be hard seeing your four-legged friend in apparent pain, but try to put on a calming demeanor, and seek your VEG vet’s professional medical advice as soon as you can.

Tips to help keep your limping dog safe and avoiding injury

As a proactive pet owner, you'll want to avoid situations where your dog could potentially get hurt. For example, when playing fetch, make sure the area of play has safe, smooth ground and no opportunities to escape to the street. 

If your dog has a history of being a relentless escape artist in your yard, take preventive measures:

• Safeguard the yard 

• Install or secure fencing 

• Enroll your pup in some behavioral training 

• Never leave your pet unattended outdoors  

Get immediate vet help if your dog is limping

No matter the cause of your dog’s limping, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If your pet starts limping, seek immediate emergency vet care. 

At VEG animal hospitals, we’re ready to help assess and relieve any pain that caused your dog to suddenly start limping. The emergency veterinarians at all of our convenient VEG locations are here to care for your pet when they need us most.

Our locations are open 24/7, and your dog will never have to wait to receive the immediate care they need.