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My dog limped badly, but now seems fine. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 1 year and 5 months old

Last night my dog was limping/crying in pain. Her front left wrist/paw seemed to be the cause. She woke up the same. Now a few hrs later she's fine.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Julia Henwood

Certified Veterinary Nurse

Published on July 12th, 2016

Sometimes dogs can strain their legs from over exercise or a sudden movement the same as we can. Overnight she may have stiffened up which has caused her to limp initially. The fact that she seems fine now is good and she has probably loosened it off. If it reoccurs then see you vet for assessment and appropriate pain relief.

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18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Daphne may have strained or twisted her left wrist/paw, and that was causing the pain. If she is fine for now, I would continue to monitor her, keeping her quiet for the next 48-72 hours. Don't allow her to run around, and take her out to toilet on a lead. If she remains fine with no limping or pain, you don't have to restrict her activity after that time period I mentioned above. If she becomes painful again on the restricted activity, or after she is no longer restricted, you will need to take her into your vet to figure out what is causing the pain and limping.

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    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    It sounds like Daphne may have injured her paw last night - dogs can sometimes twist a paw or wrist just like we can, and it may be sore for a few hours before going back to normal. If your dog is acting fine now, then it's probably not a cause for concern. If she begins limping again within the next few days, then I would recommend taking her to a vet for an exam and possible x-rays.

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    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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