My 5-month-old puppy is limping but still playing. Vet now or wait?

Question

A 5 month old dog we adopted yesterday started limping shortly after we brought her home. She tripped over the step on the deck a couple times. She is still limping but is still playing and running around like a normal dog. Is it safe to wait a few days to see if it improves before taking her to the vet? They’ll automatically want to do xrays and it can get expensive fast. Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 18 days old

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

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!

My 5-month-old puppy is limping but still playing. Vet now or wait?

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