My dog woke up limping. What's causing it and when to see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 15 days old | 7 lbs
My dog woke up this morning and started limping like his leg was asleep but it's been 4hrs and nothing has changed. I'm very concerned
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 16th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Coal! It could be a strain or a sprain from being overly active yesterday. If he is weight bearing I doubt it is broken. Other causes for limping are tick borne illness like lyme disease. If it a back leg it could be a torn ACL or a luxated knee cap which is common in small breeds. If he is eating and drinking and otherwise acting normal set up an appointment monday if he is still limping. Good luck!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on June 17th, 2019
Peace could be limping for many reasons including arthritis, an injury or even something like Lyme disease. A physical exam is the only way to begin to determine the cause of limping. Try to get this done within the next 24 hours. Until she is examined, she should have strict exercise restriction so no walks/running/jumping. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on November 15th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Limping can be caused by pain, which can be due to an injury, arthritis, or a disease that causes inflammation of the joints such as an immune attack on the joints, or an infectious cause such as Lyme disease. Since the limp has 'jumped limbs' I would be more concerned about either an immune disease (IMPA) or Lyme disease. These conditions are very painful and this pain and fever can cause animals to be tired, weak and not want to eat. I recommend a visit to the vet as soon as you can. Best of luck with Max, I hope he feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on December 6th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like he has improved but is not yet back to normal 100%. I would recommend you continue to monitor him for now. Keep in mind that his activity should be limited as he recovers. If he continues to limp within the next week, I recommend you have him reevaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My dog is walking uncomfortable from today. He had jumped maybe hit his leg. Will he be ok or what should I do?
My dog started limping today. When she walks she is holding her left pack leg up. However she is jumping up and down off of furniture normally, she is still using that leg to scratch, and she will sit and lay down on it normally. I have felt up and d
My dog is limping and not sure why.
My dog has been having issues with his back legs for about 3 weeks. He will limp sometimes but then be completely fine and running around 5 minutes later. He seems to be a little more lathargic but is eating fine. Should I take him to a vet immediate
Hi my dog fell from quite a low point but is now limping - what action would you suggest? Thanks!
The other day our husky stepped on our poodle's paw and he seemed to have gotten hurt but then we thought it was fine. Today he began to limp a little and hardly walk on the paw where the husky stepped on.
Our corgi is limping/lame in her left rear leg after being at rest. She came out of her kennel yesterday morning as though she had slept hard on that side and the leg was numb. Once the leg “warms” up, her movement and activity level is pretty normal
My dog is a Shepard mix and is about 10 months old. A couple of days ago I noticed that she started limping a little I checked her paw and she had nothing so I figured it would go away. I noticed the limping has gotten worse but there is nothing on h
Hello, my dog is having trouble standing on one of his hind legs. I suspect that he has trauma from all the running he did when he ran away. When we found him he was fine up until he jumped on the couch and cried in pain. However, he is still walking
My dog Diesel is limping on his right back leg. He was playing and jumping and the next when he started walking he was limping
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
