Why Is My Dog Limping?

One of the more frequent issues that the majority of canines pay a visit to the vet usually is because they have begun limping.

There are many explanations for why our dogs end up limping; some might be corrected through adequate rest. But some will need vet treatment at some point. How can you tell whether or not to dash down to a vet, or simply just wait for it to get better over time?

Below are some of the recommendations that may assist you. However, don’t forget that each of these is just suggestions.

If you are uncertain about anything, it is better to be safe than sorry and call your vet immediately.

Dog Starts Holding Up One Leg

This can mean a broken nail or maybe irritation or inflammation between their toes. Look at his toenails up close and also the base of his foot and see if there is any type of redness as well as swelling.

In situations like this, you may need to keep an eye on your pet for about 24 hours. In case there is no improvement, or his limp becomes worse, schedule an appointment with a vet.

Run Your Hands Up Your Dogs Leg and Feel for Tender Areas

Carefully flex and straighten every joint to check if the dog feels any pain.

If your dog is indifferent to pain, it may be hard to know precisely where they are hurting.

You should immediately bring your dog to the vet to get it checked.

In the event that he keeps on walking on his tender leg, you should rest your dog for 24-48 hours to check if he is getting better.

Resting allows your dog to stop exerting force on the injured limb. Also, do check if your dog is panting restlessly or has any breathing difficulties as it could be a sign of other illnesses.

This could be difficult for the two of you, but it is vital that he doesn’t hurt too much.

Your dog’s partial ligament tear can be a complete rip and it will need a considerably long time to fix.

In case your dog doesn’t seem any better after a few days, call the vet for a check-up.

If your canine’s leg becomes too painful, he may have damaged or broken bone or a dislocated joint.

This would mean that you would need to take your dog to the vet immediately to get it treated.

Occasionally your pet may develop a sore leg; however, such lameness tends to go away and come back.

He may not necessarily limp for a few days, making you believe that the issue has been addressed, but your dog may start limping again.

It is tough to know the exact nature of this type of lameness. So, do constantly check on your dog to see if this condition persists.

Additionally, joint illness of a dog’s legs and their back can lead to sporadic lameness.

If your dog is not that old, the reason could be a strained muscle in his legs or back.

Having an adequate amount of rest will help your dog feel revived again.

You may even want to consider herbal remedies like acupuncture to help in treating his lameness.

If you find your dog is limping frequently, it is vital to assess the reasons behind this and know what the various solutions are.

It is important to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a complete assessment.

This will help to diagnose and find the proper treatment for your beloved pet.

Some common injuries are:

Abscesses
Hip dysplasia
Sprains
Wounds
Arthritis
Ligament strains or ruptures
Growth deformities
Cruciate disease or ruptures
Fractures
Nerve pain or spinal injuries

What to Do If Your Pet Is Limping

If your dog is limping, you should try to find out what is wrong with him.

Spot the difference, a wound, prickle, swelling, hair matt, or inflammations.

In the case of matts or prickles, try to eliminate them when your pet permits.

This will instantly relieve the dog from aches, and he can walk normally again.

When you are unsure what is causing your dog to limp, it is better to call or visit a vet.

Your veterinarian will find out what is wrong with your pet and what is the best cure.

Your vet will ask you some questions and will do some testing such as x-ray and blood tests.

Pain Relief Medications or Treatments for Limping

The cure for limping will be dependent on the conditions of your dog.

It could be as simple as getting rid of the hair matt or prickle from the affected part or as complicated as undergoing surgery to correct or eliminate the source of the pain.

Frequently, a course of medication or an injection helps in addressing the condition.

There are also some conditions where admission to the hospital is needed.

Limping is a treatable case if you know the proper reason behind it.

There might be hidden reasons behind your dog’s limping that, when revealed, can provide a good diagnosis for the veterinarian to come up with a suitable treatment.

It is also important to look at your dog’s diet, studies have shown that obese dogs have a higher tendency to fall and injured themselves.

As responsible owners, we want to give our dogs the best, be it the environment or food, and ensure that they are living healthily.

Hence, it is important to choose the right dog food for your furry friends so that they can have the energy to run around safely.

You can refer to https://www.wellpet.org/best-dog-food-for-corgis/ for a list of food best recommended for breeds like corgis!

Conclusion

If you are worried about your dog’s limping, it is always good to talk to your vet regarding your concerns.

They can go over any possibilities and help you work out ways to help your pet feel better.

Don’t wait till the very last minute as you will never know what might happen next.

Prevention is always better than cure. So, seek treatment early before it is all too late.