Why is my dog limping on different legs but shows no signs of pain?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog started limping in one leg for no reason and now she switched legs . She doesn't wimper or make noises like she's hurt . What could cause this
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 3rd, 2015
This depends on the age of your dog. In older dogs, this is a classic sign of hip dysplasia. In young patients with hip dysplasia, the hip joint is often "lax" or loose. The ball of the hip does not fit well into the socket. The actual formation of the ball of the hip joint may be improperly formed at the neck or head. Young patients often have the appearance of "bunny hopping" when running as this more evenly distributes weight across both back legs. They can also be intermittently lame, like your dog. They may have trouble rising or you may hear a click when he does or walks. We also see the weight being held more on the front limbs than the rear (leaning forward) when standing. In an older dog, shifting leg lameness is a sign of arthritis. Without further information, I cannot tell you what is causing this in your dog. Depending on the cause, medication can be useful to help the signs improve but a veterinary exam would be needed.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 9th, 2017
Most serious injuries to the leg would cause more consistent limping. It's possible that he has a luxating patella - a condition where the knee cap pops in and out of the joint. This does not cause pain because could cause the leg to 'give out' occasionally and then go back to normal. Your veterinarian would be able to diagnose a luxating patella during a physical exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 20th, 2017
Cyprus is handsome! Him being a German Shepard and having a bunny hopping gait I'm concerned he may have hip dysplasia. That is poor hip conformation with joint laxity that will cause painful arthritis over time. Often dogs with hip dysplasia have one rear leg that is worse causing a lameness, and they often shift weight to the front legs that can cause them to be sore too. This can be diagnosed with an examination of his hips and X-rays. Dogs that are uncomfortable respond well to dog pain medication and steady daily exercise is good to keep up the rear leg muscles. It's best to limit running, jumping and rough housing with the other dogs so he doesn't get sore. Keeping him on the thin side so he's not carrying excess weight will help reduce his joint pain. There are also many joint supplements for joint health that your veterinarian will recommend. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Cyprus.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 7th, 2019
Usually signs are noticeable starting from 4-6months of age but can be subtle at first. Decreased activity, decreased range of motion, difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs, lameness in the hind end, looseness in the joint, narrow stance, swaying, “bunny hopping” gait, grating in the joint during movement, loss of thigh muscle mass, noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end, pain, stiffness are all possible signs.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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