My dog is limping and licking his paw. What to do until the vet opens?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog is not using is not putting much weight on his front paw and licking it a lot. I think he has a sprained paw. What should we do for treatment. Normally we'd just go to our vet but they are closed because it's Saturday. I don't think this is an emergency as well but want to feel like we have a treatment plan for the next 2 days until our normal vet can see him
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 18th, 2017
This is a great question! I agree that it may not be an emergency, and I will give you a treatment plan for the next few days. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Poor pup! Your plan of waiting until to see your local vet until Monday seems reasonable for this type of injury. Through the weekend, keep your dog from running, jumping, and playing by confining him to a very small room or crate to prevent exacerbation of any injury. Do not give any over the counter pet or human medication (including aspirin) until he can be examined by his vet!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 30th, 2017
Poor Charlie! It could be he has injured his paw, could have a foreign body in it, or may have a broken bone in his paw causing these symptoms. It sounds like he is very painful, especially if he won't let you look at it. I would definitely take him into the vet tomorrow to have his paw examined. He may need to be sedated in order to allow the vet to take a good look at it, so I would not feed him past 12am tonight. The vet can determine what is causing these symptoms so he can be treated. Rest him tonight, taking him out to toilet on a lead only and bringing him right back in when he's done. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe pain medication as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 30th, 2017
Poor Max! He could have injured himself playing in the garden. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take Max into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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