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My dog is limping: What's wrong? When should I take them to vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 months and 3 days old | 7 lbs

Why is my dog limping?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2017

Hello! Buddy is a puppy and pretty tiny, it sounds like. It could be something simple, like he got stepped on and has a bruised paw, or more serious, like a fractured bone. Puppies are pretty dramatic, especially the tiny ones. If he is still limping or crying out in pain after a couple of hours, it may be more serious and I would recommend taking him in to your vet for xrays and pain medication. If he seems fine in a couple of hours, he probably has nothing serious going on. Hope that helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    I'm sorry that Buddy is limping! Unfortunately, there are many different things that could cause this, so I'm afraid it's impossible to say without more information. He may have injured his leg somehow, or he could have a genetic problem such as a luxating patella or hip dysplasia causing the limp. If he is putting some weight on the leg and acting normal otherwise, you could opt to monitor him at home for the next 24-48 hours to see if the problem resolves. If he is holding the leg up completely, seems excessively painful, or if he has been limping for more than two days, it would be best to take him to the vet for an exam. He/she can take x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.

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