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My dog is limping for days, but shows no pain or injury. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My dog has been limping for the past three days, I’ve examined the leg she’s been limping on several times. But there doesn’t appear to be anything out of the ordinary that I can see and she doesn’t appear to be in pain or wince when I touch certain areas. At first my dad believed she was limping simply due to her leg falling asleep, because typically after she’s been laying down for long periods of time she’ll limp once getting up and will continue to for awhile before walking normally.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on October 9th, 2018

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Zoey'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 her 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. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2017

    3 days of rest without improvement is enough time to be waiting, you should take him to the vet in order to get it checked, maybe all he needs is pain killers for a few days but it could also be something more serious that will require further diagnosis such as an Xray for example.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2019

    If there is any swelling on the leg or pain when you touch the leg then I would take her in to the vet now. If there is no swelling or pain, I suggest you rest her for 5-7 days and then if the limping continues then get her to the vet for an exam and possibly x-rays. When I say rest, I mean no running, jumping or stairs - leash walk only when she goes outside even to just use the bathroom. If she has sprained something all of those things will make it worse. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 15th, 2020

    If it just started you can let him 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.

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