My puppy fell and is limping. Is it a serious injury or just a sprain?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My 10 week old puppy fell off the sofa yesterday morning landing on his back right leg. He yelled in pain for about 45 seconds. He is still limping slightly but will put weight on it. There is no obvious swelling. He is the same in himself. Still playful, eating etc. I have applied an ice pack yesterday and making him rest. When feeling the leg and applying pressure, he doesn't notice, no signs of any pain. Is there any other advice? Is this likely to be more serious than a sprain?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 1st, 2017
It could be a sprain, but given that he is a young puppy, I would recommend having him checked out by a vet. You want to make sure it is just a sprain, instead of something more serious like a fracture of torn ligament which could affect his growth. I would rest him for now, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when done. Take him into the vet on Monday for an exam to be safe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 24th, 2019
That is possible. If its not swollen or obviously painful when touched, and he's otherwise acting normally, give him a couple of days of rest (do not encourage rough play, avoid long walks, etc) and see how he does. If the limp is persisting after 3-4 days, take him to your vet. Likewise if he seems increasingly painful, it becomes swollen, etc, take him in. Please don't give any over the counter medications for pain, as there are not safe and effective options of human medications that you can give him. Additionally, if you give him something for pain then take him to the vet, your vet has fewer options to effectively manage his pain. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on March 14th, 2017
Poor Sonny! I would have him seen by a vet today for this. When a young puppy injuries themselves, it's best to have this examined right away to prevent any adverse effects on their growth. The vet can do a lameness exam and x-rays to diagnose what is causing him to limp, and can discuss treatment options with you.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on December 29th, 2017
Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Phat boy's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. You could perhaps check with another veterinarian for another examination. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My 16 week old 9 pound aussiedoodle was having a bit of an energy spurt running in circles and playing - and he leapt up and ran into the cabinet and fell and squealed loudly for nearly a minute. He then wouldn't get up and is acting very subdued. He
Hello this morning my dog started to limp on his right leg when he walks and he won’t put any pressure on it when he stands could this be a sprain or something more serious?
My puppy peanut she's 5 months old she slipped and fell yesterday and now today she's limping but when I touch her paw or her leg it don't hurt her but other than that she seems fine she's not whining she's wanting to play and jump around should I be
Our 8 mo puppy hurt his leg while playing outside. He can walk on it but is favoring it and does seem to be swollen.
My dog tried to go up on the couch but missed and started limping on his back left leg. And couldn't lift his leg for the rest of the day. We gave him gabapentin to help with his pain. The next day he was able to lift leg and walk with no obvious lim
My dog is limping idk if it has a broken leg or a sprained or just a fractured bone
I have a 15 week old pupp he was in my partners arms and jumped out from a height to land on the carpet funny since then he walks with a limp and tends to hold his paw up when he sits he does put a little weight on it he is not crying but does a litt
My dog jumped off the bed and ran into the dresser. He's been limping on the leg and when he jumps down he cries. I can massage it with no crying help
Dog was playing catch in yard. Noticed when he came in and asked to sit he wouldn't. Limping some and holding back leg up. Leg seems a little warm and slight swollen. Laying down now and resting. No heavy panting or whining. Nose a little warm. Has
My puppy is limping after falling off my bed but she seems to not be in any pain when I grab her leg or as she’s walking. What should I do?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
