My dog is limping, won't eat, and isn't acting like himself. Why?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 3 months old
I have a 1 year old German shepherd who is limping with his back leg he won't put it on the ground and lifts it up when walking he is also refusing to eat and isn't acting like himself
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 9th, 2018
If it just started you can let Bruno rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 5th, 2017
Poor Bruno! He could have strained a ligament or muscle causing the limping. I would recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 3rd, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Buddy. If he is limping, this indicates that his leg is painful to him. If he is otherwise acting normally and there is no history of trauma, you can try resting him for 24 hours. Carry him as much as possible, do not allow him to run, jump or play and take him outside on a leash to go potty. Many mild causes of lameness will resolve with rest. However, if he is worse or not getting better, then he will need to see a veterinarian. X-rays of the limb may be warranted. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 6th, 2020
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Wallace. Unfortunately, I do not recommend giving any over-the-counter pain medications to dogs. Many are toxic to dogs. Assuming that he is otherwise normal, I recommend that he is kept very quiet for the next few days. This means no running, jumping, playing or stairs. Take him out on a leash to go potty and then bring him right back inside. Most mild cases of lameness will respond to rest. If the lameness does not resolve or gets worse, then he will need to see a veterinarian. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
4y/o dog developed limp right back leg today. She sleeps, runs, even jumps on bed. She plays eats seems not to be in pain. How long should I wait befor bringing to vet. She is active.
Bruno was normal running inside the house I also look my security cam it just show he sit on one place on his left rear leg support and when he stand up he not able to ke his right rear leg on ground rest he is running also but he can't keep and give
As I earlier said bruno hind right leg is limping so I saw my cameras in who's I notice he was having little problem in his leg minute which looks like or pretend to be that he has problem but later he was running and his right hind leg got slipped a
its been 3 days since rocky fell from bed . he is still limping but his back leg doesnt hurt anymore. what should i do?
Sudden limping just from sitting and resting is a sign of hip dysplasia?or it's a normal strain of leg as my dog is having pain in his right rear leg suddenly it arises so I m worried can I give pain killer to him or what should I do ?
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?
Pulled muscle in hind leg.. Mild limping.. Unable to sit on hind legs..
Hello, I have a 3-year-old GSD/husky mix, and I noticed that his energy level was much lower today and he seemed to walk with a limp. He didn't eat his food and so I had to feed him by hand and he wasn't drinking much water (which is very unlike him)
Hello Doctor, I have one year male Rottweiler and its back one leg is limping. Please suggest what happened to it. It's totally normal dog.
Last night I notice bruno when he went on floor from bed he was limbing his left hind leg but in the morning also when I woke up he was limbing then again it become normal but later he again started to limb in short he is limbing in between interval
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