My dog is limping and not sure why. Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 6 months old

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with her 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!

I'm so sorry to hear that Buddy got hurt! The good news is that this is not an emergency. I'm encouraged by the fact that he's now improving and bearing some weight on the injured leg, as this makes a serious fracture less likely. Most of the time, when dogs injure themselves and limp a bit, they've caused a soft tissue injury to their muscles or ligaments. However, these can be quite painful. For this reason, I do recommend taking Buddy to his vet today (or within the next few days if your vet is booked out) for a physical exam. Based on their exam findings, your vet may prescribe some anti-inflammatory pain medication. Until you're able to get to the vet, try to keep Buddy quiet by confining him to a small room or a crate as much as possible. If he does have a soft tissue injury, he's likely to make matters worse by running or jumping on the leg until it's fully healed. Also remember that over the counter pain relievers (including aspirin) should not be given to dogs, as most are toxic. I hope that he feels better soon!

My dog is limping. What are the causes and when should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 6 months old

My dog is limping and not sure why.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM 224

Veterinarian

Published on November 28th, 2018

I'm sorry to hear that! If she is still able to walk (isn't holding the leg up completely), and she's still eating and drinking, there is no visible swelling anywhere, and her attitude remains normal, its reasonable to give her 24-48 hours of rest to see if it improves. If she is continuing to favor one leg after 2 days, or if its getting worse, if she is completely non weight bearing, or if she has any other symptoms, take her to a vet to be examined and they can determine the most likely cause after a thorough physical exam. X-rays may be recommended as well depending on what his or her exam shows. As for the possible causes, sometimes they will just have a sore muscle, or a mild strain or sprain. Or it could be something more serious, such as an infection, an auto-immune disease, or a tumor. Again, if she's otherwise doing ok, its reasonable to give it a couple of days to see if it improves. Please do not give her any other the counter pain medication. I do not recommend giving aspirin to dogs as it can cause GI bleeding even at small doses, and also limits the scope of medications that your vet can prescribe for her if you do end up taking her in. If she seems uncomfortable enough that you want to give her something for pain, get her in to see your vet. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My dog is limping. What are the causes and when should I call the vet?

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