I have a 8yr old German Shepherd that has been limping on his front right paw. Can't see anything in pads. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 8 years old

He may have a soft tissue injury (like a sprain/strain of a muscle) or an orthopedic issue (hairline fracture, or arthritis). The best recommendation is to restrict his activity for the next 48 hours - no running, no jumping, no stairs, and leash-walks only. If he still limps after that 48 hour trial, Dexter may need to be seen by a veterinarian for a lameness exam.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Dexter is limping! Young dogs can limp for a number of reasons including trauma, "growing pains", developmental abnormalities, infection or inflammation of the bones, joints, or surrounding soft tissue structures. I would recommend restricting Dexter's activity for at least 7 days to see if rest will help his limp resolve. If this does not help or if the limp gets worse at any time, I recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian. Many Petcos have wellness centers that provide comprehensive veterinary care. This way, Dexter can have a complete physical exam performed to better localize his pain. The veterinarian will examine the lame leg(s) from the tip of his toes, all the way up to his spine to look for evidence of pain. He/she may recommend x-rays of the leg(s) to look for evidence of trauma. Just a reminder to NEVER give dogs any pain medication that is intended for humans, as these can be lethally toxic to dogs. I hope this information is helpful, and good luck with Dexter!