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My dog limps after exercise, no pain. Could it be weak muscles?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Female | spayed | 7 years old

After exercise, my dog seems to limp. No pain, cries or behaviour change. Is this something that needs strengthening? Vet said "weak muscles" last time.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 28th, 2016

It's possible that it could be a conditioning or strengthening issue, depending what kind of exercise your dog is doing and what the [limp](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-limping) looks like - sport dogs, such as competitive agility or frisbee dogs, often have issues like this that can be improved with specific types of exercises - if you think this could be the problem with your dog, I would recommend making an appointment with a vet who specializes in sports medicine to evaluate your dog and develop a specific exercise regimen for her to help improve the issue. Other [possible causes](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-orthopedic-conditions-in-dogs) of chronic limping after exercise would include [arthritis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/arthritis-1/), or a chronic soft tissue injury such as a muscle tear or ligament injury that is aggravated by exercise. A good sports medicine vet or orthopedic surgeon could tell you more after examining your dog and watching her move.

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14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    [Limping](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/lameness-1/) is a sign of pain in dogs, so something is clearly hurting Rogue during exercise that's causing her to [limp](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-limping). I'm not sure which limb she is limping on, so I can't narrow things down more, but she could have problems with her hips, knees, or elbows, among other joint issues. She might need x-rays to rule in or rule out joint issues. I recommend taking her into your vet this week for a thorough [physical and orthopedic exam](https://www.petcoach.co/article/veterinary-procedures-used-to-diagnose-joint-disease-in-ani).

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    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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