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Why is my dog limping but not in pain? Vet is closed, what can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old | 12 lbs

Ptolemy started limping yesterday suddenly for no reason, I have thoroughly felt up his leg and foot and he is pain free yet will not put any weight on his front leg. He doesnt cry or do anything when he touches it down and yet still will hardly put weight on it. He doesnt go on furniture and wears boots on walks to protect him from the salt. There's no swelling or deformities and our vet is closed for three days so we're stuck at home. What could this be and is there anything I can do?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2019

Limping itself can be an indication of pain, as dogs do not usually avoid putting weight on one of their legs for no reason, so please make an appointment to have Ptolemy seen by a veterinarian. Causes of the limping could be trauma, a muscular or nerve injury, a fractured bone, an injured or overgrown toenail, a tumour/mass, or a foreign body embedded in the paw or leg. Some infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and joint diseases such as arthritis or joint infection can cause limping as well. If the limping becomes worse, I recommend seeing a vet right away, either at another clinic or at an emergency hospital. If not, and if Ptolemy is otherwise comfortable (eating, drinking, peeing, pooping normally, normal activity levels) then you can make an appointment to have Ptolemy seen by your regular vet when they are available. I recommend keeping him in a crate or in a room where he can't run/ jump on anything and only taking him out for very short bathroom breaks. Make sure he's on a leash so he can't run and make things worse. Pain medication meant for people can be toxic to dogs and should not be used without checking with a vet first.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 7th, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sam. Yes, I do recommend that she sees an emergency veterinarian if she is still not bearing weight on her paw. Not using a limb properly indicates pain. There are numerous causes of hindlimb lameness. For example, she could have hip pain, a torn ligament in her knee (similar to an ACL injury in humans), a muscle strain or sprain, a broken toe nail or another issue. The veterinarian will examine her and try to isolate the source of pain. If this can be determined, then x-rays are taken of the affected bone or joint. This allows a treatment plan to be formulated. In the meantime, keep her quiet to allow her body to rest. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on May 4th, 2019

    Poor Kova! If she won't put any weight at all on her leg, this is definitely concerning. If you can, I would recommend taking her to an emergency vet today for an exam and x-rays - this way, you can hopefully get a diagnosis sooner rather than later, and get her started on pain meds to make her more comfortable as well as any other treatment she may need. If this isn't possible, then I would restrict her exercise as much as possible today to keep her from making the injury worse - short leash walks to potty only, no running or jumping. Then make sure to take her in for her appointment tomorrow.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 21st, 2019

    Poor Mitzy sounds like she is in pain. Unfortunately there are no pain relievers you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. She sounds like she may be in a lot of pain if she won't put any weight on that paw. Due to that, I would take her into an ER vet now to get treated. Best of luck.

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