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My dog is limping on his front leg but doesn't seem to be in pain.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 years old | 18 lbs

My dog is an 8 year old mini schnauzer/mini dachshund mix, last night when he got up from bed he was limping on his front right leg. He was fine all day until then. Today when he woke up he seemed fine but as the day went on he started limping again. I've felt every inch of his leg and there was nothing unusual and he didn't seem bothered at any part I touched. He still wants to run and jump and play so he doesn't seem that bothered by it, he just avoids putting pressure on it. Please help.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 21st, 2018

Hi. Poor Moose. He most likely has a sprain or strain of a muscle, tendon, or ligament. This can happen if your dog stretches too far, too much, slips, falls, or jumps during normal play. Strains and sprains can be sudden, or older and worsening. They can range from mild to severe.  Dogs can overdo it, and these injuries are very common occurrences. The main treatment for these is to have your pet examined, xrays taken, and then yout veterinarian will most likely prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation.  REST will be the most important part of the healing process.  No running. No jumping, no crazy play for 4-6 weeks.  Your first step will be to rest him and th4n call your veterinarian in the morning.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 19th, 2019

    If you are talking about a hind leg, she needs to see a vet now. A hind leg lameness is almost always due to a torn cruciate ligament. Most often this is a surgical problem. If this is a front leg problem, this is most often a strain/sprain and will often heal with rest. No matter, what it is, as long as you keep allowing her to play/run/chase it will never get better. Dogs are not smart enough to realize they are injured and will continue to run around. When I say rest, I mean STRICT rest. Go outside on a leash only to use the bathroom then back in the house. No running, jumping or playing at all until she is no longer limping. Once no more limping, then you have to start back SLOWLY with exercise - gradually increase it over time. Please get her to a vet for a diagnosis, then you can get a proper treatment plan.

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 28th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Walter. First off, with any lameness you want to provide strict activity reduction including crating and leash walking only to give the leg a good rest. Lameness can be due to many things including trauma to the bone structures or soft tissue structures of the leg, puncture wounds, infections, tick bites and tick transmitted diseases such as Lyme's disease, paw/toe injuries, foot pad/toe pad injuries, joint problems, among others. I would advise that if the signs persist you should get Walter evaluated by your veterinarian. Your vet can get a history, do a physical/orthopedic exam, and then advise diagnostics which could include blood tests, x-rays, etc. Once a cause is determined, a sound treatment plan can be put into place which could include pain medicines, anti inflammatory medicines, exercise restriction, crating, leash walking only, hot or cold therapy, cold therapeutic laser treatment, joint supplements, etc. Good luck with Walter. I hope he heals quickly. Please keep in mind, soft tissue injuries such as sprains/strains/muscle pulls and injuries to tendons and ligaments often take a long time to heal.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on June 29th, 2018

    I'm sorry to hear that Jessie may have injured herself. If Jessie is limping, then she is painful (even if you cannot find any pain on examining her leg). We commonly see soft tissue injuries in dogs from playing too hard (especially dogs like Staffies). If that is the case, then the lameness should steadily get better over a period of a few days and should not come back. If Jessie's lameness is not better within a week or if it is worse at any time, I would certainly recommend having your veterinarian examine her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Jessie feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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