Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is limping after jumping off the bed. When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed

My dog jumped off the bed last night and now she is limping her hind leg but doesn't seem to be in pain at all should I just give it a couple days or does she need to be seen immediately

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2016

Limping is a sign of pain in dogs, so Aires is feeling pain from jumping off. She could have strained a ligament jumping off the bed, possibly torn her cruciate ligament, done meniscal damage to her knee, or may have fractured a bone. I would try resting her for 48 hours to see if that helps. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she is done. Keep her as quiet as possible. If she is still limping at 48 hours, or if in that time she stops putting weight on it at all, I would take her into the vet right away for an exam. Do not give her any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe pain medications for her, and can decide the best course of treatment based on the diagnosis of her limping. For example, cruciate ligament rupture and meniscal damage requires surgery to fix.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 23rd, 2019

    Poor Luna. Limping means she is in pain. I would rest her for the next 24 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she’s done. If she is still limping after this time, have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing her pain, and can prescribe pain medication. Please do not give her any human pain medications as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Katie S

    Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on January 26th, 2016

    If she is not using her paw/leg at all now then I would go to the vet as something could be broken or dislocated. If she is hobbling around a little bit, you can monitor her at home. I would try to keep her comfortable and not use it any more than she has to. Resting her leg for a couple days will be helpful and reduce further injury. If it does not improve after a few days then its time to visit your vet.

    Vote icon

    35Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 12th, 2019

    Poor Stella! If this just happened and she is acting normal otherwise, you could opt to restrict her exercise for the next few days (meaning short leash walks to potty only, no running or jumping) and see if the problem resolves. If there is no improvement in the next 3-5 days, or if she starts to hold the leg up completely or act excessively painful, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam and possible x-rays to find out what's wrong.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored