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My dog is limping on his back leg but shows no pain. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Male | neutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

Hello, my dog is limping on his left rear leg. I checked for everything/anything that could possibly be wrong with him eg; hips, feet, pads, nails, webbing of toes, movement of all joints, knees, muscles, and tendons. Yet he hasn't shown signs of pain when examining anything. Should I enforce him to rest and keep a close eye on him? Or should I be more concerned?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2018

I would confine him and only take him out to go to the bathroom. If there is no major swellings, it is likely a soft tissue injury or it could be a torn cruciate (ACL in humans). I would no let him have free reign of the house, run, jump or play for a few days. If it still isn’t improving, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him to see if something more serious is going on. I hope this helps !

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 15th, 2017

    These could be signs of a soft tissue injury such as a muscle strain but also sometimes back pain can cause limping in the rear leg. If she does not improve throughout the day I recommend your veterinarian do an exam. Rarely we could see tears in ligaments inside the knee that require surgery to repair. Another possibility given her age could be bone pain from growth a process called panosteitis. Do not give her any human pain medication as it can be very toxic to dogs.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 23rd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Common causes of a hind leg lameness are: strain or sprain, hip dysplasia, partial or full ACL tear, Lyme disease, and growing pains (HOD or panosteitis) though at 1 year that may be far fetched now. The most common injury to the hind leg is an ACL tear. I would have her seen again when she is limping and ask to have her sedated for X-rays and to feel the knee for laxity. I wish you the best!

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