Why is my 9-month-old puppy limping but still running around?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 10 days old | 50 lbs
My 9 month old puppy is limping an favoring his left front paw. But yet he can run around the yard like nothing
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 12th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Boomer! It is not unusual for a dog to limp but then run around as if there is no problem. Dogs are great at hiding their pain and often a young dog will get excited and forget they are hurting or just ignore the discomfort for awhile. If the limping has been going on for more than a few days, I would recommend an exam by your vet. If there is any bruising or swelling a vet exam is recommended. Check all the toenails and be sure none are split or torn and look on the underside of the paw and between the paw pads to check for wounds. If you find nothing, then I would recommend activity restriction for Boomer for several days. He should be crated or confined to a small area and only go outside on a leash to go to the bathroom- we want him to rest his foot. If after several days you aren't seeing any improvement then a visit to his vet is recommended. Best of luck to you and Boomer!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 17th, 2017
Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! So sorry to hear about Tank. Normally resting the leg is a good start but trying to rest puppies can be very challenging. You could confine him to a crate and not allow him to play with the others for a few days and see if the problem improves. Leash walks only also, no off leash activity and no playing. Possible reasons for the limp include some kind of trauma affecting the bone or soft tissues of the leg, a developmental problem, a nutritional problem, or an inflammatory/infectious problem. Injuries to the nails and foot pads can be very painful thus leading to limping. The best advice is after resting, if the problem continues, please see your veterinarian. A physical exam, orthopedic exam, and imaging studies (xrays) may be used to determine why Tank is limping. I hope Tank improves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 28th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Limping in a puppy that has remained from the previous day to the next is concerning for a 'true injury' as puppies with a slight pain often ignore it as they are so excited about everything. Possible causes include: soft tissue injury, a ruptured ligament, fractured bone, congenital malformation, problems inside the joint, etc. If she is otherwise happy and playing, waiting a few days to see if it is a soft tissue injury that resolves is an OK plan. DO NOT give any human medications for pain at home as many are toxic and do much more damage than good. If she is not eating, not walking, not putting weight on the leg, or if it persists after 5 days, then I would go to the vet. Best of luck with Pumpkin, I hope she feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 19th, 2020
I'd be worried about a sprain or other internal injury to the joint or tissues that could be causing pain or stiffness without visible injury. Some large breed dogs are also prone to joint pain/stiffness during growth spurts at around this age (Panosteitis) which could be another cause. If the lameness and pain are continuing, I'd have RIker checked out by your vet. Until you can get into the vet, limiting his activity to leashed only walks to go potty may help reduce any further injury or pain until it can be figured out.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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