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My dog yelps loudly when using his front leg. Is a vet visit needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 1 month old | 18 lbs

This has happened twice today. When my dog put force on one of his front legs (the same leg each time, once when he was running and once when he was descending a step), he yelped very loudly and ran to me for help. The second time however, when he was running and it happened, he shrieked loudly for the duration of around ten seconds, and he was scared to allow me to touch it. I think I sourced the pain to where his front leg bends (similar to the human elbow). Does this warrant a vet visit?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2017

It sounds like this problem is related to instability or damage to ligaments somewhere near the region that you localized pain. A fracture would cause them not to not use that leg completely, so I'm less suspicious of that. Elbow problems, such as elbow dysplasia, are sometimes seen in dogs; but it tends to affect larger breeds and younger dogs. With small breed dogs, we tend to see fractures and other complications lower down in the leg near the wrist area. The fact that he is older is concerning for complications associated with arthritis and other age-related problems. If Devon seems to otherwise be fine and is not heavily limping on the leg, then it would be OK to wait a few days to see if it resolves. During this time it's important to limit his activity and especially restrict jumping up and down off of things like the couch or stairs. However, it would never hurt to take him to the vet to get it assessed. They might see something that you would not have noticed. They can also take x-rays if there is anything of concern. I would definitely take Devon to the vet if you notice swelling of the leg, or if he starts to limp more. I hope that helps and Devon gets better soon.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I believe it does warrant a vet visit, keep Devon rested as much as you can during the weekend, no long walks, no running or jumping, if by Monday the condition is still the same or worse - take him to the vet to get it checked and treated, he might need anti inflammatories.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I believe it does warrant a vet visit, keep Devon rested as much as you can during the weekend, no long walks, no running or jumping, if by Monday the condition is still the same or worse - take him to the vet to get it checked and treated, he might need anti inflammatories.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like this problem is related to instability or damage to ligaments somewhere near the region that you localized pain. A fracture would cause them not to not use that leg completely, so I'm less suspicious of that. Elbow problems, such as elbow dysplasia, are sometimes seen in dogs; but it tends to affect larger breeds and younger dogs. With small breed dogs, we tend to see fractures and other complications lower down in the leg near the wrist area. The fact that he is older is concerning for complications associated with arthritis and other age-related problems. If Devon seems to otherwise be fine and is not heavily limping on the leg, then it would be OK to wait a few days to see if it resolves. During this time it's important to limit his activity and especially restrict jumping up and down off of things like the couch or stairs. However, it would never hurt to take him to the vet to get it assessed. They might see something that you would not have noticed. They can also take x-rays if there is anything of concern. I would definitely take Devon to the vet if you notice swelling of the leg, or if he starts to limp more. I hope that helps and Devon gets better soon.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like this problem is related to instability or damage to ligaments somewhere near the region that you localized pain. A fracture would cause them not to not use that leg completely, so I'm less suspicious of that. Elbow problems, such as elbow dysplasia, are sometimes seen in dogs; but it tends to affect larger breeds and younger dogs. With small breed dogs, we tend to see fractures and other complications lower down in the leg near the wrist area. The fact that he is older is concerning for complications associated with arthritis and other age-related problems. If Devon seems to otherwise be fine and is not heavily limping on the leg, then it would be OK to wait a few days to see if it resolves. During this time it's important to limit his activity and especially restrict jumping up and down off of things like the couch or stairs. However, it would never hurt to take him to the vet to get it assessed. They might see something that you would not have noticed. They can also take x-rays if there is anything of concern. I would definitely take Devon to the vet if you notice swelling of the leg, or if he starts to limp more. I hope that helps and Devon gets better soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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