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.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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).
10Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 24th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Doc. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He could have a soft tissue injury such as a muscle strain. However, lameness in such a young dog is worrisome. He will likely need x-rays to rule out any congenital joint problems or other bone disease. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 8th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Taz. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He may be experiencing arthritis secondary to hip or knee problems. There is a also a muscle in the lower back that a dog can strain. This is very painful as well. He will likely need x-rays based on his exam findings. Then treatment can be designed for him. If he is not bearing weight evenly between his rear limbs, this indicates he is painful. In the meantime, avoid hard exercise and not give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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